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for the Best BBQ

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

If you’re looking to Top Chef-up your Fourth of July BBQ game you’ll want to forgo the obvious choices of traditional American fare such as hamburgers, hot dogs and potato salad. Here’s a Fourth of July BBQ menu that will impress the most discerning palate.

Smoky Grilled Chicken Wings

1/2 cup ketchup

2 tbsp. cider vinegar

1 tbsp. dark brown sugar

2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 chipotle pepper in adobo, finely chopped

1/2 cup sour cream

1 lime

1/4 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped

1 oz. feta cheese, crumbled

3 lb. chicken wings (about 36) split

2 tbsp. olive oil

Salt Black pepper

Heat grill to medium-low. In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, vinegar, sugar, Worcestershire, and chipotle.

Place the sour cream in a bowl. Finely grate the zest of the lime on top, then squeeze in juice (about 2 tablespoons). Add cilantro and feta and mix to combine; set aside.

In large bowl, toss the wings with 1 tablespoon oil and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Brush the remaining tablespoon oil on the corn.

Grill the chicken wings, covered, turning occasionally for 12 minutes.

Continue to grill the wings, basting with the chipotle sauce until chicken is cooked through (165 internal temp). Serve with any remaining chipotle sauce and sour cream sauce, for dipping.

Motley Que Pulled Pork Sliders from King’s Hawaiian

1 package King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Slider

Buns

1/2 cup garlic butter, melted

2 tbsp. Bourbon Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce

1 lb pulled pork (recipe below)

5 slices cheddar cheese

1 cup pineapple, julienne

1 cup slaw mix

Mayonnaise to taste

2 kosher dill pickles, finely sliced

1/2 cup crispy onions

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

To make pulled pork:

4 pounds boneless pork butt

2 tbsp. freshly cracked black pepper

1 1/2 tbsp. paprika

1 tbsp. granulated garlic

1 tbsp. onion powder

2 tbsp. salt

2 tbsp. chili powder

2 tbsp. ground cumin

2 tbsp. dark brown sugar

2 tbsp. hot dry mustard

1 tsp cayenne

Prepare the pork shoulder Rinse and dry the pork shoulder. In a small bowl, combine black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, dry mustard and cayenne. Rub mixture all over the pork.

Cook pork in smoker for 6-8 hours until tender. Alternatively, you can cook in the oven if you do not have a smoker: Arrange the oven racks in the middle and lower parts of the oven and preheat to 225 degrees F. Put a tray on the lower rack and the pork directly on the middle rack, uncovered. Put the cast iron pan with the hickory chips on the floor of 2 of 2 the oven. Remove the chips after 2 hours of cook time. The entire cooking time will be 6-8 hours.

In the last hour of cook time, remove pork, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and then in aluminum foil and return to the oven for 1 more hour. Remove the pork from the oven to a work surface. Let rest until cool enough to pull the pork.

See BBQ, page 6

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

The Fourth of July is like no other day in the United States and the Santa Clarita Valley. Parades, picnics, BBQs, family, fun and, most of all, fireworks!

The tradition of setting off fireworks on the Fourth of July began in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, during the first organized celebration of Independence Day.

Where can you see fireworks in Southern California this Fourth of July?

Communities throughout Southern California will light up the night sky this Fourth of July with spectacular fireworks.

City of Santa Clarita ‘The Spirit of America’ Fireworks Spectacular

Valencia Town Center 24201 West Valencia Blvd., Valencia 91355

Fourth of July in Santa Clarita is packed with celebrations including the kickoff to the day, the Rotary Club of Santa Clarita Valley’s annual Pancake Breakfast at 6:30 a.m. in the parking lot near Main Street and 6th Street in Old Town Newhall. The Santa Clarita Runners will then host the 39th Annual Independence Day Classic 10K (7 a.m.) and 5K (8 a.m.) runs at Newhall Park.

The Fourth of July Parade starts at 9 a.m. Residents are invited to Old Town Newhall to watch the parade as it makes its way from the roundabout in front of William S. Hart Park along Main Street and Lyons Avenue before finishing at Orchard Village Road and Dalbey Drive.

The highlight of the day, the Spirit of America Fireworks Spectacular, hosted by the city of Santa Clarita, will light up the night sky at Valencia Town Center. The show will begin at approximately 9:20 p.m. with patriotic music simulcast on KHTS AM 1220 and FM 98.1.

“For this Fourth of July, I urge you to prioritize safety and leave the pyrotechnics to the professionals,” said Santa Clarita Mayor Jason Gibbs. “Let’s gather our loved ones, find the perfect spot and marvel at the breathtaking exhibition illuminating our city’s night sky.”

Six Flags Magic Mountain

26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia, 91355

Info www.sixflags.com/magicmountain/ events/july-celebration

Six Flags Magic Mountain will present fireworks over the theme park’s roller coasters from July 1 through the July 4. Celebrate the red, white and blue at Six Flags Magic Mountain with four nights of fireworks at 9 p.m. nightly. Best Viewing Areas: Full Throttle Plaza and Main Gate Plaza.

Celebration by the Sea

Ventura College Athletic Fields, 4667 Telegraph Road, Ventura 93003 Info venturafireworks.com

The Rotary Club of Ventura will produce the annual 4th of July Fireworks Show and Family Picnic at Ventura College from 5 - 10 p.m. on July 4. The fireworks show is a custom designed “Sky Concert” from the California-based experts at Pyro Spectaculars and will feature over 3,000 firework effects finely choreographed to a contemporary musical score.

The day begins with the Children’s Pushem - Pullem Parade followed by the annual Fourth of July Street Fair in downtown Ventura.

The evening event is spread across several acres of beautiful lawn at the Ventura College Athletic Fields and includes the fireworks show, live music, food vendors, a Kids Fun Zone and “the friendliest hometown picnic in America.”

Los Angeles Fourth of July Block Party

Grand Park 200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles Info grandparkla.org/event/grand-parks-4thof-july-block-party-2023

The Gloria Molina Grand Park Fourth of July Block Party is the largest in Los Angeles County and covers six city blocks. Enjoy picnicking, music, dancing and food trucks as well as hundreds of drones putting on a show that reinvents the traditional fireworks show. Enjoy an homage to hip-hop music’s 50th an-

niversary. Party starts at 4:30 p.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m.

Dodgers Game with Fireworks

Dodger Stadium, 1000 Vin Scully Ave, Los Angeles 90012

Info mlb.com/Dodgers

Join the Dodgers as they face off against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday, July 4 at 6:10 p.m. Fireworks after the game ends. Tickets priced from $33.

L.A. Galaxy at the Rose Bowl

1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena 91103

Info www.lagalaxy.com

Join the Major League Soccer Los Angeles Galaxy as they play the Los Angeles Football Club at the historic Rose Bowl. Game time is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are priced $35 to $500. Fireworks after the game. Special picnic pack offer includes four tickets along with hot dogs and sodas and a souvenir L.A. Galaxy blanket to share starting at $160.

See FIREWORKS, page 6

FIREWORKS

Continued from page 5

July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular with The Beach Boys

Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N Highland Ave., Los Angeles 90068

Info www.hollywoodbowl.com

July 2, 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets priced from $39 to $314. With dozens of chart-toppers becoming anthems of American youth, including “Surfin’ USA,” “I Get Around,” and “Fun, Fun, Fun,” The Beach Boys will light up the night with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and the Bowl’s legendary fireworks.

