Sunday Signal June 28, 2020 by Signal

Getting ready for the Fourth!

JUNE 28, 2020

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES 4 Preparing for a party amid the pandemic 5 Michele makes … Fourth of July eats 6 Fourth of July Snow Cone Cupcakes 7 Losing the ‘Quarantine 15’ through healthy eating 8 Deaf community: challenges, solutions amid COVID-19

ENTERTAINMENT 9 Cuban heroes or traitors, a haunted Welsh vacation FROM THE CITY MANAGER 10 Enjoy City trails, open space and parks safely SENIOR LIVING GUIDE 11 Helm Vision Group 12 Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Kellar-Davis, Inc. 14 Crippen Mortuary Retirement plans sometimes change 15 Advanced Audiology Comfort Keepers 16 Supervisor Kathryn Barger Visiting Angels

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J U N E 28, 2020

N E W S F E AT U R E

When preparing for a party amid the pandemic By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

os County Supervisor Kathryn Barger announced the stay-at-home quarantine order in March, the first of its kind in history, and it seemed like the whole world froze for residents across the county. Seeing friends, visiting relatives, watching games on a lazy Sunday all came to a screeching halt. Streets emptied, store windows shuttered and Zoom servers began to overload. Life seemed to slip into a virtual state for many … However, hope springs eternal, and with the earlier restrictions from quarantine starting to lift as the summer heat rises, experts in the field of health and medicine are explaining how socially distanced parties can, and should, work. Public and private gatherings — as long as they’re limited to 10 people or fewer — are now allowed under the latest public health orders. But simply because you can, according to Dr. Bud Lawrence, of the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Emergency Department, doesn’t mean you should, or that people should act like nothing happened. “People are fairly educated about this disease process,” said Lawrence. “I would just say that everyone needs to understand their own personal risk, and make decisions based on that.” L.A. County Department of Public Health officials said residents should “limit gatherings and extracurricular activities to those that can maintain physical distancing and support proper hand hygiene.” The Centers for Disease Control actually defines what the highest risk and lowest risk are, and also labels a gathering as a “planned or spontaneous event, indoors or outdoors, with a small number of people participating or a large number of people in attendance such as a community event or gathering, concert, festival, conference, parade, wedding or sporting event.” The CDC also makes the following classifications in order for the public to understand where an event stands in terms of possible exposure to the virus:

The Colletta family celebrates a socially distanced 88th birthday party for Bob Colletta, far right, during the recent quarantine. Health experts say gatherings are OK — as long as certain precautions are taken. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

LOW RISK Virtual only activities, events and gatherings. MORE RISK Smaller outdoor and in-person gatherings in which individuals from different households remain spaced at least 6 feet apart, wear cloth face coverings, do not share objects, and come from the same local area (e.g., community, town, city or county). HIGHER RISK Medium-sized in-person gatherings that are adapted to allow individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and with attendees coming from outside the local area. HIGHEST RISK Large in-person gatherings where it is difficult for individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and attendees travel from outside the local area. Lawrence echoes these statements from the CDC, but also at the same time, says that people should exercise rational thinking when determining if an event is appropriate. “There are many subtleties to this in the sense that maybe, as someone in your household, you feel that people that you’re having over have said, ‘Hey, they’re not sick, they’ve

checked their temperature. They feel fine. They have no symptoms,’” said Lawrence. “Maybe you feel comfortable having them in your house for a social gathering very similar to preCOVID.” “Or maybe your personal comfort level is, ‘Hey listen, I’m elderly or I am a very high-risk patient with multiple medical problems, or my immune system doesn’t work right, and I don’t want anyone coming into my house. I don’t feel that that is safe for me,” said Lawrence. “And I think each individual person can make that own decision at this point.” Lawrence said people need to acknowledge that cases of COVID-19 are still out there, still prevalent, and that will be the norm, at least for a while. In terms of parties, however, Lawrence said outside is definitely a safer option than inside. “Outside is definitely safer,” said Lawrence. “In a sense, outside is going to allow for more movement of air, carrying the virus, essentially — as opposed to being inside, which is likely a slightly higher risk.” In terms of BYOB (depending on which circle you’re in can either mean “bring your own beer” or “bring your own beef ”), Lawrence added it’s advisable, but sharing from a cooler

would likely be safer than ordering drinks/food from a restaurant due to the party having a controlled environment. Lawrence said it would be smart to ask guests the standard questions about whether they’ve experienced symptoms, and even possibly take no-contact temperature reads at the door. In regards to the size of the party that he believes people should abide by, Lawrence simply stated that it’s a numbers game. “The more individuals at a gathering, the higher the risk that one of those individuals may be carrying the virus without symptoms, or maybe sick and not know it, or might be sick and just didn’t sort it out,” said Lawrence. “Certainly 10 or more individuals at a gathering, that is significantly increasing the risk that there could be transmission of the virus.” However, if people keep the party small, stay smart about wearing masks and social distancing, Dr. Lawrence thinks there’s enough evidence out there to support that people can have well-planned, intimate gatherings. “If everybody wears masks and everyone is six feet away from each other,” Lawrence said, “it is very unlikely that anyone will get sick.”

