Sunday Signal 051924

Craig

Todd Tyra Todd has been on TV’s “Antique Roadshow” for five years and ran the largest jewelry buying event company in America for 25 years.

Redefining fully loaded.

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

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

Planning the Perfect Road Trip for Summer

Aroad trip can be a relaxing and exciting way to see the country. According to the financial firm IPX 1031, 51% of Americans planned to travel more in 2023 than the year prior, and 67% were considering road trips over other options.

It remains to be seen how many travelers will opt for car over plane travel in 2024, but those who aspire to plan road trips to remember can consider these pointers.

Choose a Destination

Although the ride can be an adventure on its own, eventually a destination will need to be reached. Travelers can choose destinations by distance and incrementally increase that distance as they gain road trip experience. For example, the first trip can be a few hours from home. As drivers grow more accustomed to the open road, they can take lengthier trips.

Know Your Time Constraints

The road trip distance and route will depend on how much time travelers can devote to the trip. Road trips should be fun and include plenty of breaks along the way to see the si which may be more spaced out on rural roads.

Schedule a Tune-Up

Breakdowns are not enjoyable, and having a breakdown on a trip on unfamiliar roads can be even worse. Drivers should schedule a vehicle checkup prior to the trip. AAA suggests using the acronym “good BET,” referring to Battery, Engine and Tires to reduce risk of roadside emergencies.

Use Planning Tools

Various applications can help road trippers get from point A to point B and back more easily. Furkot, for example, is a road trip planning service that helps drivers map out routes, find interesting

places and book hotels with ease.

Make Regular Stops

Travelers should pull over every two hours or 100 miles to stretch, improve alertness and give their eyes a break.

Identify Overnight Stays in Advance

Although spontaneity can be exciting, it’s probably a good idea for drivers to have a general idea of where they will be spending the night each evening of the trip. Few things are worse than finding a no vacancy sign or realizing a motel has closed down when people are hungry and in need of rest. Making reservations in advance is less risky and more comfortable than sleeping in the car. Road trips tend to be less regimented than other excursions. But a little planning can ensure a road trip goes smoothly. (MC) 

Prepping Your Car for a Smooth-Running Road Trip

With the windows down and nothing but open road visible through the windshield, spring days often bring out the best driving conditions. When it’s time to hit the pavement, make sure your ride is in tip-top shape following a winter of snow, salt and sand.

Give a Thorough Clean

All that dirt buildup can lead to grime both inside and outside your vehicle. A deep clean including the undercarriage, engine bay and obvious areas like doors and windows can help eliminate salt buildup. Give the interior a scrub as well to get rid of trash, dirt, debris and unnecessary items that may be weighing down

your car and hurting its fuel efficiency. Plus, that clean look and smell can make road trips that much more enjoyable.

Check (or Change) the Tires

Changing air temperatures can lead to fluctuations in tire pressure. As the weather warms, be sure to check tire

pressure frequently to avoid overinflation that leads to wear. It’s also an opportunity to check tread depth as it may be time for new tires altogether.

Change the Oil

While most experts recommend oil changes every 5,000 miles or so, depending on the age of your vehicle, a spring auto checklist isn’t complete without checking (and possibly changing) the oil. Fresh oil keeps engines running as intended.

Test the Wiper Blades

In many parts of the country, spring means rain. Ensuring wiper blades are ready to take on weather ranging from sprinkles to downpours is practical for maximizing safety on the road. Cold weather and ice can cause cracking on worn out wipers,

which makes spring a perfect time to assess winter’s damage.

Consider a Professional

Inspection

If it’s been a while since your vehicle was properly inspected, now may be a good time to have a professional take a look under the hood. Wiper blades and tire pressure are easy for many car owners to handle, but alignment, suspension, brakes and other key elements of vehicle safety and efficiency are often best left to those with trained eyes. Letting a certified mechanic assess your ride is a perfect way to ensure you’re ready for the open road.

Find more auto maintenance tips at eLivingtoday.com. (Family Features) 

Ten Doctor-Recommended Healthcare Tips

We’re five months into the new year and you may still be thinking about those health and wellness resolutions. That’s okay. It is never too late to start!

Have you been delayed in those resolutions because you’re not sure where to start? Well, doctors say you can make the biggest impact with small, incremental tweaks to your routine.

“It is quite common after the holidays to think about all you’ve eaten or your reduced physical activity and get discouraged,” says Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, M.D., MPH, president of the American Medical Association (AMA). “But the good news is you don’t have to make major health changes in one fell swoop. You can make small, positive health choices right now that can have long-lasting effects.”

Want to get started today? Here are the 10 tips the AMA recommends should top your list.

Get Moving

Exercise is essential for your physical and mental health. The American Heart Association recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity.

Just can’t get to the gym? No problem: start off by going for a family walk, taking the stairs at work or parking a little farther away from store entrances.

Increase

Water Intake

Tweak your diet to include more water and less sugar-sweetened beverages. Replace processed foods — especially those with added sodium and sugar — with nutritious, whole foods. Stock your fridge and pantry with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, low-fat dairy products, and lean meats and poultry.

Get Your Vaccines

A number of respiratory viruses circulating this winter can be serious and even life-threatening. Get up to date on your vaccines to protect yourself and your family. These include the annual flu shot and the updated COVID-19 vaccine for everyone 6 months and older.

Vaccines are also available to protect older adults from severe RSV. New tools to protect infants during RSV season include maternal vaccination and monoclonal antibody immunization. If you have questions, speak with your physician and review trusted resources, including getvaccineanswers.org.

Get Screened

Estimates based on statistical models show that since April 2020, millions of screenings for breast, colorectal and prostate cancer may have been missed due to pandemic-related care disruptions. Check in with your physician. If you’re due for preventive care, tests or screenings, make an appointment. These measures are designed to keep you healthy and help your doctor spot certain conditions before they become more serious.