On Aug. 16, 1969, Zubin Mehta conducted the first Tchaikovsky Spectacular with Fireworks concert at the Hollywood Bowl, thus beginning the beloved tradition of fireworks at the Bowl

Universal Studios Hollywood

100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City 91608 Info www.universalstudioshollywood.com

When you buy a ticket to visit Universal Studios Hollywood this July 4 you will also get a free fireworks show. In past years the theme park has produced fireworks shows on July 2, 3 and 4 beginning at 9 p.m. each night. This year plans are

BBQ

Continued from page 4

Prepare slaw by combining pineapple and slaw mix. Add mayonnaise and season with salt and pepper. Mix well.

Separate the King’s Hawaiian Slider Buns and brush the insides with garlic butter. Top and bottom pieces. Toast the buns on a griddle until golden brown on both sides.

Evenly place a few slices of pickle on the bottom buns and place 1/4 cup of pulled pork on each bottom bun. Drizzle each with BBQ sauce then top each with slice of cheese. Place under broiler for 40 seconds until melted. Top with pineapple slaw, crispy onions and top half of bun.

Grilled Corn

Buy fresh sweet corn and shuck. Place on BBQ grill and cook until corn is roasted and slightly charred.

Sliced Tomatoes with Green Goddess Dressing

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup buttermilk

1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

still in the works and only July 4 fireworks have been announced. Best viewing locations: TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D and at Universal Plaza.

There is little to no fireworks viewing available at CityWalk. Tickets are priced from $109 online.

1 anchovy fillet, finely chopped

1 small garlic clove

1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

2 tbsp. fresh chives, finely chopped

2 tsp. fresh tarragon, finely chopped

2 1/2 lb. beefsteak tomatoes (about 4)

Salt

Black pepper

In a medium bowl, whisk together they mayonnaise, buttermilk, lemon juice, anchovy, garlic, 1/8 teaspoon salt and a pinch of pepper. Stir in the parsley, chives, and tarragon.

Slice the tomatoes and arrange them on a platter. Drizzle with the dressing and sprinkle with additional pepper.

Peach Caprese Salad

2 ripe peaches or nectarines, cut into 1/2”-thick wedges

1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup fresh corn kernels

1/4 small sweet onion, thinly sliced

8 oz. fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces

2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

2 cup baby arugula

1/2 cup fresh basil, torn into pieces

Salt

Black pepper

In a large bowl, toss the peaches, tomatoes, corn, onion and mozzarella with olive oil and 1⁄2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes. Toss with arugula and basil, then transfer to a platter.

Patriotic Pops

1 pint blueberries

1 pint strawberries

1 quart vanilla ice cream, slightly softened

6 popsicle molds

Remove ice cream from the freezer to soften.

Scoop out softened (not melted) ice cream into a medium bowl and stir until creamy.

In a small bowl, add enough ice cream for one ice cream pop. Take a handful blueberries or sliced strawberries, mix gently with ice cream. Carefully spoon ice cream and fruit mixture into popsicle mold. Repeat until all molds are filled.

Place lid of ice pop mold on top. If needed use wooden craft sticks in the molds. Freeze ice cream pops overnight.

The Beach Boys will light up the night with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and the Bowl’s legendary fireworks on July 2, 3 and 4. PHOTO COURTESY HOLLYWOOD BOWL.

Motley Que Pulled Pork Sliders are a great alternative to traditional hamburgers and hot dogs. PHOTO COURTESY KINGS HAWAIIAN

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Preparing for the Trash Transition

By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

As July approaches, the time grows near for an upcoming change to our waste hauler services here in Santa Clarita. As many of you know, starting July 1, 2023, all residents and businesses within the City will transition their waste hauler services to Burrtec Waste Industries. While many questions have arisen since this announcement, it has been our goal to keep everyone informed to allow for a smooth transition.

Along with July 1 being Burrtec Waste Industries’ official start date, this date also marks the arrival of the implementation of new statewide legislation regarding the recycling of organics, as well as a new cart color scheme. The first change you will notice is your current Waste Management carts being replaced with brand-new Burrtec carts. As you receive these new carts, you’ll notice the new color scheme, which provides consistency across the City and industry, featuring black for garbage, blue for recycling and green for organics, such as yard

waste and food scraps.

Following Senate Bill 1383, a mandatory climate pollutant strategy designed to reduce harmful methane emissions from organic waste in landfills, there will be two types of organic waste that will

be required to be disposed of in your new green organics cart. The first type of organics consists of green waste, including grass clippings, tree trimmings, leaves, flower petals and weeds. The second type is food waste, which includes items such as fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, dairy, eggshells, bread, food scraps, peels and food-soiled paper.

To make organics collection easier for residents, a small, kitchen food waste pail will be provided. Simply place any plastic bag inside the pail and any time you have food scraps or waste, place them into the pail and close the lid. When the bag is full, tie it into a knot and place it in your green organics cart.

Change can be intimidating for many of us, but it has been our mission to prepare residents and make this transition to Burrtec Waste Industries as seamless as possible. Be sure to stay up-to-date with the City’s Trash Talks video series that informs residents of these upcoming changes. These videos can be viewed on GreenSantaClarita.com, along with the City’s social media pages.

Ken Striplin can be reached at kstriplin@santa-clarita.com. The views expressed in his column are those of the City and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal. 

Sweeten Up Family Favs with Fresh Fruit

When your family's favorite dishes inevitably grow tired, a touch of sweetness may be all you need to freshen up the flavor of classic recipes. Keep tried-and-true dinners on the table with a simple addition that complements the tastes you know and love: fresh fruit.

With its craveable texture and crunch, balanced sweetness and beautiful golden red color, an option like Envy Apples can be enjoyed as part of delicious meals. While they're often best served fresh or paired with cheese boards, sandwiches or mocktails, their sweetness also plays up when combined with pasta, shrimp, Parmesan, toasted almonds and more in this Apples and Pesto Farfalle.

To change up Taco Tuesday, bite into these Crisp Apple Tacos and believe in the uplifting aroma and flavor of apples as an invitation to savor those small moments around the family table. It can be your ultimate apple experience and introduce loved ones to new ways to rethink their favorite weekly meals.

Plus, because Envy Apple slices naturally stay white longer than other varieties, they maintain their beauty while you cook so finished dishes look as delicious as they taste.

To find more ways to sweeten up family meals, visit EnvyApple.com. (Family Features)

Crisp Apple Tacos

2 Envy Apples

1/2 pound pork tenderloin

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

3 rosemary sprigs

1/2 cup shredded carrots

1/2 cup shredded red cabbage

1 cup shredded green cabbage

4 tablespoons honey

1 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon mustard

1 tablespoon white vinegar

salt, to taste pepper, to taste

12 tortillas

2 tablespoons sour cream

1 lime, cut into wedges

Slice half of one apple into thick wedges; reserve. Slice remaining half into thin sticks; reserve. Slice second apple into thin wedges; reserve.

Cut pork crosswise into 1-inch round medallions. Coat pork medallions with olive oil, salt and pepper then add to saucepan over medium heat. Add thick apple wedges to saucepan. Add rosemary to saucepan and cook 2-3 minutes. Flip pork and cook 2-3 minutes until pork is slightly golden and cooked through.

Let pork rest 3 minutes then slice into strips.

In serving bowl, toss thin apple sticks, carrots, red cabbage and green cabbage. Mix honey, mayonnaise, mustard and vinegar. Add salt and pepper, to taste.

Mix dressing and cabbage; refrigerate at least 1 hour prior to serving.