J U N E 28, 2020

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F O U R T H O FJ U LY

Michele makes … Fourth of July eats

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

elebrate the Fourth of July with more than hot dogs and hamburgers thrown on the backyard grill. Make it a special day with “custom” kabobs, a unique coleslaw salad and a dessert that screams “Hurray for the Red, White and Blue!” Add in some simple grilled corn, bacon-wrapped asparagus and a few tasty beverages, and you’ve got a Fourth of July party fit for a patriot!

1/4 cup soy sauce 1 tsp. black pepper

Chicken and Duck Glaze 2/3 2/3 1/2 1 2 2

cup soy sauce cup honey cup canola oil tbsp. prepared horseradish tsp. steak seasoning garlic cloves, minced

Veggie Glaze

For your vegan and vegetarian friends. Finish this kabob with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar after you remove it from the grill.

1/4 2 1 1

cup canola oil garlic cloves, minced tbsp. dried basil tsp. salt

Pro tip Marinade your meat then cook on the grill, or in the oven. Put all the meats and veggies on separate plates, have your guests assemble their “kustom kabobs.” Glaze the kabobs and grill for a few minutes on all sides to finish. The best part of the kabobs is always the “char” from the grill. Glazes listed below should compliment the marinades used for the meat.

Lamb Marinade

1/4 cup olive oil 3 cloves garlic, pressed Juice of 1 lemon Fresh rosemary, cut fine Fresh mint, chopped

Steak Marinade 1/4 10-12 3 2 1 1/2

cup extra virgin olive oil cloves fresh garlic, minced tbsp. Worcestershire sauce tbsp. Dijon mustard tbsp. black pepper tsp. salt

Duck Marinade

2 tbsp. finely grated orange zest 3/4 cup orange juice 1/4 cup honey

Using shredder disc in food processor, or hand shredder, shred cabbage, carrot and apple. Finely cut up green onions, using all of the onion, from tip to tip. Sprinkle with pomegranate arils and nuts or sunflower seeds and serve with dressing on the side. I have a friend who makes this salad and adds shredded pear. I’ve never been successful with the pear portion, it’s either too mushy or too “green.”

Red, White and Blue Shortcake 1 1/2 1 1/2 4 2/3 1 6 6 2 1

quarts strawberries, sliced (6 cups) cups sugar cups Bisquick cup milk tbsp. sugar tbsp. melted butter cups blueberries tub non-dairy whipped cream topping (you can also use real whipped cream you make yourself, or the spray can variety).

Mix strawberries and 1 1/2 cups sugar. Let stand 1 hour. Heat oven to 425 F. Mix Bisquick, milk, 6 tbsp sugar and the butter until soft dough forms.

‘Kustom’ Kabobs

We all like different foods. Why make a “onetaste-fits-all” kabob when it is so easy to create “custom” kabobs to suit everyone’s taste? First gather a bunch of veggies for the kabobs. I usually “par-cook” these so they’re mostly done and just need to be reheated on the grill.

1 apple Sliced almonds or sunflower seeds to taste (about 1/2 cup) 1/2 bottle coleslaw dressing 1 cup pomegranate arils

Veggies Cherry tomatoes, onion slices and chunks (sweet and red), green, red and yellow peppers, pineapple chunks, green zucchini slices or chunks, cremini mushrooms, yellow squash slices

Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus 1 lb. asparagus 1 lb. package uncooked bacon, thin sliced Olive oil Balsamic glaze (optional) Salt and pepper to taste

Wash asparagus and trim ends. Place asparagus on tray and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat. Wrap 2-3 spears with one slice bacon. Repeat with remaining asparagus and bacon. Heat grill to medium heat then place asparagus bundles on grill and cook 3-4 minutes per side, or until bacon is crispy. During last minute of grilling, brush asparagus bunches with balsamic glaze. Avoid adding glaze too soon or it may burn. Add salt and pepper, to taste.

Simple Grilled Corn

6 ears white or yellow sweet corn Butter and salt to taste

Preheat grill to 375 F. Shuck corn and toss on the grill until corn gets a “char” and the kernels are cooked and soft. Remove and immediately roll in butter and salt to taste.