Manage Your Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, often referred to as hypertension, can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke, and it affects millions of Americans. Visit ManageYourBP.org to understand what your blood pressure numbers mean and what you can do to get your blood pressure under control.

Prediabetes

One in three American adults has prediabetes, a condition that can lead to type 2 diabetes if left unmanaged. However, healthy eating and exercise can help delay or even prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Learn your risk by taking a simple two-minute self-screening test at DoIHavePrediabetes.org. This resource also features helpful lifestyle

tips that can help you reverse prediabetes. Drink in Moderation

If consuming alcohol, drink only in moderation. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans defines that as up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men, and only by adults of legal drinking age.

Quit Smoking

Your health care provider can offer resources and guidance for quitting tobacco and nicotine. Declare your home and car smoke-free to eliminate secondhand smoke exposure.

Follow Prescription Instructions

Follow your doctor’s instructions when taking prescription drugs — especially opioids. Always store and dispose of medications safely to prevent misuse. Whenever prescribed antibiotics, take them exactly as directed. Not taking the full course can lead to antibiotic resistance, a serious public health problem, and will not make you feel better if you have a virus, such as a cold or flu.

Take Care of Your Mental Health

Good mental health is part of good overall health. Manage your stress, get sufficient sleep, exercise and seek help from a mental health professional when you need it.

If you don’t have health insurance, the AMA encourages you to sign up for coverage because those with coverage live healthier and longer. Healthcare. gov has new, affordable insurance options. Find more health resources at ama-assn.org.

For a healthy 2024 and beyond, invest in your wellness with these doctor-recommended lifestyles. (SPT)

A Tale of Two Dumps, Saving SCV’s Natural Wonders

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

The city of Santa Clarita continues the work to completely encircle the city with a green belt of open space. At present, more than 13,000 acres of open space and trails exist for public use. Land continues to be purchased thanks to funds provided by the City of Santa Clarita Open Space Preservation District approved by voters in 2007.

After a similar effort to fund an open space district failed in 2006 City Councilwoman Laurene Weste, a longtime advocate of open space, chaired a new effort to get the initiative passed.

“As far as I know this has never been done before in the United States,” said Weste. “I created this Open Space District so we could buy all this land legally. I am very proud of our community, they stepped up to the plate.”

With funds in hand from Open Space District, Weste described the process of obtaining additional land for open space as “quilting.”

“It’s like a giant quilt,” she said. “We keep filling in pieces. We have a lot of land in open space, but we will always be adding more.”

A Tale of Two Dumps

Public perception is that the fight to keep dumps out of Elsmere and Towsley Canyons in the 1980s and ‘90s resulted in the Open Space movement in the Santa Clarita Valley, however Weste said the two aren’t connected.

“The result of defeating the dumps is open space, but even if the dumps had been built open space land would still have been acquired,” she said.

Efforts to make Towsley Canyon a dump date back to 1983.

Managed by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, a state parkland acquisition agency, efforts to save Towsley involved park champions including Weste, Santa Clarita City Councilman Carl Boyer, biologist Don Mullally and State Senator Ed Davis.

Now at 6,000 acres, the Santa Clarita Woodlands Park was created in 1989 when Davis sponsored legislation enabling the Conservancy to purchase a

145-acre parcel at the mouth of Towsley Canyon.

Weste said the state legislature passing Davis’s Woodlands Park initiative put the nail in the coffin of the county’s plan for a dump in Towsley Canyon.

Dump the Dump

Another fight to preserve the natural beauty of the Santa Clarita Valley began in 1987 when BKK Corp. first proposed buying Elsmere Canyon from the U.S. Forest Service.

BKK’s plans for Elsmere Canyon would have seen 1,100 garbage trucks depositing 16,500 tons of trash 24-hours a day for the next 50 years. It would have been the single largest managed trash dump in the world.

City Councilwoman Marsha McLean, Dinah Sargeant and Doris Schiller formed the SCV Santa Clarita Valley Canyons Preservation Committee to fight the dump.

McLean said she was told that the dump was a “done deal.”

“But I’ve worked in government and I knew that wasn’t true,” she said.

One of the first tasks the committee tackled was proving that a new dump wasn’t needed in Los Angeles County.

“I called every dump in the county and found they had additional permitted space that wasn’t being used,” McLean said.

However, the dump project lingered for years, with all the dramatic twists and turns of a Netflix docudrama.

In 1995 a special meeting of the L.A. County Planning Commission was held in the Valencia High School multi-purpose room. A venue that seated 350 people attracted nearly 3,000 to protest the proposed dump.

Ken Kazarian, president of the Elsmere Corp., a division of BKK, said Santa Clarita officials were “whipping up a froth of fear without cause.

“The city has spent millions trying to turn it into a political process,” he said. “No amount of political posturing and emotion is going to break this project.”

Kazarian had to eat his words when Howard “Buck” McKeon and Sen. Barbara Boxer joined forces and in 1996 got federal legislation passed

that no landfill can be built in the Angeles National Forest.

That legislation effectively killed the Elsmere dump. County supervisors voted unanimously to remove Elsmere Canyon from the county’s list of potential landfill sites.

On May 5, 2004, Browning-Ferris Industries, which had purchased the property from BKK Corp., withdrew its application for a conditional use permit for the proposed Elsmere Solid Waste Management Facility.

In 2007, 400 acres of Elsmere Canyon was donated to the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority followed by a formal dedication of the Elsmere Canyon Open Space area.

In October 2010, the city of Santa Clarita purchased the remaining 842 acres in Elsmere Canyon for preservation as permanent open space.

The Future of Open Space

Recently, the city has acquired additional open space property as part of dedications in relation to development projects, including Tesoro and Skyline, which will add 2,000 acres to Santa Clarita’s open space inventory, said Amber Rodriguez, city of Santa Clarita Administrative Analyst for Neighborhood Services.

Weste said the city also plans to continue to add parcels of open space to the east, near the Cemex project.