Top tortillas with pork, slaw, sour cream and squeezes of lime. Top with thin apple wedges.

Apples and Pesto Farfalle

1 pound farfalle pasta

3 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus additional for cooking pasta, divided

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus additional for cooking pasta, to taste, divided

1 bunch parsley leaves

1 cup toasted almonds

1 cup shredded Parmesan

2 tablespoons lemon juice

30 turns fresh cracked pepper

2 cups cooked peas

2 Envy Apples, diced

1 bunch chives, thinly sliced

1 block Parmesan

20 shrimp

2 tablespoons canola oil

1 1/2 teaspoons coarse pepper

Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just tender. Drain and toss

gently with olive oil, to taste, then set aside.

In food processor, pulse parsley leaves, almonds, shredded Parmesan, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, lemon juice and cracked pepper. Once pulsed, turn processor on high and drizzle in 1/3 cup olive oil until well incorporated.

Toss pasta with fresh pesto until well coated. Fold in peas, apples and chives. Using peeler, shave thin slices off Parmesan block over pasta for garnish.

Preheat grill or grill pan over high heat.

Toss shrimp in canola oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and coarse pepper. Grill 2 minutes on each side, or until charred slightly. Spread evenly over pasta and serve.

ENTERTAINMENT

‘The Flash’ is ‘Exceedingly Well Acted’ Though Long

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘The Flash’

(out of four)

Warner Bros. presents a film directed by Andy Muschietti and written by Christina Hodson. Rated PG-13. In theaters.

My guess is if you’re The Fastest Man Alive, you have trouble focusing and thinking things through. That certainly seems to be the case in an opening scene in “The Flash” in which Ezra Miller’s titular character grows increasingly anxious when a chatty and slow-moving barista is taking FOREVER to make him a breakfast sandwich, which is a big deal because Barry Allen/The Flash needs to consume pretty much all the calories to maintain his peak energy levels.

It’s a clever and well-acted scene, but it also has one thinking: Why

hero status, and his vulnerability and naivete make him an interesting component of the DC Universe. Despite a far-too-long running time and a second half that often relies on audience-pleasing gimmickry in favor of a compelling story arc, “The Flash” is an exceedingly well-acted adventure with just enough gas in the accelera-

tor to make it to the finish line before wearing out its welcome.

(It’s also another in a long, long line of superhero movies that stretches about 110 minutes of material over a nearly two-and-a-half-hour canvas. To what purpose? Why must these putatively epic CGI battle sequences overstay their sense of urgency and drag on forever, time and time again?)

zed to bring together students and parents from across the countr y for fel owsh p and scho ar y competition) is spec tacularly disrupted by world- changing events n o h a r d f e e l I n g s E 1:20 4:20 7:20

Maddie thinks she s found the answer to her financ al troubles when she discovers an ntrigu ng job l sting wealthy he icopter parents look ng for someone to “date” the r introver ted 19-year- old son, Perc y and bring him out of h s shell before he leaves for college But awkward Perc y proves to be more of a challenge than she expec ted e l e m e n ta l B Sun: 10:20 1:20 4:15 7:20; Mon to Thu: 1:20 4:15 7:20

Elemental is an or g nal feature fi m set n Element City where fire - water- land- and air-residents live together The stor y introduces Ember a tough, quick-w tted and fier y young woman, whose fr endsh p with a fun sappy, go-w th-the -flow guy named Wade challenges her beliefs about their world t h e f l a s h C Sun: 10:00 1:00 4:00 7:00; Mon to Thu: 1:00 4:00 7:00

Wor ds col ide in “The Flash” when Barr y uses his superpowers to travel back in time in order to change the events of the past But when his attempt to save h s fami y nadver tently a ters the future Barr y becomes trapped n a rea ity n which General Zod has returned, threatening ann h lation, and there are no Super Heroes to turn to da l í l a n d Sun: 10:30 AM

Dal land tel s the stor y of the later years of the strange and fasc nating marriage between the genius Salvador Dalí and his wife Gala as their seeming y unshakable bond begins to stress and frac ture s p I d e r - m a n: aC ro s s t h e s p I d e r - V e r s e B Sun: 10:00 1:00 4:00 7:00; Mon to Thu: 1:00 4:00 7:00

An epic adventure that wil transpor t Brooklyn’s fu l-t me friendly neighborhood Sp der-Man across the Mult verse to join forces w th Gwen Stac y and a new team of Spider-People to face off w th a vil a n more power fu than anything they have ever encountered t h e l I t t l e m e r m a I d B Sun to Wed: 1:10 4:10 7:10; Thu: 1:10 PM

Ar e ongs to find out more about the world beyond the sea and while vis ting the sur face fa ls for the dashing Prince Eric While merma ds are forb dden to nterac t with humans, Ar el must follow her hear t yo u h u r t m y f e e l I n g s E Sun: 10:30 AM

From acclaimed filmmaker N cole Holofcener comes a sharp y obser ved comedy about a novelist whose longstanding marriage is sudden y upended when she overhears her husband g ve h s honest reac t on to her latest book g ua r d I a n s o f t h e g a l ax y Vo l. 3 C 1:40 6:30

Peter Qu ll st l reeling from the loss of Gamora must rally his team around him to defend the un verse along w th protec t ng one of their own A mission that could qu te possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them

Still, “The Flash” contains, well, flashes of brilliance, e.g., when Barry, a forensic chemist at the Central City Research Center, gets a call from a certain fella named Alfred (Jeremy Irons) informing him there’s an attack underway in Gotham City, and Batman (Ben Affleck) needs his help, as the other, more experienced Justice League members are otherwise occupied. The Flash needs to make that one-second commute to Gotham Hospital, where he juggles his desperate need for nutrition with the task of saving a dozen newborns who are falling like so many raindrops. (Barry even calls it a “baby shower,” HA.) It’s a weird, funny, innovative and exciting sequence, shown from The Flash’s POV, and it’s like something you might see in a “Guardians of the Galaxy” movie. Lord knows the DC Universe could use a little more levity. Not that Barry is having much fun being The Flash. He laments that he’s the “janitor of the Justice League,” cleaning up everyone’s messes, and he’s haunted by the murder of his mother (Maribel Verdu) when he was just a boy — a crime for which his father, Henry (Ron Livingston), was wrongly convicted and imprisoned. After Barry discovers he can roll back time for more than a second or two and use his super-speed to travel into the past, he ignores the obligatory “butterfly effect” warnings about how you can’t mess with the timeline, and he finds himself trapped in an alternate universe with his goofy, irritating 18-year-old self. Barry’s mother is alive in this world, but everything is a bit … off, as when he learns Eric Stoltz starred in “Back to the Future” (lots of meta-meta stuff going on here), while Michael J. Fox was in “Footloose.”

Oh, and the evil Kryptonian General Zod (Michael Shannon) is about

to destroy Earth, so there’s that. The two Barrys seek out Bruce Wayne/ Batman, and as you might well know from the trailers and poster and advertising, Michael Keaton reprises his role from the Tim Burton films, and he’s as fantastic as you’d expect him to be, playing a burnt-out version of Bruce who’s lazing around a dilapidated Wayne Manor as if he’s Batman Big Lebowski — but rallies into fighting shape to help the Barrys locate Superman. Instead of finding Superman, they locate his cousin, Kara Zor-El (Sasha Calle) aka Supergirl.

Director Andy Muschietti (the “It” movies) and screenwriter

Christina Hodson (“Bumblebee,” “Birds of Prey”) deliver a number of creative and crowd-pleasing callbacks and Easter eggs saluting the history of Batman and Superman, though at times it seems more like fan service than an integral element of the story arc.