Easy Pomegranate Coleslaw

1/2 head cabbage (about 4 cups) 2 green onions 1 large carrot (or small bag of shredded carrots)

Gently smooth dough into ball on surface sprinkled lightly with Bisquick. Knead 10 times. Roll dough 1/2 inch thick. Cut with floured 3-inch starshaped or round cutter. Place about 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes. Stir blueberries into strawberries. Split shortcakes in half. Fill and top with berries and whipped cream. Easier shortcut Replace biscuits with slices of premade pound cake purchased from the grocery bakery (or thawed Sara Lee pound cake from the freezer aisle.) Optional: Place tiny American flags atop each dessert.

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J U N E 28, 2020

F O U R T H O FJ U LY

Fourth of July Snow Cone Cupcakes

hese snow cones won’t melt. Nope. They’re not icy… but they are frosted. They’re snow cone cupcakes and they were a lot of fun to make. Decorate them in red, white, and blue so you can see how cute they are for the Fourth. When I made them, I wanted more than just the tops to resemble snow cones though. I wanted the cupcake to be tri-colored too. But not the usual layered look you see from bottom to top. No. These should be layered verti-

cally to match the frosted tops, right? Divide the cake batter equally and then tint a third blue and another third red.

The plain batter is good to go. Now the fun part. Spoon each color of batter into a decorating bag and tie the end with a twist tie. For this to work well, you need the colors to fill the baking cups at the same time. I taped the bags together so I could hold them as one unit. The photo on the right is no good. Taping them at the top causes the tips to separate and

you’ll make a mess trying to fill the baking cups this way. Trust me. : ) Instead tape the bottoms so the ends are closer together. Lay the bags on a flat surface and tape them so they are in a row. This will give you a lot more control when you pipe. Prepare baking cups… Take a deep breath … and cut the ends off the decorator bags at the same time. Try to hold the bags at the top so you can apply even pressure to all three and slowly fill each baking cup with batter. Move the tips of the bags back and forth as you apply pressure so they fill evenly with batter. Then bake! And voila — vertically tri-colored cupcakes. Yippee! All you have to do now is decorate. I baked these in candy cups and then frosted and decorated them in sections. Middle first — dipped in sugar crystals. Then blue with blue sugar crystals and then the red. I like sugar crystals for this project instead of sanding sugar because the size of the crystals are bigger and look a little more icy, but you can use either. And technically, if your frosting is tinted the right color, you could just sprinkle the entire tops with white crystals. Once frosted and covered in crystals, use a toothpick to manipulate the frosting and make sure the rim of the paper cup shows. This will help pull off the look.

Snow Cone Cupcakes

Red white and blue cupcakes 2 2/3 cup all purpose flour 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 4 egg whites 1 cup whole milk 1 tablespoon vanilla 2/3 cup salted butter, softened Three bowls Red and blue liquid food coloring Three piping bags Twist ties Candy cup baking papers (see note below)

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. • Sift flour, sugar and baking powder into a large mixing bowl and then mix together on low. • In another bowl, stir egg whites, milk and vanilla together. • Add butter to the flour mixture and mix together. As it starts to

combine, slowly pour the milk mixture in and mix until completely combined. • Divide batter evenly into three bowls. Add about 40 drops of red food color to one bowl and stir together until completely blended. Repeat with the blue food color and a second bowl, leaving the last bowl white. • Stand decorator bags in tall glasses for support and spoon batter into bags. Tie off the ends of the bags with twist ties. (Note: Three bags will hold about half of the batter, so you’ll need to repeat for the full amount.) • Lay the bags side by side and tape around the bottoms of the three bags to make it easier to hold them together in a row. • Cut the end of the bags off and slowly pipe batter into paper candy cups using a back and forth motion. Use your fingers to apply more pressure to the center bag if necessary. • Fill cups a little more than halfway. Bake for about 16 minutes or until done. • Remove and cool. Makes about 16 cupcakes. Note You can bake these in candy cups or regular baking cups. If you use candy cups, make sure you find the ones that aren’t wax coated on the inside. Here are some I found online that are meant for baking in. Most of the ones I’ve seen in stores have the coating on the inside. And if they are hard to find, you can also just bake them in regular baking cups and place them in the candy cup before you decorate.

Frosting 1 1 4 4

cup butter, softened teaspoon vanilla cups confectioner’s sugar teaspoons milk Food coloring Red, white and blue sugar crystals Small plastic spoons • Beat butter and vanilla together. • Add sugar slowly and beat until combined. • Scrape down the sides and add milk. Mix until smooth and creamy. You can also add a couple of drops cherry oil for extra snow cone flavor • Divide the frosting into three bowls and tint two of the bowls with

a few drops of red and blue food color so when you cover in sugar crystals, there isn’t any white frosting showing through. • Makes enough to frost about 8 cupcakes with high domes of frosting. Double for this cupcake recipe unless you don’t plan on frosting your cupcakes this high.