Celebrate Santa Clarita Open Space

Santa Clarita’s first open space acquisition was in 1995, for Rivendale Park and Open Space. The dedication of Bee Canyon Open Space in October 2022 is the most recent and a 30-year effort resulted in the June 2017 dedication of Newhall Pass Open Space.

“We have great wildlife corridors and wonderful places to enjoy nature not far from the urban center and they are all interconnected with our trail system throughout the SCV, no community in the United States has that,” Weste said. “During the pandemic it was one our greatest blessings. The best thing for us is nature. It’s free. Just go.” Open Space areas can be located by visiting https://hikesantaclarita.com. 

A 30-year effort to obtain an Open Space area in the Newhall Pass succeeded with the June 2017 dedication of Newhall Pass Open Space. ©Chief Bwana

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Nurturing Greenery, Cultivating Community

By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

Whether you’re exploring the trails in our vast open spaces, enjoying time in any of our 38 parks or simply driving through the community, Santa Clarita stands out from the rest. Unlike other cities, our streets, parks and public areas are beautified by an array of trees, adding to the unique charm and natural beauty of our City. Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of arborists and specialists work hard to maintain this urban oasis, ensuring the health and vitality of the City’s trees while enriching the lives of our residents.

by this team, ensuring a beautiful landscape for our residents.

The Urban Forestry team’s collective expertise includes certified arborists accredited by the International Society of Arboriculture, tree trimmers and highly specialized coordinators. In 2023, the Urban Forestry team trimmed 15,474 trees, planted 251 new plants and responded to 436 tree-related emergencies in the City. The team also addressed 2,765 tree-related service requests from residents.

in our climate as well as the evergreen canopy which will compliment the park’s deciduous trees that lose their leaves in the winter. Additionally, City staff distributed mulch and drought-resistant plants to residents participating in the Neighborhood Clean-Up event, which promotes sustainable landscaping practices.

The Urban Forestry team cares for approximately 120,000 trees sprawled across the community, including 62 Landscape Maintenance District (LMD) Zones. The team’s duties encompass a wide variety of services, from addressing tree-related emergencies and evaluating tree health, to responding to public inquiries. Planting, pruning and nurturing trees along streets, parks and other City rights-of-way are integral tasks undertaken

For the past 34 years, the City has been recognized with the Tree City USA award which is a testament to our commitment to urban forestry excellence. According to Tree City USA, trees help absorb the sounds of traffic in urban areas by 40 percent and neighborhoods with trees are seven to nine degrees cooler than those without. By investing in our trees, we can work to provide residents with green space throughout our community.

Just last month, the Santa Clarita City Council partnered with the Urban Forestry team and local volunteers to plant a ceremonial tree for the annual Arbor Day celebration. This event took place at Valencia Heritage Park where participants planted an African Fern Pine, chosen for its resilience

BEST IN CLASS SPECIALTY CARE

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

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

Included in the City’s 2025 Strategic Plan, is the Citywide Reforestation Program which aims to replace aging trees, install new greenery and enhance tree care infrastructure across our community. The Urban Forestry team closely collaborates with other City divisions to preserve trees adjacent to construction sites and integrate greenery into urban development projects, ensuring a harmonious balance between nature and progress.

As a City that takes pride in protecting our environment and beautifying our community, the Urban Forestry team works each day to provide excellent customer service and resources to our residents and local businesses. For more information or to get into contact with our Urban Forestry team, please visit SantaClarita.gov/UrbanForestry or call (661) 290-2200.

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

Solve Busy Weeknights with Simple, Satisfying Meals

Juggling those weeknight responsibilities including homework, catching up on emails, after-school activities, social events and more can leave families scrambling when it comes time for dinner. When your busy schedule leaves little time to spend in the kitchen, turn to family favorites you can put on the table in 20 minutes or less to give loved ones the fuel they need without sacrificing taste or quality.

Take Taco Tuesdays to a new level (without the hassle) with this deconstructed version of classic fish tacos. Served over a bed of quinoa and drizzled with yogurt crema, these Baja Fish Taco Bowls let you switch up average taco nights by swapping out tortillas and shells for quick-cooking, protein-packed quinoa mixed with nutrient-dense kale. This easy, satisfying meal adds deliciously seasoned fish, creamy avocado and hearty whole grains to your diet with a lighter version of Baja sauce as a perfect companion for fish tacos.

At its core, this tasty weeknight meal relies on the ease and light, nutty flavor of Success Tri-Color Boilin-Bag Quinoa, which is ready in just 10 minutes. It's packed with protein, all nine essential amino acids and is a good source of fiber, making it a perfect solution for busy moments whether your loved ones eat vegan, vegetarian or a mix of everything.

If a jam-packed calendar calls for a light dinner, or you're searching for a quick side to pair with your protein of choice, add a little color to the table with this Edamame Brown Rice and Lentil Salad. Brimming with tasty, colorful ingredients like bell peppers, cucumbers and more, it's a wholesome and satisfying way to recharge after a long day. Take the guesswork out of cooking this flavorful salad with 100% whole grain Success Boil-inBag Brown Rice, offering high-quality, pre-cooked grains that's ready in just 10 minutes without measure or mess. It leaves you with a serving of fluffy, nutty brown rice that cooks up perfectly every time to take some stress out of family dinners.

Visit SuccessRice.com to find more recipe solu-

tions for busy weeknights.

Baja Fish Taco Bowls

Prep time 10 minutes

Cook time 10 minutes

Servings 4

2 bags Success Tri-Color Quinoa

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 white-fleshed fish fillets (5-6 ounces each)

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon lime zest

1 teaspoon lime juice

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

4 cups packed baby kale

1 ripe avocado, halved, pitted, peeled and thinly sliced

Prepare quinoa according to package directions.

In large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Season fish with Cajun seasoning and salt. Cook 2-3 minutes per side, or until fish is lightly browned and starts to flake. Set aside.

Baja Fish Taco Bowls

In small bowl, stir yogurt, lime zest, lime juice and cumin.