Miller, whose deeply troublesome offscreen behavior had some observers wondering if this entire project would be shelved, does a remarkable job of creating two completely independent versions of Barry. (Also, the technology is insanely good; there’s never a moment where it doesn’t feel as if two distinctly different characters are occupying the frame, even though they’re being portrayed by the same actor.) Keaton is great and seems to revel in delivering some very familiar lines, while Sasha Calle in a limited role still gives a hint of how powerful she might be in a standalone Supergirl adventure.

“The Flash” tries to do too much and careens this way and that in its finale, and we get dangerously close to the point where the surprises aren’t all that surprising anymore, but it’s a step in the right direction for the sometimes wobbly DC Universe.

Copyright 2022 Chicago Sun-Times

Up Your Contact Routine

getting ready to go out, insert contact lenses with clean hands before applying makeup. Before bed, wash your hands, remove your contacts and clean your lenses before going to sleep. One-third of contact lens wearers have fallen asleep in their lenses, but doing so increases the risk of infection.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN A CAREER WITH A PURPOSE ?

If you’re one of the 45 million Americans who wear contact lenses, you know what a great choice they can be, whether you play sports, want to avoid the nuisance of foggy glasses or simply find yourself feeling more confident in them. However, it may be time to give your contact lens care routine a makeover, particularly if your lenses feel dry or uncomfortable.

Unfortunately, one in five contact lens wearers find lenses to be less comfortable by the end of the day. Consider the following tips for allday comfort:

Practice healthy tech habits Long hours on screens can be a contributing factor to eye discomfort, mainly because of less blinking; however, making a few adjustments can help. The experts at Bausch + Lomb recommend following the 20-20-20 rule. For every 20 minutes of screen time, take a 20 second break to look at something 20 feet away. If you work with computers all day, you should also remember to blink regularly. It can be surprisingly easy to forget to blink when you’re focused on the next deadline! Finally, adjust the brightness and text size on your devices to reduce eye strain and optimize comfort.

Insert and remove contacts with care The order of steps you follow as you insert and remove your contacts matters. In the morning or as you’re

Follow lens care directions According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 40-90% of contact lens wearers do not properly follow their contact lenses’ care instructions. It is recommended to follow the complete recommended lens rubbing and rinsing times in the product labeling to adequately disin fect your lenses and reduce the risk of contact lens contamination.

Reduced rubbing or rinsing time may not adequately clean your lenses. And never “top off” or reuse solution. Fill the lens case with fresh solution every time you store your lenses — don’t cut corners!

Clean and moisturize contact lens wearers experiences dry lenses, and one in five find lenses to be less comfortable by the end of the day. Show your eyes some love by using a contact lens solution recommended by board-certified optometrists, one that is uniquely-formulated for dry, uncomfortable contact lenses.

Biotrue Hydration Plus Multi-Purpose Solution not only offers exceptional cleaning and disinfection and dissolves protein build-up, it’s also formulated with your eyes’ biology in mind to promote all-day comfort. It keeps more moisture on your contacts as well as provides up to 20 hours of moisture. For more information and complete use instructions, visit www.biotrue.com.

Stop chalking up dry, uncomfortable lenses to being a regular part of wearing contacts. With a few tweaks to your routine, you can experience comfort throughout the day.

(SPT) 

Full-Time

Part-Time/ Seasonal Opportunities

We

Making Outdoor Living Spaces More Comfortable

Private backyards are now go-to spaces for recreation and entertainment and great places to recharge the body and mind.

One ripple effect of the COVID-19 pandemic was more time spent outdoors, even if it was predominantly on one’s own property. OnePoll, in conjunction with the lawn care company TruGreen, surveyed 2,000 American homeowners and found participants spent 14 hours outside every week in 2021, which was three hours more than prior to the pandemic. In addition, respondents admitted that time spent outdoors was therapeutic.

A separate survey conducted for the International Casual Furnishings Association found that people now spend more time relaxing, gardening, exercising, dining, and entertaining outside than in years past. Though

COVID-19 may no longer dominate headlines, the desire to enjoy outdoor spaces has not waned.

While enjoying outdoor living areas, homeowners can do all they can to make these spaces comfortable and welcoming. The following are some good starting points.

Get All Lit Up

Outdoor spaces can be enjoyed no matter the hour when there is ample lighting. That could be why the International Casual Furnishings Association reports those who plan to renovate their outdoor spaces list outdoor lighting as a priority. Outdoor lighting not only sheds light on entertaining spaces, but also makes spaces safer and more secure.

Increase Privacy

No matter how friendly homeowners are with their neighbors, there comes a time when privacy is para-

mount. Fencing, whether it is wood or vinyl, or even a natural fence made from closely planted hedges, can ensure residents feel comfortable venturing outdoors to swim, take a cat nap or even star gaze in private.

Address the Elements

Homeowners should note the direction their backyard faces and the typical daily conditions of the space. For example, a yard that faces southwest may get plenty of strong sun during the day, requiring the addition of shade trees, covered patios or arbors to cut down on the glare and heat. If the yard is often hit by winds,

trees or bushes planted strategically as windbreaks can help.

Sit Comfortably

High-quality comfortable seating increases the liklihood that homeowners will want to stay awhile in their outdoor spaces. A deep seating set complete with plush chairs, outdoor sofa or love seat and chaise lounge chairs gives people more opportunity to sit and stay awhile.

Take a Dip

A pool can be the perfect gathering spot on a warm day, while a spa/ hot tub can bridge the gap to cooler weather. According to the Family Handyman, soaking in hot tubs can relax tired muscles after a long day, loosen up stiff joints, improve cardiovascular health, and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep.

Bite Back at Bugs

Homeowners may want to consider using a professional exterminator to get rid of ticks, mosquitoes and other nuisance insects from outdoor spaces.

As people spend more time enjoying their properties, they can consider the many ways to make outdoor living spaces more comfortable.

SENIOR LIVING

…The Best Years Yet!

Redefine Retirement Through Community Connection

Everyone benefits when older adults remain engaged, independent and included. Instead of letting age define their circumstances, older Americans are embracing change, pushing boundaries and transforming their communities through creativity, commitment and service.

Volunteering is one way older adults can improve their quality of life through connections with others, and it’s also been proven to make measurable improvements in the mental and physical health of the volunteers themselves. In fact, 84% of volunteers report stable or improving health after one year of service and 88% report lower levels of feelings of isolation, according to a study conducted by AmeriCorps Seniors.

As a first stop for anyone looking to explore volunteer opportunities, AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors connect individuals and organizations through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps Seniors matches Americans 55-plus with opportunities to improve their communities through the contribution of time, passion, skills and experience.

“AmeriCorps Seniors is tailor-made for those aged 55 and older,” said Atalaya Sergi, director, AmeriCorps Seniors. “It provides a space for older adults to take charge of their ‘second act’ and use their time in valuable and impactful ways. All of our volunteers share a goal of making a difference in their communities, and many see their involvement as a chance to make friends and form meaningful connections.”

More than 140,000 Americans are matched with volunteer opportunities each year through three programs: RSVP, the Foster Grandparent Program and the Senior Companion Program.

“Our programs offer varying levels of involvement, interaction, time commitments and work with a diverse set of partners,” Sergi said. “We believe there’s a good fit for everyone and many opportunities for volunteers to meet like-minded peers who share their interests or pursue volunteer opportunities that can involve their families, too.”

