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THE FRESHEST FOODS YOU CAN FIND

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TABLE OF CONTENTS NEWS FEATURES

5 From Farm to Table in Newhall and Valencia 6 A day at the ranch with the ‘big birds’ 8 How home care can help with health care

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

9 Ride and skate in Santa Clarita this summer

ENTERTAINMENT 10 10 Oyelowo, Crystal wow in front and behind the camera

FOOD 11 1 1 Kitchen staples good for heart health Orange Juice Shrimp Quinoa Bowls Florida Sunshine Grapefruit Smoothie

SENIOR LIVING

20 0 2

12 Memorializing a loved one

HOME AND GARDEN GUIDE

1 3 How to conserve water as temperatures rise 20 Swimming pool landscaping ideas 21 Home renovation trends for the year

TECHNOLOGY 23 23 Tech companies step up to serve small business

KIDS & FAMILY

2 1 Donna’s Day: Get creative with cow-print lampshades Junior Whirl • How they say that in …

PUZZLES 25 OPINION 26

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in Newhall and Valencia

By Kev Kurdoghlian Signal Staff Writer

ince Larry McClements took the helm of the Newhall Farmers Market, the Saturday open-air market in Old Town Newhall has grown. “When I first took it over, which is about a little over two years ago, we had eight vendors,” McClements said.

Next to the Old Town Newhall Library

Today, the market has 30 vendors. That accomplishment is no small feat for McClements, who has turned the farmers market and organic foods into his passion. “For me, this is a labor of love,” he said. “That is a life’s mission for me to get people in touch with where their food comes from, it really is.” McClements told The Sunday Signal that the organic produce at the Newhall Farmers Market is different from the organic produce at supermarkets. “The journey that vegetables and fruits take to get to the supermarket is very long and goes through many, many different hands, and in many cases,” said McClements. “At our market, when you buy produce, you’re literally taking it from the hand that grew it.” And that organic food comes from the farms of people like Andrew Gibson of Sunrise Organic Farms in Santa Barbara, he said. Gibson partnered with the fatherand-son team of Jesus and Chuy Salas in 2015 to start their farm on 12 acres in Carpinteria. Today, the three have 240 acres and 65 years of growing experience between them. “(Jesus), he’s got the old techniques and combined with the newer techniques that him and (Chuy) and I come up with, it’s been a really cool partnership,” Gibson said. Their partnership has brought a lot of organic produce variety to the Newhall Farmer’s Market since McClements invited Sunrise Organic Farms to join his market a couple of months ago. “They pick on Fridays, the produce

Joaquin Torreblanca of Underwood Family Farms stocks fresh produce at the company’s booth at the Santa Clarita Farmers Market. PHOTO BY BOBBY BLOCK / THE SIGNAL

is iced down, and it’s in Santa Clarita less than 24 hours later on Saturday,” said McClements, who visited most of the Gibson’s growing grounds before inviting him to Newhall. And visitors of the Newhall Farmers Market have positively responded to the new variety. “They’re nice people. A lot of them are families. They want good food,” Gibson said of the Newhall Farmers Market community.

Just across town

Down Railroad Avenue and across Soledad Canyon Road to Valencia, College of the Canyons hosts a certified farmers market on Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Throughout the year, the Valencia market offers organic produce from all over, including: AJ Broccoli Sprouts from Ventura County; Alcantar Organic from Santa Barbara County; Bills Bees from Los Angeles County and Espinosa Farm from Fresno County. The market was first invited to Santa Clarita in 1993, according to the website for the market, which is run by Karen Schott. Starting with the basics like strawberries and lettuce, that market also

has expanded over the year to a couple dozen stalls selling a variety of produce, according to Karen Schott, operations manager for the Santa Clarita Farmers’ Market. “I was here (the) first day, and I’m still here. It’s really huge,” said Schott in a story celebrating the market’s anniversary in 2018. “When we started in Santa Clarita back in the 90s farmers markets were new. They weren’t sure what it was. Now, 25 years later, they love all the things we have they come here and are asking for product that we haven’t even heard of yet.”

The difference in organic

Many families use their time interacting with Gibson and the Salas’ as a learning experience about organic food. “I think the consumer interest is as highest it’s ever been,” Gibson said, noting that he doesn’t use petroleum-based fertilizers and insecticides. “We fight bugs with plants. It’s much more labor intensive this way, but the end product is much more nutrient dense.” And that’s the difference between conventional farming and organic farming, according to Gibson. It’s also the reason why organic produce costs

more than conventionally farmed produce, he explained. “They’re getting 10 times the calcium, 2,000 times the iron depending on what it is,” he said. Emilio Gil is on the same page. His brothers and father started Urban Fresh Farm in Val Verde six years ago to grow organic foods. “We’ve been organic since day one and we believe in being able to eat what we grow, you know, especially if we’re going to be offering that to the community,” Gil said. McClements invited Gil and his family to join the Newhall Farmers Market, too. At the market, Gil brings eggs from his chickens, culinary herbs like thyme, rosemary, mint and other herbs. He also brings a lot of salad greens such as lettuce mix, arugula, and spinach, and from time to time he’ll bring beets, carrots, turnips and radish. Fruits are also on the table. During this time of year, he’s putting forward his strawberries. “The whole moral of the story is to leave the soil better off than when you found it, more fertile, so that you can essentially cultivate for generations,” Gil told The Sunday Signal. “That’s what I really like. That’s what my brothers and I are trying to instill in the mission of the company and we feel like it’s the right way to go.” That mission has found its foundation on hard work and high standards, according to Gil, who will pick all day Friday for the Saturday farmers markets. “Sometimes I can’t help but be critical and maybe feel like my bunches aren’t as thick or luscious enough and for the most part,” Gil said. “But my brothers sell out and so that kind of tells me to like ‘okay, people do appreciate it,’ and that makes all of this just that much more fulfilling.” The hard work of approximately 15 farmers at the Newhall Farmers Market contribute to the quality food available to visitors from the Santa Clarita Valley and surrounding areas. 

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A day at the ranch with the ‘big birds’ By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

rom its flightless birds to its growing orchard to its camping spots along the Pacific Crest Trail, Quail Run Ostrich Ranch is an adventure waiting to happen in nearby Lake Hughes. Quail Run is primarily a working ostrich ranch, as its owners Lou and Jackie Royce have raised and rescued the world’s largest birds since 1996. “Think cattle ranching — only with big birds,” Lou Royce said. “We raise and sell ostrich and all different types of ostrich products.” Through the years, the Royces have grown the ranch, which has begun to offer so much more, opening to the public for tours, hosting campers, weddings and other events on-site, selling farm fresh products in their mercantile, holding tomahawk and archery classes at their outdoor range and even planting an orchard.