In medium bowl, toss quinoa with kale. Divide between four bowls. Top each with fish, sliced avocado and dollop of yogurt and lime crema.

Substitutions: Use taco seasoning or chili powder in place of Cajun seasoning. Use arugula or baby spinach instead of kale.

Edamame Brown Rice and Lentil Salad

Prep time 10 minutes

Cook time 10 minutes

Servings 4

1 bag Success Brown Rice

1 cup cooked green or brown lentils

1 cup edamame, cooked, cooled and shelled

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 cucumber, diced

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup roasted almonds and sunflower seeds (optional)

Dressing

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 clove garlic, minced

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Prepare rice according to package directions.

In large mixing bowl, combine rice, lentils, edamame, bell pepper, cucumber, red onion and parsley. Toss gently to combine.

To make dressing: In separate small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt and pepper until well combined.

Toss salad with dressing until well combined. Sprinkle with roasted almonds and sunflower seeds, if desired. (Family Features) 

Edamame Brown Rice and Lentil Salad

ENTERTAINMENT

‘Glow’ is Original, Disturbing and Creatively Outrageous

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘I Saw the TV Glow’

 1/2 (out of four)

A24 presents a film written and directed by Jane Schoenbrun. Rated PG-13. In theaters.

Some films seem like they're almost designed to be forgettable, even if you find them entertaining enough, e.g., what's it called, “The Fall Guy.” As much as I enjoyed the popcorn-movie fun of it all, I don't expect to be spending much time thinking about “The Fall Guy” until I come across it on late-night cable or a streaming platform in a few years and give it a casual second viewing.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have films such as writer-director Jane Schoenbrun's “I Saw the TV Glow,” which is such an original and disturbing and haunting and creatively outrageous piece

of work that it refuses to drift from your conscience. Equal parts psychological horror film, 1990s TV nostalgia trip, coming-of-age story and dysphoria allegory, this is the kind of movie that you find yourself thinking about when you're drifting off to sleep, the kind of movie that almost FEELS like a dream, the kind of movie that will stay with you for a long time to come.

i F B Sun: 10:10 1:20 4:20 7:20; Mon to Thu: 1:20 4:20 7:20 f is about a gir who d scovers that she can see ever yone s maginar y fr ends - and what she does with that superpower

k i n g d o M o F t h e P l a n e t o F t h e a P e s C Sun: 10:00 1:00 4:00 7:00; Mon to Thu: 1:00 4:00 7:00

Set several generat ons in the future fo lowing Caesar s reign a new tyrann cal ape leader bu lds his emp re

e v i l d o e s n ot e x i s t Sun & Mon: 1:30 4:30 7:30; Tue & Wed: 1:30 4:30; Thu: 1:30 4:30 7:30

n the rural alpine hamlet of Mizubik not far from Tokyo Takum and his daughter Hana lead a modest life gather ng water wood and w ld wasabi for the local udon restaurant

t h e Fa l l g u y C Sun: 10:10 1:10 4:10 7:10; Mon to Thu: 1:10 4:10 7:10

He s a stuntman, and like ever yone in the stunt community, he gets b own up, shot, crashed thrown through windows and dropped from the h ghest of heights, al for our enter ta nment

W i l d c at Sun: 10:30 AM

n 1950 Flanner y visits her mother Regina n Georgia when she is diagnosed w th upus at twenty-four years old

c h a l l e n g e r s E Sun to Wed: 1:00 4:00 7:00; Thu: 1:00 4:00

A former tennis prodigy turned coach has her strategy for her husband s redempt on take a surprising turn when he must face off against his former best fr end

u n s u n g h e ro B Sun: 10:20 1:20 7:20; Mon to Thu: 1:20 7:20 When David Smallbone’s successful music company col apses, he moves h s fami y from Australia to the States, searching for a br ghter future

t h e M i n i s t ry o F u n g e n t l e M a n ly Wa r Fa r e E 4:20 PM

The stor

rorVision” (1986) and the “Ring” movies. The Smashing Pumpkins album “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness” is another obvious influence here. Writer-director Schoenbrun knows and embraces pop culture history, to say the least.

“I Saw the TV Glow” jumps along the timeline but spends a good amount of time in 1996, with Bill Clinton about to win re-election and the culture in the last stages of the era when the internet was in its nascent stages and had yet to take hold of the world, when TV shows were doled out one week at a time, and if you weren't able to watch something in real time, the only alternative was to record it on VHS.

When seventh-grader Owen (played by Ian Foreman in the early scenes and Justice Smith for the bulk of the movie, and they're both terrific) meets ninth-grader Maddy (Brigette Lundy-Paine in a wondrous performance) in the high school gym (which is the local polling place) on election night, she has her head buried in an episode guide for “The Pink Opaque,” which she explains to Owen is a life-changing, supernatural TV show that airs at 10:30 p.m. on Saturday nights on the Young Adult Network.

Sidebar time. The name of the school is Void High School, aka VHS. “The Pink Opaque,” which features Helena Howard and Lindsey Jordan as best friends who communicate via an astral plane and face down a number of foes, most notably a chillingly creepy entity known as Mr. Melancholy (Emma Portner), is clearly influenced by “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” The story arc of “I Saw the TV Glow” also contains elements of “The X-Files” and “Twin Peaks,” and the television as the centerpiece of a horror film is in keeping with movies such as “Poltergeist” (1982), “Videodrome” (1983), “Ter-

Owen's overprotective mother (Danielle Deadwyler) and distant and verbally abusive father (Fred Durst) won't let Owen stay up late to watch “The Pink Opaque”; besides, as his father sneers, “Isn't that a show for GIRLS?” Maddy starts taping episodes of the show and leaving the video cassettes for Owen, and a friendship is forged between these two outcasts who feel like they don't belong at school or at home or anyplace in this world.