Consider these ways older adults can get involved in their communities.

Respond to the Needs of Your Community

With more than 115,000 volunteers, RSVP is the largest of the programs. It is a popular choice due to its flexible time commitments and diverse ways to serve. The program partners with national, state and local organizations to offer volunteers a wide range of service opportunities, from building houses to delivering food.

“All the people you meet when you’re a volunteer tell you their stories and experiences,” said Srini Srinivas, a volunteer serving with the RSVP program. “You find that very rewarding and it enriches your life. Doing this service is a way of paying it forward. It supports the community. It keeps me active, which is a good thing. You also feel useful.”

Serve as Mentors

For older adults interested in working with children, the Foster Grandparent Program pairs volunteers with local schools and other programs focused on children, caring for and working with classes, groups or individual students. Volunteers serving with the Foster Grandparent Program serve between five and 30 hours each week based on their availability and may be eligible for a small monetary stipend to offset the cost of volunteering.

“My motto is, ‘There is never a never, you can

always accomplish something.’ I’m here to help the kids learn, be there for them and teach them as much as I can,” said volunteer Priscilla Tsethlikai, who has been involved with the program since 2016. “They’re teaching me, and at the same time, I’m teaching them.”

Provide a Helping Hand to Other Older Adults

Fostering relationships with other older adults is also a rewarding, and needed, option. Volunteers serving with the Senior Companion Program give about 20 hours each week and spend time with older adults in need of companionship or help with day-to-day tasks such as grocery shopping, getting to appointments or paying bills. Volunteers may also provide respite to family members caring for loved ones with chronic illnesses. The program may offer a small monetary stipend for volunteers who qualify.

“Volunteering has changed me, it keeps me grounded,” volunteer Carmen Swanson said. “When you help others and do for others, you enrich your life. My favorite part is being available and of service to them. Whatever their desire is, whatever they’d like to achieve - if I can execute the task, follow it through and accomplish it then it makes my day.”

While it may mean different things to different people, the idea of choosing our own paths as we age provides one overarching sentiment: growing older can and should be empowering.

“We know there are stereotypes surrounding older adults, but we want people to shift their thinking,” Sergi said. “See the ways older adults continue

See SENIOR LIVING, page 17

SENIOR LIVING

COMFORT KEEPERS IN-HOME CARE

Caring For Seniors In Their Home For Over 21 Years

Comfort Keepers has earned the reputation as a premier provider of quality inhome care. In fact, readers of The Signal have voted Comfort Keepers BEST In-Home care for 12 consecutive years! Comfort Keepers is a licensed Home Care Organization (HCO) locally owned and operated by Myles McNamara, Certified Senior Advisor. Their goal is to enable seniors to remain in the privacy and comfort of their own home for as long as possible. Often, all that’s needed is a helping hand with daily tasks, including but not limited to, medication reminders, bathing/showering assistance, meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, transportation (beauty salon, doctors, etc.), grocery shopping, companionship, grooming guidance, recreational activities, and more. Comfort Keepers is crucial after discharge from a hospital stay to safely transition home, avoiding preventable readmission. They are also instrumental in lowering stress for family members juggling busy lives and work schedules around attending to a loved one’s needs. Their service provides peace of mind knowing these needs and daily activities are being

taken care of. It will allow quality time to be spent with loved ones, rather than attending to chores. If falling is a concern, hydration, nutrition, medication schedule, etc., just knowing someone is with them can make all the difference. Their Caregivers are also specifically trained for Alzheimer’s and Dementia care. Although their clients

are primarily seniors, services are available for anyone over the age of 18 experiencing difficulties with daily tasks because of illness or injury. Offering In-Home Care for seniors, and anyone 18 and older recovering from illness or injury. Servicing the Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valleys with office in Santa Clarita and Encino.

Myles McNamara, owner of Comfort Keepers InHome Care, can be reached at 661 287-4200. 

24305 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita, CA 91321 | Pacifica-SantaClarita.com | Lic # 197607592

The Friendly Valley Country Club is an active community for SENIORS 55+. We are located a few miles from the San Fernando Valley and about 35 miles from Los Angeles. The community is guard gated and patrolled 24/7 and features a 9 hole executive course and an 18 hole pitch and putt. There is a lawn bowling court, picnic areas with BBQs, heated pool and a spa. There are many club and card rooms as well as a billiard room.

You can be as active as you want or just relax and enjoy your home.

There is an RV parking lot with a nominal cost per year.

Ellie Lacy or Jackie Kovacs will be happy to give you a tour of this terrific community and show you the homes that are currently for sale.

Kellar DavisInc.

A Professional Real Estate Corporation

Kellar-Davis, Inc.

Cal BRE #01290507

19310 Avenue of the Oaks Newhall, CA 91321

Kellar-Davis is your INSIDE source for all things Friendly Valley!

Ellie Lacy & Jackie Kovacs are your Friendly Valley Specialists

Get the Most Out of This Summer — And Life

Summer is here, and so are celebrations, vacations and plenty of post-retirement fun. The better you care for your bone, joint and muscle health over time, the better you can enjoy these moments, from lifting your grandkids to mastering your golf swing. Follow these tips from the experts at Southern California Orthopedic Institute to take charge of your well-being:

1. Stay Active: Engage in low-impact exercises like walking or swimming to promote flexibility and strength.

2. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight strains joints. Having a healthy weight reduces discomfort and improves mobility.

3. Eat Well: Consume calcium-rich foods for strong bones and include omega-3 fatty acids to reduce

inflammation.

4. Protect Your Joints: Use proper body mechanics and consider assistive devices when needed. Choose joint-friendly activities like yoga or tai chi.

5. Seek Professional Care: Regular check-ups with specialists are essential for personalized care and advice.

“At Southern California Orthopedic Institute, we believe age shouldn’t limit you,” says board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeon Dr. Steve Kwak. “Every member of our team is here to work with our patients to support them in overcoming pain, enhancing strength and getting the most out of life.”

You can take care of your bone, joint and muscle health for an active lifestyle. Visit www.scoi.com for more resources and tips or call (818) 901-6600 for an appointment with an advanced specialist. Start your journey to a healthier future today!

Van Nuys | Bakersfield | Valencia | Simi Valley | Westlake | Beverly Hills | Porter Ranch 

Yeager Law is Santa Clarita’s Premier Estate Planning and Probate Law Firm

Yeager Law APC is a family firm focused solely on estate planning and probate, operated by the husband and wife team of Michael Yeager and Jennifer Roldan. “We strive to give each client a friendly and comforting experience. For many clients, we are the first encounter with any sort of law firm,” says firm founder and attorney Michael Yeager.

Many believe that estate planning is just a generic will or trust but the reality is much more. Each family is different, so there is no one-size-fitsall solution. And with improvements in medicine, planning for incapacity has become just as important as what happens to your property after death. An incomplete or incorrectly prepared estate plan can cause more

harm than good. Yeager Law works with their clients and their families to provide the best and most comprehensive estate plan available.

Where estate planning fails, Yeager Law helps clients navigate the complex probate laws that exist after death where no estate planning was done or what was done was insufficient. Probate is a time-consuming and expensive process. There are a lot of little rules and steps that drag out even the simplest probate. Even minor errors can cause months of delays and frustration. In addition to all the paperwork, Yeager Law routinely deals with the courts, creditors, and others that come up during the course of the probate.

For more information, call Yeager Law at (661) 471-2177. 