Making the ranch a family affair

Royce was born on the ranch, and left only to go

off to college to study zoology, with a specialty in ornithology, or the study of birds. After college, Royce found himself back at the ranch, building a home for himself and his wife, Jackie. Since then, Royce has raised all kinds of different birds of all different sizes, from the smallest lovebirds and cockatiels to the second-largest emus then finally to the largest ostriches, as well as some endangered bird species, such as pheasants and hookbills. Royce’s passion for birds has rubbed off on his family, who now are just as passionate as he is, he said and his daughter, Jessica Byers, agreed. “There’s three generations that live here on the ranch,” Royce said. “It runs deep in the family. We’re close to the Earth, so to speak, and we’re very close to the birds.” While Byers has moved away at various points in her life, she always found herself returning to the ranch. “The ranch was home,” Byers said, adding that she soon realized the ranch was the family’s legacy.

Jacquie Royce wags a finger to chide 8-year-old Sammy, right, as fellow ostriches Big Al, 8, left and Corah, 8, look on at Quail Run Ranch in Lake Hughes. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

“Taking care of each other is the most important thing, and we do that by having our land and working it. … We want to be able to build wealth for our children to have something that they inherit from us.” Byers’ oldest daughter is very involved in the ranch, and has already told her grandfather she plans on continuing it. “My daughter is an entrepreneur,” Byers said. “She’s only 10, and it may change as she goes forward, but she always talks about how she wants to be able to go do animal husbandry, she wants to be a vet, or a zoologist, like Papa, and be able to work on the ranch.”

Visiting the ranch

In 2014, after rebuilding from the Powerhouse Fire, the ranch opened to the public for educational tours, teaching visitors about an ostrich’s life cycle, from egg to table, as well as giving them an opportunity to get up close and personal with some of these large birds for feeding time. “It’s truly amazing to watch a youngster walk up

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and stare up at an 8-foot-tall bird — it just blows their mind,” Royce said. “And it’s cool to introduce these magnificent creatures to different human beings.” It’s been a gratifying experience for Royce, who’s introduced people, who’d never even seen a chicken, to such large and unique birds, he added. “What sets us apart from other ranches is our willingness to share … and we’re willing to teach you all about the animals while you’re here,” Royce said. Grace Pullman and her kids stumbled upon the ranch when searching for a nearby market, an accident Pullman said ended up being the highlight of their weekend. “You can tell he just loves what he does and his love for the ostriches is genuine,” Pullman said of Royce, who gave her family their tour personally. “These birds are just such odd, yet incredible creatures. The kids really enjoyed learning about them, and we will certainly be back.” The ranch’s mercantile not only sells ostrich products, such as chicks, both hatching and food eggs, as well as ostrich feathers and oil, but also local raw honey, orchard products, hand-crafted rustic decor, and unique souvenirs and gifts. Ostrich oil is one of their more unique products, which has been used for centuries by Egyptian, Roman and African cultures as a topical skin treatment, as it is similar to a human’s natural oils and is very high in omegas, which have anti-inflammatory properties, Royce explained. The family is constantly working to grow the ranch, such as with the archery and tomahawk range and the cherry orchard, which they hope to have open to the public for private picking tours by 2022, as well as their outdoor event venue and

Lou Royce checks ostrich eggs in an incubator at Quail Run Ranch.

campground, which has a newly setup Sioux teepee available to camp in. The ranch is also now offering horse boarding and hopes to also soon open a farmer’s market to sell fresh produce. Quail Run Ranch offers 30-minute guided tours to

the public for $5 per person via appointment, as well as other amenities. The ranch, located at 44380 Shaffer Road in Lake Hughes, can be reached by calling (661) 724-1592 or emailing quailrunostrichranch@ gmail.com. For more information, visit quailrun ostrichranch.com. 

Amazing facts about ostriches

• Ostriches are the world’s largest bird. They can weigh as much as 320 pounds and grow up to 9 feet tall.

• Ostriches can’t fly, instead they run. They are the fast runners of any birds or other twolegged animal. They can sprint at 43 mph, covering up to 16 feet in a single stride, but they are also capable of running at 30 mph for 10 miles at a time, making them one of the best long-distance runners in the animal kingdom. • Ostriches have powerful kicks, capable of killing a human or potential predator like a lion. • Ostriches have incredibly strong immune systems, making them highly resistant to viral infections. • Ostrich eyes aren’t just the biggest of any bird — they’re the biggest of any land animal. They also have three sets of eyelids. • Whereas most birds have three to four toes on each foot, ostriches uniquely only have two toes.

• While ostriches have three stomachs, they don’t have any teeth, instead they use pebbles to help them grind up their food in their gizzards. In fact, an adult ostrich carries more than 2 pounds of pebbles in its stomach. • Ostriches lay super-sized eggs, measuring 6 inches in diameter and weighing up to 3 pounds. While these eggs are massive, in relation to the ostrich’s own body mass, they’re comparatively smaller than the eggs laid by any other bird. • Ostriches don’t bury their heads in the sand! This myth most likely began from their defensive way of lying low at the approach of danger, pressing themselves low to the ground to try to be less visible, which from a distance, may look as if their heads are buried in the sand. • The wild ostrich population has declined drastically in the last 200 years, with most surviving birds in protected game parks, reserves or on farms, like Quail Run Ostrich Ranch. 

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How home care can help with health care Impacts of COVID-19 on mental health services

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

hether young or old, health care has evolved for every patient through the

pandemic. And while it’s been a year of ups and downs, those in the industry have done what they could to continue providing services at the best possible level of care.

The effect on the senior population

At the onset of the pandemic, seniors were labeled high risk of not only contracting COVID-19, but also having the most severe illnesses, which quickly led public health officials to direct them to self-quarantine. Since then, seniors have faced disproportionate loss, illness, stress and isolation. Due to the lockdown, services like Comfort Keepers provide in-home care to seniors for their activities of daily living saw a decline in business, according to owner and President Myles McNamara. Comfort Keepers is not a home health care provider, which provides medical services, instead, the company provides assistance with taking already prescribed medications, keeping up with their personal hygiene, making sure that they’re eating nutritious meals, staying hydrated, light housekeeping, as well as transporting them to doctors’ appointments or other errands, McNamara explained. “We’re more of a concierge, or a personal assistant, that allows you to still be the boss, but it allows you the independence to stay in your own home,” McNamara said. That’s why when the lockdown hit, families were able to take over those duties as they, too, were told to quarantine at home. “All the families created their own quarantine bubble, if you will, and the adult children who were staying at home because of the lockdown would take care of their parents and do what they could on the home care level, so we did see a decline in in request for service and the suspension of existing clients during that the height of the

Services such as Comfort Keepers, which help with some of the nonmedical needs of those with limited, are once again seeing a rise in usage thanks to an aging population and a declining COVID-19 case rate. PHOTO COURTESY COMFORT KEEPERS

lockdowns,” McNamara added. Comfort Keepers gradually has seen a gradual return to services, which closely parallel the number of reported COVID-19 cases. McNamara expects to continue to see those figures as the senior population begins an anticipated dramatic increase in the coming decade. Data reported by the U.S. Census Bureau suggests that by 2030, all baby boomers will be older than 65, with the size of the older population expected to explode so that one in every five Americans is projected to be of retirement age. In fact, when the SCV Committee on Aging and Los Angeles County performed a needs assessment in 2019 when deciding whether to create a new senior center in the community, they found that there were expected to be more than 9,600 additional seniors in the community within the next four years, raising the total to 42,000 by 2022. The county is expected to create an Aging Department by October, which has a goal of improving the lives of the county’s older adults with disabilities.