With cinematographer Eric K. Yue and the production design team creating a suburban American landscape that feels utterly ordinary and yet completely surreal, we follow Owen through the years, from high schooler to his 20s to a middle-aged man looking back on his youth and even rewatching “The Pink Opaque,” which becomes a particularly startling experience. As for Maddy, after telling Owen she'll die if she doesn't escape her abusive father and the suffocating atmosphere of her life, she disappears, leaving the TV set aflame in her yard. When Maddy suddenly resurfaces years later, she tells Owen a story so fantastical it has to be delusional — or is it?

Even as “I Saw the TV Glow” indulges in a number of trippy and effective visual devices, we're constantly reminded of Owen's feelings of desperation and loneliness. We see him interacting with other people, but he never seems to be an active participant in his own life. Maddy is the only one he ever truly connects with, and when she's gone, he's lost. On one level, “The Pink Opaque” saves Owen; on another, it could lead to his undoing. Lines are blurred and reality is a shifting concept, and we're left feeling wrung out by the entire experience, but grateful for Schoenbrun's blazing and original storytelling vision. 

Daily Habits to Improve Mens’ Overall Health

No two men have the same exact makeup, so a health and wellness routine that works for one will not necessarily work for another. It’s important that men looking to turn over a healthier leaf keep those nuances in mind as they begin what will hopefully prove a successful journey to a healthier version of themselves.

Health care professionals often say the best approach to a healthier lifestyle is the one that an individual will stick to. That philosophy reflects that each man is different, but there are some simple daily habits all men might want to consider as they seek to improve their overall health.

Drink more water The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that drinking enough water each day provides a host of health benefits, including preventing dehydration. Dehydration can adversely affect mood and lead to confusion. Dehydration

also can contribute to the formation of kidney stones, which the National Institutes of Health notes are more likely to affect men than women due to men’s diets and differences in urine chemistries.

Symptoms of dehydration also mimic signs of hunger, which means men might overeat under the mistaken impression that they’re hungry when all their body really wants to do is hydrate. The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine determined that men should consume about 15.5 cups of water per day.

Eat breakfast One-the-go guys may skip breakfast, which can cause a ripple effect throughout the rest of the day that ultimately harms their overall health. The Cleveland Clinic notes that the body is most insulin-sensitive in the morning, making mornings a great time to consume fiber-filled carbohydrates that can help to lower cholesterol levels.

Eating breakfast also kicks metabolism into gear and can reduce the likelihood of overeating later in the day.

Get up and walk around throughout the workday Men who work in office settings or other environments that require them to sit for long periods of time should make a concerted effort to get up and move around during the workday. A 2016 study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physi-

cal Activity found that workers who avoided sitting for six uninterrupted hours reported feeling more energetic throughout the day than those who were not active.

In addition, the study found that those who rose for hourly five-minute walks reported greater happiness, less fatigue and smaller cravings for food than on days when they took a single 30-minute walk.

Cut back on screen time Parents may work hard to ensure their children are not spending too much time on their devices, but men also can benefit from spending less time staring at screens. The Mayo Clinic notes that cutting screen time can encourage men to be more physically active, improve their sleep quality and make strong social connections. Each of those things can improve overall health.

Some simple adjustments to their daily routines can help men improve their overall health. (MC) 

HOME

Transform Countertop Surfaces in Just a Weekend

Did you know that you don’t have to spend tons of time or money on home interior updates? In fact, you don’t even have to engage a contractor to elevate your spaces in a big way.

Here are three stunning methods for completely transforming stained, burned or otherwise drab countertop surfaces in your kitchen, bath or other areas of your home. The beauty is that each project costs less than $300, and you can complete one in a weekend, even if you don’t consider yourself especially handy:

A Marble Look

Installing marble countertops can cost thousands of dollars and disrupt your life for weeks, if not months. Fortunately, there’s a way to get the same beautiful, one-of-a-kind look of marble with just a few supplies.

The Marble Dream Resurfacing Kit from Daich Coatings is a new stone coating system engineered to be applied in a few simple steps, with no special artistic skill required. Available in both Pristine White and Cosmos Black, every installation will look completely unique based on how you blend the product.

After prepping your surface and applying the

base coat, the glaze mix and the vein accent colors, you use a blow dryer to push the colors around, deciding for yourself how they get blended, and the direction and strength of the details and finish. Designed so you can work at a relaxed pace and make changes on the fly, cleanup is a snap for this project. And the water-based, odorless formula is

safe too, so you won’t be exposed to anything hazardous.

When you’re finished, not only will your countertops look revitalized, they’ll offer superior heat, impact and scratch resistance for greater utility. The brand makes installation easy by providing a detailed online video tutorial.

Real Granite Finish

Real granite countertops are an elegant, natural upgrade that can take your kitchen or bath to a whole new level. But what if you didn’t have to commit to the complicated construction, scary price tag or long wait time of a full stone slab to get the authentic look and performance of smooth, polished granite?

The LuxROCK Solid Surface Granite Kit by Daich Coatings allows you to add a premium stone surface — complete with the visual pop of mineral highlights and sparkling accents — right over your existing countertop, without the mess or hassle of tearing out your current surface. Available in five beautiful colors, you can renew existing countertops made of laminate, wood, concrete, stone and more in just a weekend, and have the flexibility to economically switch to a new look if you’d ever like

• Pick up after your pet in your own yard and on outings, and seal the bag.

• Dispose of pet waste in the regular garbage container, and not the organics bin, recycle bin or the storm drain.

• Do not use your hose to wash pet waste down into the storm drain.

Wild Bird Lovers Should Use Top-of-the-Crop Natural Feed

Have you ever wondered what’s in your favorite packaged foods, grabbed a box from your pantry, read the ingredients and realized you still didn’t know what you’re eating? The ingredients in some processed foods can read like a chemist’s shopping list. Now imagine if backyard birds could read. What would they say about the ingredients in the food you feed them?