Pacifica Senior Living

Cheers to the future Mr. and Mrs.! Pacifica Senior Living Santa Clarita would like to announce the engagement of two of our residents, Juanita R. and Bob H. The happy couple met right here in the community dining room. Though it did not start out as love at first sight the relationship between the two has grown into something truly special. It was clear to see early on that when Bob looked at Juanita, he got a special kind of sparkle in his eyes. As they continued to get to know one another, they began spending more time together playing their favorite word game. Eventually, Bob asked Juanita to meet his daughter, and soon after Bob met Juanita’s family as well.

Bob was clearly smitten and told Juanita that he loved her and wanted to marry her, but he wasn’t sure if she felt the same way. In answer, Juanita proposed to Bob, and he immediately said yes.

Both Juanita and Bob are wonderful loving people in their own ways,

but being together brings out the best in both of them.

On June 20th an engagement party was held in the activity room at Pacifica Senior Living Santa Clarita to celebrate the happy couple with staff and residents. We look forward to witnessing their union this coming fall. We want to wish them the most happily ever after!

SENIOR LIVING

Continued from page 13 to contribute to your life and communities, appreciate their wisdom and lived experiences, and join them in new endeavors. When the older adults in our communities are engaged, valued and genuinely included, we all benefit.”

For more information, and to find volunteer opportunities near you, visit AmeriCorps.gov/YourMoment.

Support Older Adults in Your Community

Though many older adults remain independent and engaged as they age, some may find they are no longer able to complete daily tasks and require assistance. By looking for ways to assist older adults with tasks and engage with them intellectually, you can help them continue to live fulfilling lives. Consider these ways you can make a difference in the lives of older adults in your area: Offer your services. This may be especially useful if you are a skilled tradesman, such as a plumber, car-

penter, electrician or mechanic, or have technical skills and can assist with navigating devices such as computers and cell phones.

Volunteer at an older adult community. Assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care communities often rely on volunteers to host game nights and social events to help residents socialize and stay active.

Assist with household chores. While many older adults choose to age in their own homes, they may require assistance with cooking, cleaning, yard work and more.

Help with transportation. If you have a car and a valid driver’s license, driving older adults can help them complete their errands more quickly and safely. They may need to get to a doctor’s appointment, go to the grocery store, visit the post office or complete other tasks outside of the home that a driver can assist with.

(Family Features) 

Kellar-Davis Real Estate

Link Between Physical Activity and Mortality Risk

Welcome to Friendly Valley, LA County’s best kept secret! A SENIOR Country Club community with 1290 condos ranging in price from the low $300’s to over $700 thousand dollars. We are guard gated and patrolled day and night offering a nice sense of security in today’s uncertain world. This property was once owned by Bob Hope and he had the executive golf course built which is enjoyed by all residents at no cost to play. Guests can join a resident for a small fee. There are club house’s, an auditorium, a pool and spa, and for the RVers a parking lot for those motor homes or boats etc. for a small annual fee. There are many clubs and groups and a community church. You can be as active or as laid back as you choose!

Kellar-Davis Real Estate is your inside Agency located next to the Masonic Lodge! We know Friendly Valley inside/out and would be delighted to give you a tour.

Call Ellie Lacy at 661-341-6226 or Jackie Kovacs at 661433-2606 CADRE# 0408471 CADRE#01868798 

A2022 study led by researchers at the National Cancer Institute found that recreational pursuits that incorporate physical activity, including walking, swimming and playing tennis, may lower older adults’ risk of death from any cause. That includes cardiovascular disease and cancer, which the World Health Organization notes are two of the leading causes of death across the globe.

Running, cycling, swimming, other

aerobic exercise, racket sports, golf, and walking for exercise encompassed the seven different exercise and recreational activities researchers examined as part of the study, which utilized data from more than 272,000 adults between the ages of 59 and 82. The researchers found that achieving the recommended weekly amount of physical activity through any combination of these activities was associated with a 13% lower risk of death from any cause compared to people who did not participate in such activities. Though all activities were associated with lower risks of death, racket sports seemingly provided the most bang for seniors’ proverbial bucks, as those activities were associated with a 16 percent lower risk of death. (MC) 

Kids & Teens Medical Group is a general pediatrics practice that takes an integrated approach to care. With offices throughout southern California, the team of board-certified pediatricians makes it easy for patients in the Greater Los Angeles area to find high-quality pediatric care and pediatric urgent care services.

Kids & Teens Medical Group provides care for pediatric patients, including infants, children, teens, and young adults.

In addition to providing comprehensive physicals and well-child visits, the general pediatric practice has expertise in diagnosing and managing allergies, asthma, attention-deficit

Care

Residents and families can rest easy knowing that Oakmont has a wellness center and a full-time nurse to help with all of their daily living needs. Our services are tailored to each resident’s specific needs, and our professional and caring team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Dining

Every meal is an experience thanks to our executive chef and team of culinary professionals. Our culinary team has not only been hand-picked from some of the finest culinary schools and fine dining establishments, but they have also received the extensive training for which Oakmont Senior Living has become known.

Activities

Life at Oakmont is meant to be full of vitality, joy, and purpose. Our team continually offers a palette of activities that both resonate with and challenge community members. Res-

disorder/attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD), and autism. The pediatric practice also offers nutrition services and free pediatrician consultations for expectant mothers, as well as after-hours care.

Kids & Teens Medical Group believes all children and adolescents benefit from easy access to health care and accepts all forms of health insurance. The general pediatric practice also sees patients without insurance, providing free well-child exams and vaccinations.

At Kids & Teens Medical Group, the team views children as the future and believes it’s their duty to preserve their health, prevent illness, and optimize wellness and well-being.

The primary pediatric practice is open seven days a week and gives same-day appointments for sick visits and well visits. For high-quality pediatric care, call Kids & Teens Medical Group or use the online scheduling tool to request an appointment today. Telehealth appointments are also available. For more information, visit them online at www.KTDoctor.com or text 818-658-2701.

idents at Oakmont can choose from a variety of pursuits designed to engage seniors physically, intellectually, and socially.

Floor Plans

Apartment homes at Oakmont of Santa Clarita range from studio suites to two-bedrooms and are among the largest apartment homes in the industry. We pay exceptional attention to design, finish, and detail and take great pride in creating attractive spaces. Our belief is that residents deserve, enjoy, and benefit from beautiful surroundings, both inside and out.

Learn more about luxury senior living in the Santa Clarita Valley. Call today to schedule a tour! 661-5686080.

Six Simple Tricks to Start Each Day Strong

Pressing snooze, finally waking up frazzled, rushing through the house to leave on time, skipping breakfast — if that sounds like a typical morning for you, creating a new routine to start days on a stronger note may help you feel more refreshed and accomplished.

For many people, easy, breezy mornings may sound like a fantasy. However, instituting these simple tips from the experts at Buddha Teas — creators of fresh, organic teas with high-quality ingredients to let you explore nature’s best qualities — can put you on a fast track toward less frantic beginnings to each day.

Begin a Bedtime Routine

A bright-eyed, bushy-tailed morning actually starts the night before. To help ensure you’re getting enough sleep each night (7 hours or more for adults, according to the National Institutes of Health), make sure you’re winding down both physically and mentally before heading to bed. This often means skipping caffeine, turning off devices and avoiding big meals close to bedtime.

Wake Up at the Same Time Each Day

As part of your fixed bedtime routine, try going to sleep and waking up at the same times each day — including weekends. This may help your body create a natural rhythm to make it easier for you to rise in the morning without pressing snooze.