Improving home health care services The pandemic actually allowed Facey Medical Group to develop a home health care system to keep as

many patients home as possible while case numbers surged. “I think what Medicare and others have learned from this is that there are patients that overwhelm the hospital that we could manage the home,” said Dr. Joe Chambers, chair of the department of immediate care at Facey. “So, I think you’ll see in the next decade the result of that is what we’re calling ‘hospital at home.’” For example, patients who simply needed oxygen would be given takehome devices, and were then monitored remotely, only to be admitted to the hospital if conditions worsened, Chambers said. This has led to Facey setting up a priority clinic, where they are set to take patients in the emergency room, urgent care or hospital, figure out what they need, and setting that up for them at home. This is not just a Facey push, Chambers added, but a national one in order to decrease hospital admissions. “Those kinds of processes will be much more slick, and much more common,” Chambers added. “It’s going to be very different.” As with other industry innovations brought on by the pandemic, such as telehealth, these changes were coming and were simply accelerated by the immediate need.

Fear, anxiety and stress was at an all-time high during the pandemic, which naturally increased demand for mental health services. In fact, about 4-in-10 adults nationwide have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder — a four-fold increase from pre-pandemic levels, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation study. With this comes increased substance abuse and suicidal thoughts, and while reported domestic and child abuse cases went down, incidents, in fact, increased, added Monica Dedhia, program manager of access, crisis and community engagement at the Child & Family Center. “We were really seeing the full spectrum of reactions on top of individuals that are already struggling with mental health and mental illness,” Dedhia said. “This new layer of COVID-19 and the stress associated with that definitely adds to the challenges that our clients are facing.” The pandemic also impacted everyone at the center and all of its clients, as the center worked to quickly transition to virtual services. “There were definitely some barriers there, not only with supporting both the staff and our families in adapting to the tech of virtual sessions, (but also) working with families that perhaps did not have access to laptops or tablets,” Dedhia added. “There’s technology inequities with many of our families.” However, staff were dedicated to finding solutions, increasing public health protocols to allow those who needed to, in order to continue in-person visits. “Our goal throughout the pandemic was meeting people where they’re at, and if that meant going out into the field or still providing in person as much as we can do that safely,” Dedhia said. “If it was dangerous to provide telehealth or phone we would not move forward. We wanted to make sure that the clients continue to receive the services they need.” 

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FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Ride and skate in Santa Clarita this summer By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

f you’re like the thousands of students living in Santa Clarita, you are eagerly anticipating the start of summer. With the end of the school year drawing near, families throughout the City are making plans for quick getaways and road trips to see loved ones, as well as finding ways to stay active and have fun right here at home. Two major City amenities — the Trek Bike Park of Santa Clarita and The Cube — continue to be the places to go for those who are looking to get out of the house and enjoy themselves, while also getting in a workout. Both offer opportunities for residents of all ages and skill levels to let loose, improve their skills and have a great time.

Trek Bike Park

If you have not yet been, the Trek Bike Park of Santa Clarita is located in the hills at the top of the George A. Caravalho Santa Clarita Sports

Complex on Centre Pointe Parkway. Built on over seven acres, the park features four mountain bike trails and approximately 1,200 feet of riding surface for BMX riders, including three pump tracks and a non-sanctioned race track. There is also a strider track for the youngest riders and beginners to gain their bearings before progressing to more difficult challenges. Recently, the SCV Trail Users group began working to improve the trails at the Trek Bike Park of Santa Clarita to benefit the park’s users. Approximately 30 volunteers gathered in April to soften the climb that connects riders to the mountain bike trails, which enhances the user experience and leads to a more repeatable ride. Later this year, volunteers plan to realign existing trails to increase their length, as well as give attention to sections of existing trails to make them more practical and safer. The City is also in the process of installing canopies at the park to provide shade for riders, which will come in handy on bright, sunny days.

The Cube

For those looking to beat the heat altogether,

The Cube has a number of programs and public skate sessions for all ice skaters this summer. Whether you want to join a pick-up hockey game, reserve ice time with your figure skating coach to practice your routine or take the kids out to skate as a family, you can do it all at The Cube. Pre-register for available sessions now by creating a Dash account using the Dash Online app or by signing in through TheCubeSantaClarita.com. Once you are in your account, you will see facility schedules, upcoming programs, events and more. More information on summer programming, including future camps and clinics, will be announced when details are finalized. These are just two ways to ensure this summer is one you and your family will never forget. I hope to see you at The Cube and the Trek Bike Park of Santa Clarita soon! Ken Striplin can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita.com. The views expressed in his column are those of the City and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal. 

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Oyelowo, Crystal wow in front and behind the camera Gunner appears to have found the Water Man (and we’ll say no more), but the real menace is the wildfire roaring through the mountains and surrounding Gunner and Jo. From the get-go, we have a pretty good sense of where “The Water Man” will take us, and while there are a few small surprises along the way, the real delight is the journey itself and how the real bond of a family is stronger than any monsters lurking in the dark.

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘The Water Man’

1/2 (out of four) 

RLJE Films presents a film directed by David Oyelowo and written by Emma Needell. Rated PG. In theaters. “The Goonies.” “Stand by Me.” “Explorers.” Even “E.T.” The big-hearted, supernatural-tinged, beautifully rendered “The Water Man” is set in present day but has the look and spirit of many a beloved 1980s adventure film, and that’s a pretty good deal right there. With the brilliant actor David Oyelowo (“Selma,” “Queen of Katwe”) stepping behind the camera for a most promising directorial debut — and turning in a resonant supporting performance as well — and a wonderful blend of relative newcomers and familiar veterans delivering warm and solid work, “The Water Man” is a family film in the best sense of the term. The material will grab, scare and delight kids past a certain age, while the adults will undoubtedly appreciate the positive messaging and the timely undercurrent and the Kleenexworthy emotional moments. This is a movie about a monster in the woods that’s really about much scarier things for children: a mother in one family who is seriously ill; a father in another family who is physically abusive; a wildfire raging in the mountains. All terrific adventure stories like this need a winning protagonist — and Lonnie Chavis (“This Is Us”) is eminently likable as 11-year-old Gunner Boone, a bright and sensitive kid in the sun-dappled, golden, cinematically ready Pacific Northwest town of Pine Mills, Oregon, who gobbles up books like Reese’s Pieces and is fast at work on his first graphic novel, about a ghost detective investigating his own murder. It’s easy to see why Gunner is consumed with fantasy and escapism, given his beloved mother, Mary (Rosario Dawson, wonderful), is battling leukemia and Gunner is often at odds with his rigid, disciplinarian father, Amos (Oyelowo), a military man who recently has returned home from an extended tour in Japan and is having great difficulty connect-

‘Here Today’