A growing number of Americans are choosing natural foods for their pets; nearly one-third say they prefer natural products, according to PetFoodIndustry.com. People who feed wild birds also want to know they’re feeding the most natural and nutritious options. It’s hard to be confident when reading the mystifying ingredient list on feed bags makes you feel like a bird brain.

With an abundance of options, ranging from commercial bird feeds to small-batch varieties, understanding the differences can help bird lovers make informed choices to meet wild birds’ nutritional needs while considering factors like sustainability and quality.

The wild bird experts at Cole’s Wild Bird Products, Co. offer these tips to ensure you’re feeding your feathered friends a healthy, natural diet.

While commercial bird feeds aim to provide basic nutrition for birds, the quality and nutritional content can vary. Some mixes contain a high proportion of less desirable seeds and fillers, offering limited nutritional value.

Small batch bird feeds prioritize nutritional content, using premium ingredients rich in essential nutrients, fats and proteins. This can provide

COUNTERTOP

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to refresh.

Naturalized, Speckled Stone

birds with a more balanced diet, promoting overall health and vitality. Avoid commercial bird feeds that are full of cheap fillers, such as red milo, millet, cracked corn, oats and wheat. Fillers lack nutritional value and birds will kick them right out of the feeder.

Instead, select small batch, natural feed comprised of top-of-the-crop seeds which contain no chemicals or mineral oil like Cole’s and bypass seed coated with them. Some commercial bird feeds are coated with mineral oil and mixed with crushed rock to add “vitamins.” Current regulations allow manufacturers to list nutritional components of mineral oil (iron, zinc) and crushed rock (vitamin A, calcium carbonate) separately, which can make the ingredients look more impressive. Mineral oil makes birdseed shiny and helps hide dirt and dust, and crushed rock adds weight to the product.

Take note of ingredients you can’t read; often it’s an indication the ingredient is synthetic or lab engineered. Ingredients like menadione

sodium bisulfite complex and thiamine mononitrate aren’t found in natural foods; they’re man-made versions of vitamins. The rule of thumb for buying all-natural is “If you can’t read it, don’t feed it.”

Focus on serving feed with an ingredient list you can read and understand. For instance, Cole’s Sunflower Meats contains nothing but shelled sunflower seeds and White Millet contains 100% white millet. Super simple, right?

Study birds visiting your feeders and research feed they prefer or buy feed from a reputable company that’s done that work for you. For example, Cole’s offers select natural seed choices developed and based on research about what birds actually eat. Feed is specifically formulated to attract certain species of birds as well as the largest number of birds. No cheap filler seeds are used and seed is cleaned to ensure quality - no sticks and dirt. When you know and serve what backyard birds prefer, they’ll keep coming back for more. Supplement seed with natural

For more of a natural speckled stone appearance, consider the 11 colors available in the SpreadStone Countertop Finishing Kit, which allows you to tailor your texture. This two-step project takes two days to complete, with results that will last for many years. In addition to a range of interior applications, you can also use

this kit on exterior surfaces, including bar tops, barbecue areas, tables and more. Like the other kits, there is no need to remove sinks, plumbing fixtures or your current countertop to make this renovation, and your finished product will be food safe and intact with a polyurethane clear coat.

In just a weekend, you can make totally transformative DIY interior updates in a way that’s cost-effective and simple. Visit youtube.com/watch?v=JJ8487WQIcg to watch and learn more (SPT) 

foods you have at home. For example, woodpeckers love raw peanuts, mockingbirds love fruit and chickadees savor suet. Soak raisins and currants in water overnight then serve or purchase blends with a dried fruit and nut mixture, like Nutberry suet. To attract orioles, skewer halved oranges on a spike near feeders.

Buy feed from companies specializing in wild bird food. Some offer bird feed as a side product of pet products or grass seed producers. Conversely, Cole’s exclusively produces and sells products for feeding backyard birds. Seeds are packaged like human food in “Harvest Fresh Lock” packaging so seeds don’t lose nutritional content or dry out and spoil.

To learn more about all-natural feed options with ingredients even birds could understand, visit coleswildbird.com. (Family Features) 

SHOWER DOOR SPECIALIST

PHOTOS CREDIT COLE’S WILD BIRD PRODUCTS

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All ballots must have a minimum of 5 categories completed.

3. Employees and families of The Signal are ineligible to participate.

4. The Signal will not enter into a written or oral discussion regarding the contest results, and all entries become the property of The Signal.

5. The Signal reserves the right to publish the results of the reader survey, delete questions, or restructure, and to refuse questionable or duplicate

QIs it true that Bella Hadid has quit modeling? Is she still recovering from Lyme disease?

— S.E.

AWhen Bella Hadid first appeared on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” alongside her mother, Yolanda, and sister, Gigi, she was riding horses, not modeling. She didn’t seem interested in following her mother’s footsteps on the runway, but within a few short years, she and her sister were considered modern-day supermodels and fodder for the tabloids.

The girl who loved horses is reemerging now. Hadid has taken a break from modeling and calls Fort Worth, Texas, her new home. She’s been dating cowboy and horse trainer Adan Banuelos since the two were seen together last October, and he’s

gotten her back into riding. Hadid placed third in a riding competition back in January, according to a post on his Instagram page.

This past August, Hadid opened up about her health struggles on an Instagram post and shared that she was “finally healthy” after getting diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2012.

QIs it true that Tracy Morgan is returning to “Saturday Night Live” as part of the cast again?

— K.S.

ATracy Morgan spent seven years as a cast member on “Saturday

Night Live,” but he has no plans to return in that capacity. He has returned to host twice so far and will no doubt host again someday.

Morgan starred in his self-titled sitcom “The Tracy Morgan Show,” but it was canceled after one season. He made a much bigger splash playing a hilarious parody of himself in the Tina Fey sitcom “30 Rock.” He later went on to star in another successful series “The Last O.G.” for four seasons.