Start with Something You Enjoy

Whether you’re a morning person or natural night owl, knowing you’ll start the day with something enjoyable can help you dread that ringing alarm clock a little less. For example, a steaming mug of Buddha Teas Turmeric Ginger blend offers a delicious and comforting way to wake up. Turmeric’s pungent flavor combined with delightfully sweet ginger warms with every sip to energize your morning.

Meditate and Move

While a meditation session may sound like a quicker way to put you back in bed than get your day going,

it can actually be beneficial to harness positive energy first thing. Focus on deep breathing, calm your mind and slow your heart rate prior to taking on the day’s tasks. Once you’re mentally motivated, move on to physical preparation with 10-15 minutes of light stretching to energize your body and get your blood flowing.

Strengthen Your Body

Another key aspect to a successful morning includes strengthening yourself physically by eating and drinking foods and beverages that provide immunity-boosting ingredients. Consuming a powerful blend of healing, protecting and preventative herbs can be a productive way to defend your body from free radicals with a beverage like Buddha Teas Echinacea Elderberry, which is packed with organic and plant-based vitamin C, antioxidants and detoxifying herbs. Echinacea, used for centuries to heal and protect, is combined with elderberry’s high levels of vitamin C, which is essential for growth, development and reparation of the body.

Eat a Nutritious Breakfast

Everyone knows the common refrain: “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” Yet, many people choose to skip a morning meal or simply run out of time, despite the many benefits of refueling before heading off to work or school. In fact, a nutritious breakfast offers a multitude of health benefits for your body, according to the International Food Information Council Foundation, including a healthier heart, better digestion, stronger bones and improved metabolism. Plus, making time to eat in the morning can provide the energy you need to tackle your to-do list.

Find more beneficial ways to start your days strong by visiting Buddha Teas.com. (Family Features) 

Prestige Assisted Living — Mental Health Concerns In Older Adults

We live in an era where people talk openly about mental health more than ever before. And yet, according to Mental Health America, 68% of older adults know little or nothing about depression.

It’s a statistic that’s particularly troubling as seniors are prone to a variety of factors unique to their demographic that can put them at risk for a mental health concern:

• The passing of a spouse, partner, sibling(s), family members or longtime friends

• Concerns about their health, both physical and cognitive

• Fear of falling

• Isolation and loneliness among older adults who live alone

• Side effects from medications

• Concerns about losing independence

It’s important for loved ones to pay careful attention to the possibility of mental health concerns in older

adults. It could come quickly in the aftermath of a big life change, or simply grow gradually over time. Among the warning signs:

• Heightened stress or worry

• Increased negativity, anger or irritability

• Feelings of hopelessness

• Trouble sleeping

• Changes in appetite

• Deterioration in hygiene

Life at Prestige Assisted Living at Lancaster

At Prestige Assisted Living at Lancaster, our teams work closely with our residents every day, and that level of personalized care allows us to see when someone may be struggling, or

their mood or demeanor is changing. From there, we work with the resident, their loved ones and professionals to help them on a path forward.

For more information about our community, contact us at (661) 949-2177 or visit us online at www. prestigecare.com/lancaster.

Heritage Sierra Medical Group

As Santa Clarita’s premier destination for primary care, Heritage Sierra Medical Group strives to help maintain overall well-being.

We are constantly striving to enhance the care we provide to everyone. Our commitment to your well-being goes beyond medical consultations and extends to providing additional value through services such as health insurance education.

We believe that addressing your health insurance needs is an integral part of maintaining your overall health and peace of mind. We have a dedicated team of health insurance professionals who will be readily available to go over your health insurance enrollment status and provide assistance in maximizing the benefits available to you.

To schedule a visit to our facility located on the Henry Mayo Campus or take advantage of complimentary health insurance enrollment assistance, please contact our friendly staff at (661) 362-8100.

Thank you for choosing Heritage Sierra Medical Group as your primary care provider. We are committed to delivering the highest level of care and support to our valued patients. We look forward to serving you and helping you make informed decisions about your health insurance coverage.

At Prestige Assisted Living at Lancaster, our goal is to not only provide quality care, but to keep our residents active and engaged by nurturing body, mind and spirit.

Our assisted living community offers Celebrations, a wellness-focused lifestyle program that focuses on an array of wellness opportunities designed to help you celebrate life and feel your best, no matter your age.

We also offer our award-winning Expressions Memory Care program, which uses innovative care techniques to turn daily activities into memorable and meaningful events.

SCHEDULE

CELEBRATE LIFE AT EVERY AGE

Santa Clarita Menu Guide

Funburger

L’Italiano Restaurant

Jersey Mike’s

Continued on next page.

Pho Sure

Delicious food served with a smile. Funburger offers American fare with an elevated twist. Large screens and sound systems ensure sports viewing is comfortable. Wine and beer lovers rejoice with rotating selections of 40 beers on draft and regional wines served by glass or flight.

23460 Cinema Dr Unit J Santa Clarita, CA 91355 (661) 753-3124

Everest Burgers

L’Italiano Restaurant — The Truffle Hunter — Located in the heart of Santa Clarita offers a welcoming environment and warm staff to serve you. You’ll find mouth-watering traditional Italian food prepared fresh to order, made with pride. Dine in for the full experience, ordering pickup or delivery online is available.

23460 Cinema Dr A Santa Clarita, CA 91355 (661) 476-5618

Newhall Refinery

At Jersey Mike’s, we offer a sub above — one that’s measured in more than inches or seconds ‘til served. We carefully consider every aspect of what we do — every slice, every sandwich, every store — we provide our customers with sustenance and substance too.

9 Locations in SCV, visit www. JerseyMikes.com for the one nearest you.

Egg Plantation

Pho Sure signature dish is our Authentic Vietnamese beef noodle soups; however, we do offer an array of rice, dry noodle dishes as well as Vietnamese curry, Banh Hoi and Pho Ap Chao. We welcome you to Pho Sure because we trust that you will like what you try, Pho Sure!

23876 Copperhill Dr Valencia, Ca 91354 (661) 257-3888

Neighbarista

Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and catering. We have Breakfast burritos, avocado bacon cheese burgers, grilled chicken salads, carne asada fries, avocado and bacon sandwiches. We serve quality food and generous portions.

18645 Soledad Cyn Rd.

Santa Clarita , 91351 (661) 252-3412

Newhall’s first gastropub located in the heart of Old Town Newhall, has the valley’s finest selection of craft beer with twenty rotating craft beers in our custom draught system. A fine selection of wines and amazing handcrafted cocktails, and a taste for everyone from our specialty blend craft burgers to delicious chef created entrees.

24258 Main Street Newhall Ca. 91321

661-388-4477

About Egg Plantation

WE ARE KNOWN FOR OUR WARM, ATTENTIVE HOSPITALITY, DELICOUS FRESH COOKED FOOD AND QUAINT CAFE CHARM.

We specialize in breakfast including 101 omelets. We offer specialty espresso beverages and a full bar serving the best Bloody Marys around using our in house recipe.

24415 Walnut St Newhall, CA. 91321 661-255-8222

Breakfast elevated in the Santa Clarita Valley. A welcoming atmosphere and excellent service paired with excellent food. Everything served is made inhouse and they offer a variety of unique dishes. You are likely to fall in love with their breakfasts and lunches.

23120 Lyons Ave #24 Newhall, CA 91321 (661) 288-2217

Santa Clarita Menu Guide

Fire Island Grill

Thai Dishes (Valencia)

Funburger

COMING SOON

We are a quick casual restaurant serving an Island Fusion Flavor. We serve a variety of Rice Bowls, Salads, and Sandwiches. All our sauces and dressings are made in house. We offer in dining service, catering, to go orders, and delivery services.