 PHOTO COURTESY IMDB

ing with Gunner. After a frightening moment when Gunner realizes the full extent of his mother’s condition, he grabs his father’s samurai sword from the mantle, stashes his savings in his pockets and runs away from home in search of the Water Man. Wait, the what now? Well. As the local myth goes, there once was a miner named Edward Schaal who discovered a glowing stone with magical healing powers just before a flood roared through town, killing nearly everyone, including Edward’s beloved wife. Thanks to the magic stone, Edward survived the flood — and he has spent the last many decades roaming the woods in search of his wife’s remains so he can bring her back to life. Gunner is just at the age where he can talk himself into believing the Water Man is real and can help him save his mother. Amiah Miller is terrific as Jo, a slightly older girl who claims to have encountered the Water Man — she points to the fresh scar on her neck as proof — and sees Gunner as an easy mark who will dole out every bit of cash to her as she takes him deep into the woods to the locale where she crossed paths with the Water Man. As Gunner and Jo stray farther from home and run into increasingly dangerous obstacles (and of course become true friends), Amos sets out to rescue his son, with the help of a sympathetic local police officer (Maria Bello). Yes, there is a moment when

Sony Pictures presents a film directed by Billy Crystal and written by Crystal and Alan Zweibel. Rated PG-13. In theaters.

illy Crystal is a show business legend who has done it all, as they say, but he’d be the first to tell you he isn’t Sir Anthony Hopkins. Nor is Crystal’s new film “Here Today” on a par with Hopkins’ recent Oscar vehicle “The Father,” though the two films have surface similarities in that each tells the story of a gray lion with rapidly accelerating dementia who soon won’t be able to take care of himself. “The Father” was profound, Shakespearean, jarring to the core. “Here Today,” while it certainly has its moments of true heartbreak, is more of an old-fashioned comedy/drama that spends at least as much time and energy mining laughs as it does with exploring the tragic side of the tale. This is very much a Billy Crystal vehicle — in addition to starring, Crystal co-wrote the screenplay with veteran comedy scribe Alan Zweibel and is behind the camera as director for the first time since the excellent HBO baseball movie “61*” two decades ago — and it has a kind of Neil Simon-esque, show business-y vibe. The laughs come at a rapid-fire pace, but the comedy sometimes veers into hokey, over-the-top set pieces, whether someone is experiencing a sitcom-level reaction to eating shellfish or a bat mitzvah scene gets funky, or at least tries to get funky, to decidedly mixed results. Director/co-writer Crystal certainly couldn’t find anyone more suited than himself to play an acclaimed

veteran comedy writer named Charlie Burnz, who has won Emmys and Tonys and has penned major hit comedies. (We even see an onstage reunion celebrating the 20th anniversary of a Burnz-written comedy hit, with director Barry Levinson and actors Sharon Stone and Kevin Kline playing themselves.) Now in his 70s, Charlie is still working as a senior writer/consultant on a “Saturday Night Live”-type show, and his comedy mind remains sharp and active — but he has to take the exact same walking route to work every day, and he has written the names of family members on Post-it notes next to their photos in his apartment, because he’s been losing his memory and is having more frequent “episodes” by the day. Enter Tiffany Haddish as the brassy, funny and warmhearted Emma Payge — the kind of scene-stealing role Woody Allen used to regularly insert into his screenplays, usually to great comedic effect but also with a cringe-worthy moment or two, which is exactly what happens here. Emma’s boyfriend worshipped Charlie and bid on lunch with Charlie at a charity auction — but when they broke up, Emma decided to take the lunch, even though she had no idea who Charlie is. This mismatched pair doesn’t become a romantic couple, thank the Lord, but they DO strike up an unlikely friendship that at least seems plausible, thanks to the wonderful comedic chemistry between Crystal and Haddish. “Here Today” moves along at a brisk pace as Charlie and Emma become increasingly involved in each other’s lives — and then gets more serious as Charlie’s condition worsens and time is running out for him to reconcile with his grown children: son Rex (Penn Badgley) and daughter Francine (Laura Benanti), with Francine still blaming Charlie for the circumstances that led to the tragic death of her mother. Even with all the laughs paving the way, the story reaches a legitimately moving conclusion and leaves us grateful we got to know Charlie Burnz. Now there was a guy who really understood the musical rhythms of comedy. 

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Kitchen staples good for heart health

FOOD

aking care of your heart health requires a commitment to the right routines and smart decisions, such as adopting a heart healthy diet. Foods you might already have in your kitchen can offer powerful vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant compounds that may help contribute to heart health. Decades of research shows that each 8-ounce serving of 100% orange juice, such as Florida Orange Juice, is packed with key nutrients and valuable plant compounds, which may play a beneficial role in helping lower blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease. Consider these additional heart health benefits of 100% orange juice:

• * While many people associate vitamin C with its ability to help promote a healthy immune system, it’s also been shown to support cardiovascular health. Orange juice is an excellent source of vitamin C providing more than 100% of the recommended daily value in an 8-ounce glass. • In several research studies, higher intakes of the flavonoids typically found in citrus were associated with reduced risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. • In one 8-ounce serving, 100% orange juice provides 10% of the daily value of potassium, which is an electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance affecting blood pressure. Diets containing foods that are good sources of potassium and low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke. • Some studies found folate and vitamin B6, both water-soluble vitamins, may help protect against heart disease by lowering homocysteine levels in the blood, an amino acid believed to cause damage to the arteries and increase the risk of blood clots when elevated. One 8-ounce glass of orange juice contains 15% of the daily value of folate and 8% of the daily value of vitamin B6. “Drinking Florida Orange Juice is not only delicious, it delivers a powerful combination of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds,” said Dr. Rosa Walsh, director of scientific research at the Florida Department of Citrus. “From helping to reduce hypertension to fighting inflammation, it is an excellent choice to include in a heart-healthy diet.” You can add the heart health benefits of 100% orange juice to your diet with the powerfully nutritious punch of Orange Juice Shrimp Quinoa Bowls, the perfect mixture of textures with tangy, spicy and sweet flavors. Or start the day strong with a Florida Sunshine Grapefruit Smoothie for a breakfast beverage that requires just a few minutes of prep and blending. Find more heart healthy inspiration at florida citrus.org. (Family Features) 

Orange Juice Shrimp Quinoa Bowls Servings: 2 2 cups water 1 cup quinoa 1 cup Florida Orange Juice 1 tablespoon hot sauce 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon soy sauce 6 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided 2 tablespoons lime juice 1 tablespoon white miso 1 1/2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 bell pepper, diced 1 English cucumber, sliced into half moons 3 scallions, sliced 1 avocado, sliced

1 teaspoon sesame seeds 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped In pot, bring water to boil. Add quinoa, reduce to simmer, cover and cook 15 minutes. Fluff with fork. In bowl, whisk orange juice, hot sauce, honey, soy sauce, 4 tablespoons vegetable oil, lime juice and miso. Remove half and set aside. Add shrimp to remaining half and marinate 15 minutes. Heat large skillet over medium-high heat and add remaining oil. Season shrimp with salt and pepper then add shrimp to wok and saute, cooking approximately 2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Place 1/2 cup quinoa in bowl and top with bell pepper, cucumber, scallions, avocado and shrimp. Drizzle with dressing that was set aside and garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro.