You’ll likely see him hosting “SNL” to promote his new sitcom “Crutch” when it begins airing on Paramount+. “Crutch” is a spin-off of the hit CBS sitcom “The Neighborhood.” Morgan has guest-starred on that show before and played Calvin’s (Cedric the Entertainer) wealthy brother, Curtis, but he’ll be playing a completely different character on “Crutch.”

According to the official logline, Crutch is Cedric’s cousin, “a Harlem widower whose empty nest plans are put on hold after his millennial son and free-spirited daughter move back home.” Production on “Crutch” will begin later this year with an official premiere date to be announced.

QWhatever happened to the show

“Deadliest Catch?” I know that a couple of people who were originally on it have passed away. Is it ever coming back?

— T.A.

A“Deadliest Catch,” a documentary-reality show about the perilous world of crabbing on the high seas, premiered in 2005 on the Discovery Channel. Tragedy has struck the show numerous times in the form of natural causes, overdoses, and accidents involving the ships and their equipment. Despite all the hardship and heartbreak, the show is going on its 20th season this summer.

According to Entertainment Weekly, fan-favorite captains Sig Hansen, Keith Colburn and Wild Bill Wichrowski are all returning and will be competing in a derby-style race to reach a $1 million quota.

Season 20 of “Deadliest Catch” premieres on Tuesday, June 11, at 8 p.m. ET on Discovery and will be available to stream on Max soon afterward. 

©2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

The Card Squad

By Jack Cole

A great read to help children understand about Alzheimer’s Disease, written by a New York Times award-winning high school student. Ever feel like something suspicious is going on? Eleven-year-old Jake sure does. He just knows his cousins Max and Alexandra are trying to steal his grandfather Peter’s rare baseball card collection. Now, Jake is on a topsy-turvy mission to prove it. The problem is that his grandfather has lost his memory to Alzheimer’s and, unless his new drug trial somehow miraculously helps, it’s not coming back. So what’s a boy to do, especially when his parents don’t believe him? Turn to his lovably strange friends — genius Brit, mischief maker Rowdy and computer whiz Noah — to help solve this crime before it’s too late. Some proceeds from this book will

benefit the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

The Church of the Heavenly KISS

By Harry Harrigan

If religion makes you happy and gives your life a sense of purpose, please do not buy this book. Don’t even open the cover because what’s in here will probably just annoy the heck out of you.

If you are one of the many people who go to church mostly to please their parents, spouse or friends, and you think that you could do more

with your life if you weren’t burdened by all the nonsensical rules and traditions of your religion, this book may be for you. Reading about the Church of the Heavenly KISS won’t take long, but it might be one of the best hours you’ve spent with your nose in a book.

“A lot of humor, history, memorable quotes and great advice for living your life to the fullest,” says this Amazon reviewer.

A Thousand Flying Things

By Kathryn Brown Ramsperger

An idealistic humanitarian worker with a decade of field experience ar-

rives in 1991 Southern Sudan hoping to save the world, but will the love of a child and the return of a love from the past end up saving and healing her instead?

Qasim, charming and cosmopolitan, trying to save his homeland, Lebanon.

Dianna, brilliant and beautiful, trying to save children in Southern Sudan.

The two old flames bump into one another in Nairobi and fall in love again. But they must choose between their work and their love. Can Dianna trust Qasim?

In the face of cultural barriers, their commitment to family and career, and ongoing war, can they find the strength to stand up for both love and a lasting peace? Culture shaped them. Love transformed them. Will a child unite them? 

BookBites is presented by Book Trib.com.

Model Bella Hadid. PHOTO CREDIT Depositphotos

Healthy Aging — Powered by Connections

By Mary Petersen Signal Staff Writer

Irecently learned that there are over 15 holidays each year specifically celebrating older adults, including Baby Boomers Recognition Day, Geriatric Tooth Fairy Day, and Spunky Old Broads Month. Not all holidays display the playful humor of these; some bring awareness to important issues facing older adults in a more serious way. May has been designated as Older Americans Month and is observed every year to recognize the contributions of past and present older Americans. Formerly known as Senior Citizens Month, it was established in 1963 by President John Kennedy at a time when only 17 million Americans had reached their 65th birthday. Since almost a third of older Americans were living in poverty, there was growing concern about their needs which led to the designation of this holiday.

Currently, the aging population of the United States is still an important consideration. According to a 2024 Statistica report, the number of Americans over 65 shot up to 58 million by 2022, and it is projected to be 22% of the population by 2050. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the world’s population aged 60 years and older will double to 2.1 billion by 2050.  In response to this shift toward population aging, the United Nations General Assembly declared 20212030 the Decade of Healthy Ageing. This global collaboration between WHO and UN organizations brings together governments, professionals, academia and the private sector. Its goal is to improve the lives of older people, their families, and their communities through policies, legislation, programs, and services that support healthy aging  States across the U.S. are implementing plans that focus on the goal of healthy aging. The Administration

for Community Living leads the observance of Older Americans Month. Its 2024 theme, Powered by Connection, recognizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on health and well-being.

According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 4 adults aged 65 and older is socially isolated. Social isolation and loneliness have serious impacts on health and lifespan. People lacking social connection face a higher risk of early death. Social isolation and loneliness are also linked to anxiety, depression, dementia, and can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Recognizing the transformative potential of community engagement in enhancing mental, physical, and emotional well-being is the first step in tackling the problem of social isolation and loneliness. According to the National Institute on Aging, people who engage in meaningful, productive activities with others tend to live longer, boost their mood, and have a sense of purpose. Connectedness helps maintain well-being and improve cognitive function.

On a personal level, there are actions that individuals can take. Engage in social connection by finding a new passion, joining a social club, taking a class, or trying new activities.

Stay engaged by giving back to the community through volunteering, working, teaching, or mentoring.

Taking time to build new relationships and discover deeper connections with family and friends may be a challenge, but it is also an opportunity to promote optimal health and experience increased joy in life.