To Decorate

• Pipe white frosting down the center of the cupcake, lining up somewhat with the white cake section. Then use a knife to pull the frosting down towards the edge of the cup. Make sure to leave the white rim of the cupcake paper showing completely. You can wipe off excess frosting if necessary. • Sprinkle white sugar crystals on the frosting, letting the excess fall into a bowl underneath. You can then gently press the cupcake down into the fallen crystals to fill any uncoated areas. • For the red side, just use a knife to apply the frosting. Pull downward with the edge of the knife so the frosting meets at the base of the cup. Again, make sure to keep the rim of the cup free of frosting. • Sprinkle with red sugar crystals over a separate bowl, and press red section into the bowl of crystals to fill any gaps. Repeat with the blue frosting and blue sugar crystals. When the cupcakes are coated with sprinkles you can easily, reshape the dome if necessary by gently pressing down any areas that look uneven. Finally, sprinkle more white sugar crystals over the entire cupcake to give it an even icier look and insert a small spoon right in the top. Serve with little plastic spoons for full effect and see who you can fool! (Bakerella.com)

J U N E 28, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

N E W S F E AT U R E

Losing the ‘Quarantine 15’ through healthy eating By Perry Smith Signal Managing Editor

ver the last few months, we’ve all had to make some massive adjustments in our lives, and for many of us, the ‘new normal’ hasn’t included a weight-loss plan. In fact, as Dr. WIlliam Dietz, pointed out in a recent WebMD article, inactivity due to quarantine, as well as more processed foods and higher than normal stress and anxiety levels for many, all create an “ideal situation for weight gain.” Dietz, chair of the Sumner M. Redstone Global Center for Prevention and Wellness at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, was acknowledging what half of women and a quarter of men noted in a WebMD poll — “COVID restrictions” can create an ideal weight-gain situation. However, one thing that the experts will all note that’s remained a constant: Healthy weight loss often comes from sustainable behavioral changes, as well as dietary ones.

Taking advantage of tech

To that end there are numerous technological tools to help create healthier habits, according to Maria McIntosh, Henry Mayo registered dietitian and clinical nutrition . “Right now, the thing that I’m very interested in is all the commercials I’m seeing for the weight-loss apps,” McIntosh said. While there are a lot of apps now with varying utility, McIntosh mentioned that what’s important is to look at what the app does: If it helps you address your eating habits and behaviors in a positive, healthy way, there’s definitely potential value there, as that’s a very important component in any sort of sustainable weight loss. She mentioned Noom and Weight Watchers apps as two of the more popular ones that work in that respect. “From what I have heard about (Noom), I think it can be very helpful because I think it focuses on the behavioral aspect,” she said, “and getting people to think more about what they’re putting into their mouth and when they’re putting food into their mouth.”

Chef Ubaldo Navarro mixes and steams vegetables at Plate Therapy, a food-delivery service in Santa Clarita. While the quality of the ingredients you eat is extremely important in your diet, it’s also important to regulate when and how often, according to the experts. SIGNAL PHOTO

Changing habits

Since changing behavior is a big part of successful dieting, it’s no surprise that the changes forced upon us from quarantine have negatively impacted the eating habits of many. The good news is, there are a lot of subtle ways we can make the adjustment back to our healthier, pre-quarantine selves:

Make a note

While quarantine has been a disruption, for many, working from home has changed our schedule, and perhaps even allowed a bit more time for introspection. Diet experts suggest using this time to look at your habits. “One thing to do is to really try to keep track for a day,” McIntosh said, suggesting a log that reviews eating/ snacking behaviors in 15- or 30-minute increments. “That way you can then analyze it and recognize some areas where you need to establish a routine.”

Portion control

One common habit that we’ve seen evidence of with all the empty store aisles is stocking up. We have a tendency to do that with the dietary staples, such as bread, eggs and flour,

as well as with the unhealthier items. (At my grocery store, an early run on toilet paper also coincided with a run on frozen food items which, while easy to prepare, also are very high in preservatives and other unhealthy ingredients.) As McIntosh pointed out, this can be part of a new routine, as well. Instead of going to the store to load up on the buy-two-get-one-free deal on ice cream, make it an occasion, or better yet, a destination, if there’s a frozen yogurt/treat place you can walk to. Of course, this week’s edition of the Sunday Signal also has instructions on how to make your own frozen treat, which can be the healthiest option.