Florida Sunshine Grapefruit Smoothie Servings: 1 1 cup Florida Orange Juice 1/2 cup Florida Grapefruit Juice 1 ripe banana 1/2 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract In blender, blend orange juice, grapefruit juice, banana, yogurt and vanilla extract until smooth. Serve immediately. (Family Features) 

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SENIORLIVING

Memorializing a loved one

MAY IS BETTER HEARING MONTH!

Celebrate the sounds of your life.

CALL 661.200.9470 TODAY to schedule your FREE hearing consultation and screening with our Exact Match Hearing Process™ We believe that everyone in our community should have their hearing screened annually as part of their personal wellness program. More than 36 million people in the U.S. have some hearing loss. Don’t wait any longer to find out what you aren’t hearing.

LET US HELP YOU HEAR BETTER!

mong the many struggles of the pandemic are finding ways to grieve and honor a loved one who has died under the constraints of COVID-19. The missed opportunity for a traditional funeral or memorial service has left some at a loss for how to honor their loved one’s life and start their grief journey. Even if you are unable to hold a traditional service, there are still ways for families to remember a loved one and find support during this stressful and emotional time. Consider these four ideas from Remembering a Life, an online resource from the experts at the National Funeral Directors Association.

Hold a small service now

Nola Aronson’s Advanced Audiology is the largest diagnostic hearing center in Santa Clarita, and leader of advanced technology and invisible hearing solutions. We donate a portion of all our hearing aid proceeds to non-profits in our community. Nola Aronson, M.A., CCC-A

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While some communities are still limiting public gatherings, such as funerals, restrictions have eased in many areas and families may be able to have small services in a funeral home, a place of worship, at a cemetery or another meaningful location. A funeral director can provide guidance on what is permissible in his or her community and how a family can plan an intimate and meaningful service.

Consider going virtual

While most people find in-person services to be more healing, there are many options for incorporating a virtual component into a service when public gatherings are limited. With almost half of NFDA-member funeral homes offering livestreaming options since the onset of COVID-19, this option provides family and loved ones the opportunity to attend ser-

vices and gives out-of-town family and friends who may be concerned about travel the chance to participate.

Host a private service with a memorial service later

Since the onset of the pandemic, many families have opted to postpone a loved one’s service and hold some type of service once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. A funeral or memorial service, regardless of when it is held, offers the opportunity to gather, support one another, share memories and say goodbye. While immediate family members may have been able to gather for a service and other family and friends could participate virtually, there are often many friends and family members who would appreciate being part of an in-person service to pay tribute to a loved one who died.

Remember loved ones with small tributes

Sometimes even the simplest things can help recall fond memories of loved ones, whether by listening to their favorite music, eating their favorite foods or visiting places they enjoyed visiting. Remembering the things that were important to a loved one can help keep his or her memory alive. No matter the circumstances around a death, funeral directors can help family and friends find ways to memorialize their loved ones in meaningful ways. Find support and resources for planning a funeral during the pandemic, including a free printable guide for planning a service in the future, at RememberingALife. com. (Family Features) 

M AY 16, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

How to conserve water as temperatures rise

pring and summer are synonymous with increased hours of sunlight, warm temperatures and, oftentimes, an increased reliance on water to feed recreational pursuits and lawn and garden needs. The Water Information Program states that 3.9 trillion gallons of water are consumed in the United States each month and the average person uses 176 gallons of water per day. Water conservation may be essential when the risk for weather-related drought looms. Practicing year-round conservation efforts can help ensure smart usage of local watersheds, lakes and reservoirs and help maintain these water sources for years to come. It also helps the average person reduce his or her carbon footprint while saving people a little money along the way.

Explore these water-saving tips to make smart use of water Collect shower water in a bucket while you are waiting for the water to heat up. Use that water to irrigate plants around the house or even outdoors. Check for leaks around the house. Put a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank and see if it spreads into the bowl within a half-hour. If it does, that means a leak is present and gallons of water may be being wasted. Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator. This way, when you come inside from the heat you’ll have a cold drink at the ready and will not have to run the tap to fill a glass. Install a lawn irrigation system so that you can

maximize the amount of water that gets to the roots. Arrange the sprinkler heads so surrounding driveways and sidewalks are not getting “watered” as well. Apply the minimum amount of fertilizer required, as fertilizers can increase water consumption. Aerate lawns and garden beds so the water reaches the roots rather than running off the surface of the dirt. Employ rain barrels to collect rain water runoff. Rain barrels can help to repurpose rain water rather than simply allowing it to wash into storm drains.

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HOME&GARDEN

Floor Coverings International

ALLBRiGHT Concrete Coatings

loor Coverings International Santa Clarita is a family-owned and -operated business. We bring the flooring store to you, arriving in our mobile showroom packed with a full selection of high-quality flooring choices and options. No matter the situation, we will help you find the right flooring solution for your life. And the process is easy:

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Our Design Associates meet with you in the convenience of your own home and review the details of your flooring project to ensure you have all the facts about the product you choose and the details for your flooring installation.

Professional flooring experts install your new flooring. We return to your property to evaluate the performance of your floor as part of our follow-up process. We look forward to meeting you soon! Floor Coverings International, (661) 568-6888; santaclarita.floorcoverings international.com 

Green Thumb Garden Center

Plant Summer Vegetables NOW!

re you thinking about painting your home or coating your concrete floor? Surface preparation is critical. Even the best do-it-yourself paints and concrete coating products can chip and peel prematurely, primarily because of the wrong preparation. Sometimes, it is because of deeper issues underneath the wood, stucco, drywall and within the concrete itself. This is why professional painters and installers start with the proper preparation. When it comes to painting the exterior of your home, it is always a good idea to pressure wash it first, and I’m not talking about using a household garden hose. This is an important step and you don’t want to use low-grade equipment or the wrong technique. ALLBRiGHT Painting uses its industrialgrade pressure washers to remove dirt, grime and loose peeling paint.

WATER

Continued from previous page

The satisfaction of growing, harvesting, and tasting your own fresh vegetables is one of the great pleasures of gardening. Choose from tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, eggplant, onions and more! Vegetable plants starting at $2.99.