19335 Plum Canyon Road Suite A Santa Clarita 91350

Numero Uno Pizza

Eating is Believing!

We’re an authentic Thai Restaurant with many years of experience, cooking noodles, rice, seafood, curries using the freshest ingredients. We are located next to the 99 cents store on Valencia Blvd. Come try our yellow chicken curry and shrimp PAD SEE-EW. They’re Delicious!

23328 Valencia Blvd. Valencia, ca. 91355 (661) 253-3663

Pierogi Spot

The Funburger philosophy is simple…offer delicious food using the highest quality ingredients and serve them with a smile. Our new handcrafted menu is specially created by an experienced chef and our ingredients speak volumes in terms of freshness and creativity. We offer traditional American fare with an elevated twist while keeping it casual in our revamped dining area and outdoor patio. State-of-the art audio visual screens and sound systems ensure that your big game and sports viewing are always comfortable.

Wine enthusiasts and beer lovers rejoice with a rotating selection of drafts and regional wines served by the glass or flight. Special tasting events alongside a knowledgeable staff help you create a beer or wine pairing like you’ve never experienced.

Forget what you thought you knew about Funburger and stop in to try the NEW Funburger. With a fresh approach to casual dining, a focus on customer service and food that speaks for itself, we’d like to welcome you to the Funburger experience. 

The restaurant is entirely family owned and operated and they’ve been doing it since 1993!!. The service is excellent and very friendly. The establishment carries fantastic pasta and Chicago style deep-dish pizza, not to mention the fresh made salads, sandwiches and appetizers.

26111 Bouquet Canyon Rd Santa Clarita, 91350 (661) 259-3895

One and only Polish food restaurant in Santa Clarita valley. Best comfort food in town. We specialize in serving house made pierogi, sausages, cabbage rolls, stews, schnitzels, and desserts on fire… Every meal includes Free daily soup and fresh salad. Give us a try, You won’t be disappointed!!!

26511 Golden Valley Rd Santa Clarita , 91350 (661) 254-4850

SOLUTIONS

The Myth of Leadership

With decades of international and top management roles in multiple industries, I had the opportunity to learn about leadership. I also had the opportunity to know many individuals called “leaders.” What I found out is that leaders are not gifted, brilliant, extraordinary individuals with multitudes of dedicated ardent followers. This is only the myth of leadership. Leadership is not real, what is real is followership and that is the key. Followership makes all the difference, and it is derived from transactional benefits.

While lots of people talk about leadership and there are untold number of books and stories about this subject, I believe they all have the story backwards. The truth is, it is all about followership. People only follow leaders because there is some benefit in doing so. When the benefit ceases, what was identified as leadership vanishes. Leadership only works because it offers benefits and nothing more mystical or ethereal than that.

To understand why this is true, let’s consider what leadership is, which often stems from charisma.

I would submit charisma (or leadership) is a combination of status, vision, attractiveness, power, authority, knowledge and trust. The only reason this matters is these attributes provide something that the followers want. Status can provide recognition to the follower, likewise vision gives the follower purpose. Continuing along we see attractiveness offers validation; power can get the follower resources. Authority offers protection, knowledge offers information, and trust can yield friendship. This is not an exclusive or complete listing and there are many overlaps with each other and a few more in different ways.

So how can one acquire and exhibit leadership? The answer lies in providing benefits just like any other business transaction. So, a great leader is not a larger-than-life demigod who individuals crave to follow. The real secret is followership, which stems from providing benefits to the followers. In simple terms, the leader is the supplier and the follower is the customer.

When the product (leadership) on offer does not satisfy the customer, there is no followership and therefore no leadership. When the price for the offering does not measure up to the benefit, the power of the perceived leader ceases. Then the followers move on to the next provider of wanted benefits and then this person is called a leader. So, if you want to be a leader always think about satisfying those you want to have along with you. This is accomplished by listening to the customers (followers) and understanding their needs. Then provide what is wanted and needed to the best of your ability. If you do this well, someone will call you a leader. But all you have done is to acquire followership. You can only keep this going until you are no longer willing or able to satisfy the followership obligations.

So, when you meet the followers’ needs you will be called a leader. Because only then do you satisfy the followers and provide the desired benefits. This is why leadership is a myth. The followers are really in charge of offering followership and they do this only on a temporary basis at their discretion.

G.A. Ben Binninger Valencia

ETHICALLY SPEAKING

Some Bumper Stickers Lie

By David Hegg

We’ve all seen it. I saw it again just this week on the backside of a huge pickup that had been lifted to accommodate oversized wheels.

The bumper sticker read, “He who dies with the most toys wins.”

Being a bit of a social anthropologist I immediately started thinking about the worldview that it was promoting. Apparently, the owner of the truck considered life to be primarily about gaining enough wealth to purchase toys, and the more the better. Such a worldview would focus primarily on wealth and self, with the goal being accumulation of those things that wealth could provide for self. All in all, it boasts a very self-centered life, and not one you would expect anyone to be bragging about if they really stopped to think it through.

But there are even more distressing components in this worldview. The fact that no amount of toys can prevent death seems to be admitted. As well, if winning is based on the number of toys we have when we die, such a victory must be quite hollow given that we won’t be around to enjoy either the victory or the toys any longer. Maybe it should read, “The kids whose parents die with the most toys win!”

Imagine the natural effects of this worldview. With its preoccupation on the personal collection of toys, it sees others, not as neighbors, but as competitors. If the accumulation of wealth and toys is really the goal of life, then competition rather than cooperation will be the norm. If personal pleasure is the ultimate goal then societal welfare will have to take a back seat.

Further, anything that might demand personal sacrifice of resources or time would be looked at as a waste of time. After all, if the goal of life is to get more and more stuff in order to show everyone else that I have more toys than they do, then there is no way I’m going to work against myself by giving away either my resources or my time. Charity smarity! I need to buy another toy.

Unfortunately, this bumper sticker’s

ethical stance is more prevalent than we think. We might be the most consumer-driven society of all time. Our kids learn at a very early age that the girl with the most designer labels is the coolest; the boy who skates with the best brands is the hottest. They are all getting a running start on their accumulation of toys. And it is no wonder since we, their parents, have been collecting our own stockpile for quite some time.

But there is an even more distressing aspect of this worldview. It says nothing about the possibility that this life is not all there is. It essentially dismisses the possibility of life after death by directing all our energies to the gathering of toys as badges of success in this one. Such a position is really quite detrimental if you consider that this assumes there is no god, no heaven, no ultimate accountability for the way we live this life. All that matters, according to this worldview, is whether we can collect more toys than the next guy.

And most of all, the bumper sticker leaves us with an unsettling question: Who decided that the one with the most toys wins, and can he or she be trusted? What if it is a cruel fantasy, and life is supposed to be lived, not for self, but for others? What if there really is a God?

As I watched the huge pickup drive away I couldn’t help but do a little editing in my mind: He who dies with the most toys … still dies. And that’s when we’d better be ready. Our best option is to find a consistent worldview that does several things: It should bring out the best in us in this life, as well as bring benefit to our neighbors and our society. It should also prepare us to be in the best place if there does turn out to be a God who will render his judgment on our lives in the next life.

I’ve found a worldview that answers my questions and provides satisfaction and purpose in this life and the next. I only hope that you’re looking in the right place for yours.

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

Caring for seniors in their home for over 21 years