Trying a new diet

Some of the most popular fad food trends of 2019 included plant-based meat, not eating eggs, cucumber-only diets and intermittent fasting, according to an article by Dr. Sean Hashmi, regional director of weight management and clinical nutrition for Kaiser Permanente Southern California. Hashmi’s article found that neither meatless meats nor cucumber diets are nutritionally sound choices. Foods like plant-based burger patties are high in salt, fats and processed chemicals, so people are better off

sticking with vegetables or fruits, and any weight lost on a cucumber diet is only water weight that will be immediately gained back as soon as you go off the diet. On the other hand, eggs and intermittent fasting are okay if done responsibly and in moderation. Intermittent fasting, in which eating is restricted to certain hours of the day, is not the best way to lose weight. If it’s done safely, it can lead to weight loss — but if done unsafely, it can result in nutrient deficiency. Places like Plate Therapy offer local options for dining with nutritionist-designed, organic, farm-to-table ingredients. Owner Danielle McPartlin launched Plate Therapy in 2015, and follows the paleo diet, which focuses on meat, fish, vegetables, healthy oils and certain kinds of fruit. But regardless of which healthy options you choose, healthy habits remain crucial. “It’s more about the consistency of what you’re doing. You can be what you think of as “extra good” on your diet for one or two days, but for the rest of the week, if you’re eating whatever you want, it’s not going to do too much,” McIntosh said. “Consistency is the key.”

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J U N E 28, 2020

N E W S F E AT U R E

Deaf community: challenges, solutions amid COVID-19 By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

he COVID-19 crisis has brought forth unprecedented challenges for many, especially for the deaf and hard of hearing. But the local community has solutions that can benefit all during and beyond the pandemic. For deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, communication via sign language, which uses body language, hand movements, lip reading and facial expressions are vital. But, for one, what happens when everyone is instructed to wear a face mask? A lot of information is lost when trying to communicate with a face mask on, according to Santa Clarita resident Patty Ivankovic, who identifies as deaf and is an American Sign Language and Deaf Culture instructor at College of the Canyons and is the deaf and hard of hearing, or DHH, specialist for the Burbank Unified School District. “The wearing of masks has been a huge challenge for me personally, and I know it is challenging for other Deaf individuals, as well,” said Ivankovic, who became deaf at the age of 3, and is married to Anthony, who is also deaf, wrote in an email. “Facial expressions are grammatical in American Sign Language and carry the meaning of words, just as the changes in a person’s intonation in a spoken language indicates the ‘tone’ of what is being said.” Anthony, who is often the one to run essential errands for the household during the pandemic, has faced encounters ranging from “people becoming upset and gesturing angrily on what they want him to do, usually (to move) to another aisle or location” to having to wait for orders outside of eateries far longer than others now that vibrating pagers, for example, are out of use due to safety measures. “In this COVID-19 global emergency, it is critical that deaf people are treated equally and without discrimination by ensuring the provision of access to information and health services in their national sign languages, as well as access to all forms of daily life activities such as education and other public services which may be presented in different formats during this pandemic,” ” read a May statement by the World Federation of the Deaf.

Captions and interpreters

These days, more people are relying on technology to access news, data and other developing information about and during the coronavirus crisis. But not all news conferences or meetings have sign language interpreters or captioning available, and when they do, they’re not always correct, said Ivankovic. “While many platforms and televisions have captioning capabilities, the captions are not always accurate in that there are misspellings, gaps and, sometimes, complete omissions, which impact the message being delivered,” she said. “Rule of thumb:

Former Santa Clarita resident Matthew Simmons, who is deaf and a Trader Joe’s employee, finds ways to communicate with customers through plexiglass. PHOTO COURTESY MATTHEW SIMMONS

If a hearing person can hear the message, a deaf person should be able to see the message.” Video conferences, via Zoom or other platforms, have become an essential tool for work, homework and everything in between. To improve accessibility, Zoom announced it would prioritize functionality this summer in addition to its closed captioning already available. Google also recently announced that Google Meet, its video-communications service, would include live captioning settings capable of transcribing a conversation in only seconds. “Captioning and providing interpreters and full accessibility to deaf people is incredibly important and something we can improve on as a community as a whole, especially with the requirement of wearing masks,” said local resident Joelyn Caprine, Ivankovic’s daughter.

Clear masks could work

Regular masks and face clothes are presenting communication challenges among the DHH community and hearing individuals. One solution is the use of clear masks, much like Safe ‘n’ Clear or ClearMask, companies producing face masks with clear plastic over the mouth section to make lip reading easier. Caprine, who has been an advocate for bringing more awareness to the deaf community, the culture and ASL, said she would wear one to spark a conversation and bring more awareness. Ivankovic believes face shields are more effective for communication purposes because clear masks could fog up and still take away from vital facial expressions, but understands that face shields do not provide the enclosed coverage as masks do. Improvements for businesses and organizations Whether it’s a restaurant or a dentist office, having various options for communication will make it