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Reduce reliance on sprinklers and hoses for summer recreation. Instead, rely on pools and other devices that use recirculating pumps. Homeowners with pools can limit how often they backwash their pool filters. Solar pool covers can warm up pool water naturally and also reduce the rate of water loss through evaporation. Inedible plants can benefit from the nutrient-rich water siphoned out of a home aquarium when

Next, it’s just as essential to use the correct patching and priming materials. If you use the wrong ones or don’t sand properly, you will have premature peeling paint. When it comes to your concrete floors like garages, outside walkways, back patios and pool decks, you want to make sure you start on the right foot. Even before you can begin the prep work, a moisture test and concrete hardness test are necessary before considering which prep work is suitable for your surface. ALLBRiGHT Concrete Coatings are specialists when it comes to preparing your concrete floors. Grinding the surface using ALLBRiGHT’s 600lb, diamond-bit grinders and triple HEPA filtered vacuums to collect the dust is what we start with, and it is what is best for coating adhesion. ALLBRiGHT Concrete Coatings can be reached at (661) 294-1159. 

cleaning the tank. The conservation guide Earth Easy says one way to cut down on water use is to turn off the shower after soaping up, then turn it back on to rinse. A four-minute shower can use between 20 and 40 gallons of water. Add organic matter to the landscape to increase water absorption and retention. Top dress areas as needed throughout the season. Water conservation efforts can help homeowners maintain their lawns and gardens during heat waves and even save them a little money while benefitting the planet as well. (MC) 

M AY 16, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

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HOME&GARDEN

A Royal Suite Home Furnishings

Keeping SCV Clean

ave you purchased new furniture, appliances, a television or a mattress recently? Residents can request a FREE bulky item pick-up from their waste hauler! The service is easy to request and can be used more than once each year. Residences that have active trash and recycling service with Waste Management* can dispose of large items for FREE by either scheduling a pick-up or dropping their items off at the Santa Clarita facility during normal business hours. Before you put your item(s) out at the curb for pick up, please contact Waste Management at (661) 259-2398 or submit a request online at least 48 hours in

advance at home.wm.com/ santa-clarita. Items can be dropped off at the Waste Management facility at 25772 Springbrook Avenue. Available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., residents must be able to provide identification and verify a valid, active trash account. There’s never been a better time to properly dispose of bulky items and keep Santa Clarita clean! Illegal dumping can be reported by contacting the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station at (661) 255-1121. *If you live outside the City of Santa Clarita limits, or were recently annexed and have a different waste hauler, contact your waste hauler for options available to you. 

WE TRIM YOUR TREES RIGHT!

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dd convenience & style to any room with modern wallbeds. Now you see it — now you

don’t! Today’s modern wallbeds are the smart way to get the most out of your space. In just moments, you can easily pull down or fold up your wallbed, allowing your room to serve “double duty.” Convert a gym, home office or nursery into a bedroom or guest bedroom with just a flick of the wrist! Available in mattress sizes from Twin to King, your sleeping solution can be customized to your unique needs. Small spaces can still be big on style when you have a wallbed, too. At A Royal Suite Home Furnishings, our wallbeds serve as gorgeous statement pieces that can coordinate beautifully with any decor style. Available in numerous on-trend finishes — from antique whites to rich, luxurious cherry-wood stains — you’ll discover stunning selections that pair functionality with high-end design. As wallbed specialists, your A Royal Suite Home Furnishings design pro

will also introduce you to the customization options that can make the most of your room. Our wallbed selection includes beds that, when closed, are also desks. Don’t worry about clearing your space before it’s time for some shut-eye — just pull down the bed and everything stays right on top of your desk surface! In the morning, close it up and you’re right back to work where you left off. Other wallbeds are flanked with attractive shelving and even drawers that stay stable, whether the bed is in the up or down position. Choose a wallbed that has a side table with built-in charging functions for added convenience. At A Royal Suite Home Furnishings, our wallbed collection has homeowners like you easily making space for a new home office, guest bedroom, space for the kids when they’re home from college and much more. Visit the store to learn more! A Royal Suite Home Furnishings in Santa Clarita is located near Sam’s Club. (661) 259-7000. 

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HOME&GARDEN

There’s no place like Aldik Home

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hen shopping for outdoor patio furniture, Aldik Home is a top destination with its stunning Summer Classics collection. All pieces are meticulously crafted of premium materials, using both age-old building methods and stateof-the-art finishing processes to ensure they will last for years to come. Other manufacturers may be better known but their craftsmanship and durability does not compare to that of Summer Classics. With more than 200 pieces from 20 different collections, this is the best selection of Summer Classics in the country. Whether you’re looking for the natural beauty of teak, the smooth lines of wrought aluminum or the durability and style of resin wicker, Summer Classics has it all in spades. Not only is this furniture stylish and sophisticated but it is also incredibly comfortable. Surround yourself

in comfort in a Majorca lounge chair or bask in the beauty of the Croquet Teak collection. It’s difficult to find something comparable on the market. Summer Classics is that rare, luxury outdoor furniture line that hits every note. It is stylish and sophisticated. It is as luxurious as indoor furniture. And it is built to last. Aldik Home’s curated collection allows you to experience the Summer Classics difference. With more than 160 fabric choices and multiple frame color choices, umbrellas from Treasure Garden, fire tables from American Fyre Designs and more accessories like rugs and pillows; it is easier than ever to create the patio furniture set of your dreams. Come see why there’s no place like Aldik Home. Aldik Home is located at 7651 Sepulveda Blvd., Van Nuys. The phone number is (818) 988-5970 or visit AldikHome.com. 

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HOME&GARDEN

Swimming pool landscaping ideas

ackyard pools provide a way to cool off and enjoy a taste of luxury without having to travel. And, they provided even more convenience and a welcome respite in 2020, as many public pools were closed in response to social distancing restrictions put in place during the pandemic. After installing pools, many homeowners realize that touching up the landscaping around the pool can provide the finishing touch to their backyard retreats. Not all landscaping is the same, and homeowners should choose plants that look beautiful, are tolerant to pool splash-out and won’t outgrow the area. The home and garden resource The Spruce notes that a plant that is attractive at two-feet tall can grow rapidly and drop leaves or other debris into the pool. When selecting options for pool landscaping, there are some considerations to keep in mind:

make a small pool seem bigger and more luxurious, according to the landscaping company Earth Development, Inc. • Don’t overlook the possibility of a lawn abutting pavers or concrete surrounding a pool, as it can soften the edges and keep spaces open and inviting. • Incorporate herbs or fragrant plants, which can transform a pool day into a spa experience. Consider low-maintenance lavender as an option.

• Choose plants that will provide privacy. • Know which kind of climate a plant needs prior to purchasing it. Tropical plants may be fitting poolside, but will they endure when the season is over? • Design according to the theme of the home, as plants should complement the existing style. Modern foliage may not blend well with a home styled

after a traditional English cottage. • Decide whether you can accept spreading or trailing plants that can cascade over retaining walls and other infrastructure. • Look at trees that won’t drop too many leaves, flowers or fruit into the water. • Think about having layers of plants to soften the landscape, which can

Pool landscaping must marry a variety of different features and plant requirements. As a result, a professional consultation may be the route to take. Landscape architects will have the know-how to select plant varieties that will be tolerant, beautiful and fulfill homeowners’ wishes. Backyard pools can make a backyard retreat that much more enjoyable. Landscaping offers the softness and beauty that adds a finishing touch to poolside retreats. (MC) 

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M AY 16, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 1

Home renovation trends for the year

ome renovation trends are ever-changing. Renovations that might have been de rigueur 20 years ago may seem dated now. Recognizing the potentially popular trends of tomorrow is a great way for homeowners to give their homes a fresh new look and put themselves in position to capitalize on popular trends when they put their homes on the market. That’s especially so after 2020, a year when millions of people spent more time at home than ever before. All that time working from home and relaxing at home gave millions of homeowners ideas about what they like about their homes and what they hope to change. The following are some renovation trends that various experts suspect could emerge in 2021.