Mary Petersen is a retired COC English instructor, 30-year SCV resident, and two-time breast cancer survivor. She welcomes your comments at asecondwind.signal@gmail. com 

• I hear fine as long as I turn the sound up

• Wearing a hearing aid will make me look old

• I don’t have time to check my hearing

• If you relate to any of these CALL US!

SOLUTIONS

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.

READER LETTERS

The William L. Reynolds Post Office

When residents of our valley walk into the “William L. Reynolds Post Office Building” on Creekside Road, they will remember not only his community efforts to raise the image of those who served in the military, but also elevate older adults and those who needed medical care.

We don’t recollect when we first met Bill, but I’m sure it was on the City Council’s battlefield or The Signal’s newsroom.

His weekly column published in The Signal depicted and paid tribute to the lives of veterans. In our friendship and interactions with Bill, he was a team player like in the military.

Bill Reynolds was one of those rare individuals who recognized a problem and then forged ahead to fix it.

We remember the granite Fallen Warriors Memorial in Newhall’s Veterans Historical Plaza, yet many of his accomplishments remained anonymous.

We fought battles at City Hall together and learned from him how to use online technology and social networking even before they were in vogue. He authored a clever website to improve health care rendered in our community and made a video critical of increasing traffic interrupting 911 emergency ambulances attempting to transport ill patients to the hospital.

Our most significant remembrance was when the Traveling Vietnam Wall came to Santa Clarita, and organizers like Mayor Bob Kellar with Carl and Jeri Goldman from KHTS allowed us to honor Henry Mayo health care professionals at Bill’s behest. With this, Bill inspired us to make a YouTube video of the ceremony honoring local doctors and nurses who served in Vietnam.

He told us of his brush with death in Vietnam when, in combat, two of his friends on the left and right of him lost their lives. Simultaneously, the grenade rifle he carried jammed as a 4-inch bullet hit the rifle, catapulting him backward. Moments later, he found that bullet lodged in the gun stock. He told us, “That rifle took a bullet for me!”

Bill Reynolds was thoughtful and creative in finding solutions for many challenges Santa Claritans face. His gallant efforts contributed to the recognition of veterans who may not be on our radar and ensured those in need be served.

Thank goodness on that fateful day, a rifle took a bullet for him so he could continue his valiant service by giving back to the community he loved.

Robin Clough and Dr. Gene Dorio Saugus

Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone. Anonymous letters aren’t published. E-mail: letters@signalscv.com. Mail: Letters to the Editor, The Signal, 25060 Avenue Stanford, Suite 141, Santa Clarita, CA 91355. Anonymous letters are not published.

ETHICALLY SPEAKING

Build Your Life, Not Your Legacy

By David Hegg

In my little world, I often hear guys musing about their legacy. They wonder how they will be remembered, what lasting impressions they will leave on the world, and if the things they started will continue.

Frankly, I’m sick and tired of hearing these discussions and even more tired of folks asking me what I think my legacy will be.

In the first place, questions about legacy almost always come from those who look at us old folks as though we were ready to be put out to pasture. Is the subject of legacy something you young folks bring up, hoping to be polite as you insinuate that we seasoned folks should step aside?

Well, we’re not going anyplace yet … just so you know.

We’re sticking around until we’re fresh out of value, and you’re ready to take over. We think you’re great and will be better than we’ve been, but only if you learn a few things before it’s your turn.

The concept of legacy, in essence, is a futile and self-centered idea. The energy we spend now to ensure that those we leave behind have an emotional monument to our memory is both selfish and wasteful.

“legacyitis” seems to be almost epidemic today. Too many are living today in a way they think will make them memorable tomorrow. They are more focused on what people will think when they’re gone, than on their character and accomplishments today.

We would do well to take a page from the life of an 18th century German count named Nicolas Zinzendorf.

Born in 1700 in Dresden to one of the most influential families in Europe, he went on to become a religious leader in the Moravian movement.

Among other things, many of his followers determined to sell themselves as slaves in order to bring the message of Jesus to the many victimized by the human slave trade. They also organized an amazing prayer vigil that continued, 24 hours a day, for over 100 years.

In a world with so much to be done in the present, it would be wise to focus on what we can do today and trust the future to take care of itself.

In a world with so much to be done in the present, it would be wise to focus on what we can do today and trust the future to take care of itself.

Someone has said, “Yesterday is a canceled check, and tomorrow is a promissory note. Today is cash; spend it wisely.”

Yes, and we’d better spend it with as much vigor and courage as possible. This is the key to a life of true meaning and fulfillment.

I have seen those worried about their legacy shy away from hard decisions, opt not to take on important challenges, and even forsake people and positions they once held dear.

Like too many political leaders, they test the prevailing winds of public opinion and plot their course accordingly. After all, they have to protect their legacy.

This dreadful, soul-diminishing disease of

With all that this great man did, he never considered his legacy something that needed to be planned for or even considered.

One of his many poignant quotes aptly and succinctly expressed his heart. “Preach the gospel, die, and be forgotten.”

He poured his life into his work, adding challenge after challenge without considering how success or failure would be remembered.

As a result, we remember him with great admiration and seek to model his passions and priorities.

So, if you and I are truly interested in leaving a legacy, the best thing you can do is forget about building it, and concentrate on living a life that is worth remembering.

Be a noble, ethical and loving person. Do things well, and have something valuable to say. Ground your life in truth, prize your integrity and build strong, healthy relationships.

Love God and love your neighbor, and rest in the fact that your legacy won’t matter later if your life doesn’t matter now.

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

SCV Veterans Memorial, Inc. and Eternal Valley Memorial Park are Honored to Present Santa Clarita Valley’s Annual Memorial Day Ceremony

Monday, May 27 at 10 a.m. at Eternal Valley Memorial Park Mortuary

Parking will be allowed throughout the cemetery and shuttles will be available to transport you to the ceremony. Seating will be available. We recommend that you wear a hat.

For more information or directions, please call 661-259-0800.

This year’s theme is Women in the Military