easier for both deaf and hearing individuals. Some examples include having paper and pen ready, one’s cellphone or computer to type out information to communicate at the moment of interaction. Employers should also ask their employees if they have any knowledge of ASL. “They might be surprised that there is some hidden talent among their staff that they can call on if a Deaf or hard of hearing person is in the environment,” said Ivankovic. Staying in communication and connected is also important, said Tisha Caranto Meza, who has been hosting Zoom sign and chat sessions for College of the Canyon’s American Sign Language Club. Some workers have also taken the initiative to create a more inclusive working environment, such as former Santa Clarita resident Matthew Simmons, who is a full-time teacher’s assistant at Washington School for Deaf and a part-time crew member at a Trader Joe’s in Vancouver, Washington. At the grocery store, he designed a work T-shirt to notify customers that he is deaf and was not ignoring them. He has also written messages on plexiglass, such as, “I am Deaf and read lips” and providing customers with a whiteboard so they can respond back.

Be patient and stay connected

One of the best things both DHH and hearing individuals can develop is patience, said Ivankovic, and her daughter agreed. “I think basic awareness would help many during this time and a constant reminder that you don’t know who or what the person behind the mask is facing in regards to challenges during this time, (so) just be patient with one another,” said Caprine.

J U N E 28, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

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

Cuban heroes or traitors, a haunted Welsh vacation By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘Wasp Network’

No rating. Running time: 128 minutes.

f you happened upon any random sequence from the Netflix film “Wasp Network” and stuck around for five or 10 minutes, you might well believe you’re looking at an awards-buzz, period-piece epic filled with big star performances, stunning visuals and elaborate production values. You’d be halfright. Writer-director Olivier Assayas’ based-on-a-true-story political crime thriller features a big-name cast (Penelope Cruz, Edgar Ramirez, Ana de Armas, Gael Garcia Bernal) and is filled with memorable images, from prop planes flying back and forth from Havana to Miami to a horrific terrorist attack on a beach to a lavish wedding reminiscent of the opening scene of “The Godfather.” Deadly serious people are involved in deadly serious business in “Wasp Network,” and there’s an air of importance and urgency to their every move, and we should be utterly immersed in this story — but we’re not. Not even close. The saga of the real-life intelligence operatives known as “The Cuban Five,” who infiltrated Cuban-American anti-Castro groups in the late 1980s and early 1990s, is an incredibly complex and dense tale, and though Assayas has masterfully handled equally challenging material, e.g., 2010’s “Carlos,” there are so many players in “Wasp Network” and so many storylines that never fully connect, we get lost in the weeds time and again. This is such a tangled web, it’s nearly impossible to ascertain the true motives of numerous main characters, let alone decide who’s a rogue hero freedom fighter and who’s an opportunistic criminal. Ramirez is outstanding as Rene Gonzalez, a small-plane pilot and flight instructor living in the Havana of the late 1980s with his loving wife, Olga (Penelope Cruz), who works at a local tannery, and their young daughter. One morning, Rene finishes his espresso, kisses his wife and

PHOTOS COURTESY IMDB

child, heads out to work — and steals a plane and defects to Miami. Rene says he wants to make a better life for his family, as the collapse of the Soviet Union’s economy is already having crushing effects on life in Havana. For years, Olga believes her husband is a traitor, but Gael Garcia Bernal’s Gerardo Hernandez, who heads up a Cuban spy ring known as the Wasp Network, eventually explains to her Rene is actually a great Cuban patriot gathering intel on the growing number of revolutionary terrorist groups planning and carrying out bloody attacks in the homeland. As I said: Complicated. Another storyline involves Wagner Moura (“Narcos”) as the movie star-like double agent Juan Pablo Roque, whose marriage in Miami to the beautiful and captivating Ana Magarita Martinez (Ana de Armas) is the social event of the year in the Cuban community. Roque had defected to the United States with a death-defying swim to Guantanamo Bay and was funding his lavish lifestyle by acting as an informant to the FBI — and getting involved in other activities, about which he tells his wife she’d be better off not knowing. Deep into the movie, we get a splitscreen montage as a previously unheard offscreen narrator tries to explain what’s happening and who’s who and where this is all going. It’s as if the filmmakers realized in post-production they had a problem. By then it’s too late.