Eco-friendly living

Climate change, and how to combat it, was a hot button issue during the 2020 presidential election. So

it should come as no surprise that urdesignmag.com, a web magazine that showcases creative trends in design, architecture, art, technology and fashion, predicts that eco-friendly living solutions figure to be hot commodities in 2021. Eco-friendly appliances, furniture and designs can help to conserve energy and reduce waste, which environmentalists and government agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency note are two critical components in the fight against climate change.

Minimalism

The anticipated popularity of minimalism in 2021 may also be connected to the pandemic. As professionals were forced to work from home and many families spent more time together inside their homes then ever before, they may have recognized a need to cut back on clutter, including extra furniture. A minimalist approach is both simple and clean,

which can make homes feel less claustrophobic.

Multi-functional spaces

Homeowners asked a lot of their homes in 2020, as rooms were transformed into multi-functional spaces seemingly overnight. HGTV notes that spending more time at home

HOME&GARDEN

showed homeowners that it may not make sense to dedicate entire rooms of a home to a single purpose. Renovations that can help homeowners transform rooms into multi-functional spaces figure to be hot commodities in the years ahead. (MC) 

City Of Santa Clarita Recycle Heroes

ous waste is disposed of properly at a designated location or collection event.

• Only placing the following items in the recycle bin. Cardboard Clean paper Empty plastic and glass bottles and jars Empty aluminum and tin cans

By all of us doing our part to be a Recycle Hero, Santa Clarita’s recycling stream will be clean and ready for it’s next use instead of ending up in the landfill. #RecycleHeroSC

anta Clarita residents have done a great job becoming Recycle Heroes over the last year or so! Keep up the great work by:

• Make sure all toxic and hazard-

• Leave “tanglers” out of the recycle bin, like hoses, string lights, plastic bags and extension cords.

Visit GreenSantaClarita.com for more information. 

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any of the employees with Molly Maid of Santa Clarita have been with the company for more than 20 years, and a lot of clients feel their housecleaners are part of their families. John’s clients know they can depend on, and trust, everyone at Molly Maid and can attest to the exceptional cleaning services they provide. John’s biggest inspiration for his job are his employees. They show up to work every day and clean up to four houses in an 8-hour work day. Day in and day out, week after week, John’s team cleans houses throughout the Santa Clarita Valley using the best products available. Cleaning isn’t always valued as much as it should be, and John is thankful for his employees who put cleanliness and healthiness above everything else while doing their jobs. When COVID-19 spread to the United States, John and the rest of the staff at Molly Maid Santa Clarita knew they had to implement strict policies to safeguard their clients and

the employees at Molly Maid. Before every cleaner goes to work, their temperatures are taken and masks and gloves are always worn while cleaning clients’ homes. During this incredibly challenging time, everyone at Molly Maid of Santa Clarita wants to bring peace of mind to people who require house cleaning services. John has resided in LA County for 23 years and absolutely loves helping the residents of Santa Clarita. He loves what his company stands for and enjoys the time spent with his clients. John and the rest of the employees at Molly Maid of Santa Clarita would like to warn readers that if they hire Molly Maid, they will become dependent on their amazing, reliable and unparalleled cleaning services. If you mention this article, you will receive $50 off your first cleaning. See how different your home can be after hiring Molly Maid of Santa Clarita. Call (661) 298-1800 to schedule your cleaning today! 

homeowners can employ WaterSense labeled irrigation controllers. Such controllers adjust irrigation schedules automatically based on local weather and landscape conditions. These systems employ intuitive programming controls to schedule irrigation based on the water requirements of the plants. The controllers can make it easier for homeowners to keep their lawns and gardens green even during dry periods, such as drought, while still adhering to local water utility restrictions. (MC) 

ccording to the Environmental Protection Agency, homes with clock-timer controlled irrigation systems use about 50% more water outdoors than homes without irrigation systems. Water waste can be even more significant if irrigation systems are not programmed correctly or if they have a leak. To reduce water waste, and save on their monthly water utility bills,

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M AY 16, 2021

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TECHNOLOGY

Tech companies step up to serve small businesses

mall businesses are woefully underserved by traditional financial institutions. In fact, a J.D. Power 2018 U.S. Small Business Banking Satisfaction Study found that nearly 63% of microentrepreneurs believe their bank does not appreciate their business — and only 32% think their bank even understands what they do. Businesses with fewer than five employees make up a staggering 92% of U.S. businesses, yet smaller companies (especially those that are service-based) don’t get the same level of attention as bigger businesses when it comes to fintech. Big banks instead direct their investments toward large companies, where there is potential for greater returns.

Evolving financial software

Most entrepreneurs went into business because they wanted to follow their dream — only to find administrative and managerial tasks, such as bookkeeping, payroll and tax filing,

getting in the way of that dream. Fintech software can assist small-business owners in this regard — particularly helpful as many small businesses continue to struggle during the global coronavirus pandemic. Wave, for example, offers an allin-one money management solution which helps entrepreneurs remove the pain points of running the financial side of their business and was developed specifically using language, workflows and features a small-business owner with no accounting or finance experience can easily understand. Fintech solutions can also help small-business owners: • Track income and expenses • Understand their profitability • Be prepared for tax time

Transitioning from an outdated way of banking

Traditional banks are expensive, archaic and offer little more than a safer

paying bills and even continuing to operate.

Small businesses need tailored solutions Microentrepreneurs now have banking options, like Wave Money, which does not require a minimum account balance, has no monthly fees and offers fast access to funds, which can help improve cash flow.

Sustaining small-business

place to store money than under your mattress. The needs of small businesses are changing, but the response from traditional banks is not. This is especially true for service-based businesses, which make up the vast majority of microbusinesses. Small businesses pay an average of $450 in bank fees every year. To big banks, that’s nothing. But for small businesses, those fees could make the difference between hiring employees,

It’s not easy to start a business. From dealing with government policy to navigating bookkeeping, payroll and tax, many of the steps to becoming an entrepreneur are daunting. Entrepreneurs need all the support they can get, especially since the pandemic has taken a toll on so many. As such, it’s even more important for entrepreneurs to look for solutions that deliver on their unique needs. Starting a business is never easy, but the right fintech software can help manage your business’ financial life in meaningful ways. (BPT) 

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2 4 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M AY 16, 2021

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Get creative with a cow-print lampshade By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

hen sprucing up your home for spring, think twice before tossing out a tired-looking, plain-white lampshade and spending money on a new one. You and your school-age kids can brighten it up and give it new life with the miracle of acrylic paint and decorative trim or ribbon. Dream up and paint any designs you like, or give “cow prints” a try. The black shapes are simple for beginners to draw and paint on a lampshade, plus the fun cow-spot look is versatile for a range of decorating styles. While providing a delightful accent to the most contemporary decor, they also add a fresh pop to an easy country style. And if there’s a new baby in the house, the spotted lampshade whim-

sically accentuates a barnyard theme in the nursery. Since newborns are attracted to black-and-white shapes, this shade will be a favorite with baby from the start.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Cleaned used or inexpensive standard, plain-white lampshade without pleats Acrylic paint from crafts stores in black or in the color you prefer for the spots Pencil Newspaper Paintbrush Decorative fringe, trim or ribbon to fit around the bottom edge of the shade with a slight overlap. Glue gun