‘You Should Have Left’

Rated R. Running time: 93 minutes.

f only this couple with the young child had seen “The Shining,” the moment they came upon the isolated and ominous-looking structure tucked far away from civilization, they would have turned the Range Rover around and headed straight for the airport. Ah, but then “You Should Have Left” would have been called, “We Left Immediately,” and it would be a 90-second video and not an effectively chilling little horror gem from writer-director David Koepp, who reunites with the ageless Kevin Bacon some 21 years after Koepp penned “Stir of Echoes.” Although Bacon looks fantastic at 61, the age difference between his character of Theo and Theo’s actress wife, Susanna (34-year-old Amanda Seyfried), is a point of contention and conversation. When Theo visits Susanna on a movie set, the P.A. guesses, “You’re her dad?” And when the luminous Susanna emerges from the home swimming pool and kisses her husband, she says, “Old man — sunblock.” Not that the age differential is the most scandalous element to their marriage, which has produced a precocious and adorable 6-year-old daughter named Ella (Avery Essex). Theo, a wealthy banker, was married before, and when his wife drowned in the bathtub, Theo was charged with killing her. Even though he was acquitted, a lot of people think he literally got away

with murder. Apparently, folks are still buzzing about the case years later, because out of the blue one day Ella asks her mom, “Why do people hate Daddy so much?” After a prelude in which both Theo and little Ella are haunted by horrific nightmares, the family takes leave of the states for a getaway vacation in Wales. The house they’ve chosen online is an imposing, brick-walled structure the size of a small hotel. What’s more, it has labyrinthine, narrow corridors and multiple levels, as if Frank Lloyd Wright had teamed up with the architect of the Overlook Hotel and the designer of a carnival house of mirrors. Almost immediately after the family arrives, weird things begin to happen — and continue to happen. Ella sees shadows where there should be no shadows. There’s only one photo in the entire mansion: a creepy snapshot of an unknown person, affixed to the wall in the laundry room. Theo goes about the house, turning off the lights for the night, and somehow loses track of five hours. When Theo hears a strange sound and looks away from the mirror, his mirror image keeps staring at him. One room in the house is 5 feet longer on the inside than it is on the outside; wrap your head around that one! Also, someone has written in Theo’s journal: YOU SHOULD LEAVE and later, YOU SHOULD HAVE LEFT. Bacon and Seyfried are terrific together as a couple who love each other and adore their daughter, but are so caught up in their respective, selfish worlds, you often can cut the tension with a knife. The cinematography, editing, lighting and production design all feed into the increasingly creepy and chilling atmosphere inside that strange house, which seems to have a mysterious and ghostly caretaker lurking about and has a way of swallowing up its occupants. With echoes of “What Lies Beneath” and “The Others” and the aforementioned “The Shining” informing the plot, “You Should Have Left” is by no means groundbreaking or wholly original, but it produces more than enough jumps and jolts to have you jumping off the couch. Copyright 2020 Chicago Sun Times

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J U N E 28, 2020

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Enjoy City trails, open space and parks safely

By City Manager Ken Striplin

he City of Santa Clarita has built a strong reputation throughout Southern California for the high quality of life our residents enjoy. You’d be hard pressed to find another community where you can explore miles of offstreet trails, enjoy time as a family in nearly three dozen parks and discover the wonders of nature in thousands of acres of pristine open space — all just a few minutes away from your home. While residents in the Santa Clarita Valley have continued to do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19, the City has been able to keep open our parks, trails and open space for safe use. We understand the importance of physical activity and the emotional, mental and physical toll that social isolation can take, and I am thankful that our residents have been able to safely and responsibly use public ame-

nities so they can remain available. As such, I would like to share a few reminders as more Safer-at-Home restrictions are lifted. These will help us all continue to do our part to keep one another safe during the summer months. First, it is important to remember that wearing a cloth face covering or mask is still required in all of Los Angeles County when entering a business. Face coverings are also needed when you are out in public and cannot safely observe six feet of physical distancing. This does not mean that a face covering must be worn at all times when you step out of your front door. However, you should have one with you in case, for example, you do find yourself on a trail with other members of the public, and you cannot keep six feet of distance between you. When in a City park, please note that playground equipment remains closed, though you can still go for walks, play in the grass or get in a

tennis match at a City-owned court. The City’s off-street trail system and paseos, which go throughout Santa Clarita, remain open for walking, running, cycling and more. Please continue to follow proper trail etiquette when hiking, biking or riding your horse through Cityowned open space. City open space locations are open from sunrise to sunset and trail users must leave the trail the way they found it, which means carrying out their own trash. Motorized vehicles are prohibited and remember that cyclists must yield to pedestrians and that equestrians always have the right-of-way. Each open space property in Santa Clarita has its own set of areaspecific rules and regulations. Please make sure to check the entrance sign or kiosk for the rules that apply to that property. It is also important to note that Los Angeles County-managed trails and those managed by the Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority have posted rules

about face covering usage that may differ from Santa Clarita’s trails, so please check all posted signage. No matter which trail you use in the Santa Clarita Valley, keep in mind that you may run into various types of wildlife, including rattlesnakes. Make sure you have adequate supplies for your hikes, such as snacks and water, and familiarize yourself with the City’s emergency trail locator system so that you can call for help and give first responders your location if necessary. You can learn more about general rules and regulations for Santa Clarita trails, as well as trail etiquette, by visiting HikeSantaClarita.com. To learn more about the City’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, please visit SantaClaritaEmergency.com.