Here’s the fun:

1. You might want to start the project with your kids by looking at photos of cows, paying particular attention to various sizes and shapes

of their spots. Practice sketching a few spots on paper with a pencil. On a newspaper-covered work surface, fill in the practice spots using paint and a paintbrush. Once you get the hang of it, be-

gin sketching and painting on the lampshade, going from top to bottom. Let dry. 2. An adult should carefully glue the fringe or ribbon in place around the bottom rim of the shade. Let dry. Place on your lamp base. Extra-bright ideas: If your kids want to make more cow prints, look around for other decorating items that could be embellished, such as a picture frame, a removable cover of a plain fabric throw pillow, a clay flowerpot or a wastepaper basket. 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 Donna’s Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.”  © 2020 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

How they say that in …

M AY 16, 2021

SOLUTIONS

PUZZLES

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 25

CROSSWORD TIME

2 6 · S U N D AY S I G N A L

Opinion

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

READERLETTERS

Sacrificing Excellence for Equity We live in world that is increasingly competitive in science, technology, engineering and math. Leadership and innovation that come from it are key to good jobs and better quality of life. Our youth need to be equipped with an education to compete globally. As a young student of limited means, I was blessed to benefit from advanced math and science classes offered in public schools. The opportunity to dissect starfish in middle school or separate DNA in high school sparked my interest in science. Advanced placement courses in high school allowed me to earn college credits that help reduce the cost of college. It therefore pains me to hear that school districts in California and elsewhere are doing away with advanced STEM options for public school students to promote “equity.” Specialized high schools like Lowell are doing away with merit-based admissions. Even the California Department of Education, in its new math framework, discourages the practice of students who are excelling to pursue advanced math options. The argument is that some demographics are overrepresented in advanced classes (namely Asians). The CDE provides no additional funding or guidance to help students who are behind. Instead it denies students who are poor but diligent the opportunity to get ahead. It will make our youth unprepared to compete with countries like China and India where advancement in STEM is promoted and competition is cutthroat. This policy brings everyone down rather than lifting everyone up. A saying comes to mind that “no child left behind has morphed into no child get ahead.” There is a better alternative. One that encourages lifting up those who are falling behind, while not limiting those who can excel. It is service. Service from college students, recent graduates, or industry professionals to tutor those struggling in school. There are volunteer programs such as Step Up Tutoring at the L.A. Unified School District that do just that. Private-public partnerships can fund after-school programs that help struggling students or provide career training. Schools may also consider ways to pair advanced and underperforming students in supervised homeroom or rotations or provide “extra credit” to incentivize mentoring. Encouraging service would be a great way to teach our youth to put compassion into action and make everyone ready to face the world! Calling the CDE to advocate for better programs for those who are behind and for those who are ahead is another way you can help. Naheed Virani Stevenson Ranch Submit a Letter to the Editor

MAY 16, 2021

Include name, address & phone; Anonymous letters aren’t printed; email: letters@signalscv.com.

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

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

Overcoming the Waves By David Hegg

or 14 months we’ve been living under the rolling waves of societal despair. You feel it and so do I. The deadly combination of the pandemic and politics, or better the seeming “politicalization” of our national behavior in a time of great political, racial and financial tension, has taken a toll on our mental and emotional health. Despair has brought anxiety and discontent to the surface in us all, and they roll over us, wave after wave, day after day. We’ve learned firsthand that anxiety breeds fear. All around us we see people whose lives are dictated by panic. We know that rational fear is a good thing. But the pandemic, together with the widespread effect of mixed messages from national and regional health officials, have many afraid to live their lives. These mixed messages make it impossible for us commoners to know the truth about the virus, if protective measures actually work, whether the vaccines will have unknown effects, whether those in charge are actually following the science, and a host of other important things that form the foundation of our daily lives. For too many, it is true that we have met the enemy and it is fear. And when we add discontent to anxiety, we find it fuels anger with its ugly, divisive and destructive outcomes. We all know anger will bully its way to an outlet, especially where discontent has disabled self-control. Just ask anyone in a position of authority. We’ve become a people whose favorite pastime is finding a target for our anger. And when we do, be it a teacher, boss, politician, government official, pastor, law enforcement officer, or some other person we have labeled as responsible for our circumstances, we hurl all our hurtful words at them to make ourselves feel better. News flash: It never actually makes anything better! So, what do we do? I have a policy in my organization that no staff person can come to me with a gripe unless they also suggest a thoughtful solution. So, here’s mine. 1) Determine to have the proper perspective: In other words, don’t fall for all the “emotive individualism” that is polluting our national marketplace of ideas. Ranting is almost never the proper packaging for truth. What fuels your emotions almost always has been designed to bypass your brain. Wise up, America! All around you there are people and organizations trying to manipulate your behavior without actually giving you an accurate and

fair representation of reality. What’s the answer? Use your reason, and refuse to be pushed around by conspiracy theories, absurd social justice mantras, dogmatic pronouncements grounded on carefully selected, isolated instances, and any number of manipulative strategies that increase your anxiety while decreasing the actual amount of hard data you have at your fingertips. Do your own research using bona fide scholarly sources. You can start with “The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl Trueman” (currently on the New York Times Bestsellers List). 2) Demand that you exhibit personal perseverance: OK, it’s time to get off the couch of victimization and remember we’re adults who can face and overcome the challenges of life with courage, grit and even a pinch of joy. For many of you — and I say this with all the good intentions possible — it is time you stop whining and start winning. OK, so things are tough. So are you, remember? Can we stop looking at what hurts and start doing what helps? We’re the nation that won the world wars, right? We’re the people who believe that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Can we all just turn the page, admit we’ve cowered in face of all the complexities that surround us, and set our minds to power through and overcome? The alternative gets us nowhere, as we’ve learned the hard way these past months. 3) Decide to be a purveyor of positivity: I’m not saying we turn a blind eye to our challenges. I am saying that languishing in the slough of negativity won’t help one bit. We all know what’s wrong, so stop complaining. How about we make it a daily goal to be mature, reasonable, courageous and thoughtful adults who really want to make a positive difference in our sphere of influence? Here’s why. Complaints are only helpful if they’re accompanied by thoughtful solutions and positive action. You and I are either going to be part of the waves of despair that roll over those around us as we continue seeing ourselves as victims, or we’re going to help anchor ourselves and others in the safe harbor of emotional well-being and societal success as those committed to growing rather than grumbling. We know what to do, and may God bless our efforts to do it. Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays. 

RING STAR

Y SAMM I TA! CLAR NOT SO FAST! YOU DON'T BELONG IN THE RECYCLE BIN. DON'T BE SHOCKED WHEN YOU LOSE! RECYCLE

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BUT I CAN!

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CITY HALL

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