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.

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Laser cataract surgery arrives in the Santa Clarita Valley!

Q&A with Dr. Craig J. Romero Helm

Q: Dr. Helm, would you explain the difference between traditional cataract surgery and laser cataract surgery? Dr. Helm: Traditional cataract surgery involves the use of blades to make incisions to access the cataract. Generally, in experienced hands, this technique produces excellent results with standard lens implants. However, there are now more advanced lens implants that perform best when they are perfectly centered in the eye. In laser-assisted cataract surgery, the laser is used instead of a blade to make the incisions in the patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cornea, making a perfect circular opening to access the cataract. Laser pulses soften the cataract for ease of removal. Q: What are the main advantages of the laser?

Dr. Helm: The advantages of using a laser with cataract surgery are that the laser gives us a level of precision, predictability and programmability that allows for greater customization of surgery. Each eye is different. The laser takes that into account and allows us to precisely tailor the best contoured incision for that particular eye. Q: Is there anything special about this particular laser that Helm Vision Group has acquired? Dr. Helm: This laser represents Swiss technology at its finest! Unlike other laser platforms that are available for cataract surgery, the Ziemer FEMTO LDV Z8 uses the lowest pulse energy to do the job and is highly accurate. With less energy needed to perform, it causes less inflammation and makes the surgery a more gentle experience. We are very excited to bring this technology to Santa Clarita residents.

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J U N E 28, 2020

Safe in our Care

H Did you notice more hearing problems while Safer at Home? • Have family members complained about you always asking what they said? • Do you find yourself turning up the sound on your TV?

Don’t let these excuses stop you from hearing clearly.

COVID Sale

Save $1500

off our everyday prices. We only have a few hearing aids left at this amazing special offer. If you’ve been thinking about getting new hearing aids and were told top of the line hearing aids were the best but they were too expensive now is the time to HEAR THE DIFFERENCE! ONCE THESE HEARING AIDS ARE GONE, SO IS THIS DEAL!

Since 1987 our mission at Nola Aronson’s Advanced Audiology has been to help the community of Santa Clarita hear better.

ospitals, including Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, have adopted strict safety protocols in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Henry Mayo has launched a campaign to educate the community on the processes and procedures the hospital has put in place to keep patients and visitors safe. “Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, visits to hospital emergency departments have declined across the country, including in the Santa Clarita Valley,” said Dr. Larry Kidd, Henry Mayo’s chief clinical officer. “The fact is, hospitals are extremely safe environments. We want people to know that so they don’t postpone needed medical care.” Henry Mayo’s education campaign is called “Safe in our Care.” It includes a series of short videos that explain the safety procedures patients and visitors go through when they come to Henry Mayo. The videos also spotlight the extra cleaning and other precautions the hospital is taking. Safety procedures include having Emergency Department (ED) patients, upon arrival, having their temperatures taken and answering a series of screening questions outside the ED. Patients who have fevers or other risk factors are isolated from other patients.

Patients who come to Henry Mayo for elective procedures are screened by telephone before their appointments. Patients who have surgeries done at the hospital are tested for COVID-19 three to five days before their surgeries. Their temperatures are also taken upon arrival for their procedures. Patients who come for routine care, such as physical therapy or an annual mammogram, are also screened both by telephone and in person. All patients, visitors and employees have their temperatures taken upon arrival. Extra cleaning, such as wiping down clipboards and pens after each use, and cleaning all waiting areas frequently, is done in every Henry Mayo location. Finally, Henry May is practicing “universal masking,” which means all visitors and staff members are required to wear masks at all times. “The one thing we want our patients to know,” said Dr. Kidd, “is that they are safe in our care.” More information can be found at henrymayo.com/care.

Call our office today and schedule an appointment for a FREE HEARING SCREENING! Don’t delay take care of your hearing and health.

COVID SAFETY GUIDELINES • All personnel wear masks. • Frequent hand-washing and sanitizing of all surfaces. • Waiting room will remain closed to maintain social distancing rules. • Temperature screening of all patients. • Anyone with an elevated temperature, even a low fever, or exhibits symptoms of viral illness such as congestion or coughing will be asked to remain home.

scvadvancedaudiology.com 661.200.9470 23822 VALENCIA BLVD. | SUITE 103 | VALENCIA

Kellar-Davis, Inc.

elcome to one of the best kept secrets in Los Angeles County right here in Santa Clarita. FRIENDLY VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB retirement community for the 55+ active SENIORS! It is the only retirement community of this type in LA County. We have something for everyone here with a diverse price range to fit every pocketbook! There are two golf courses along with all the other expected country club amenities. Ellie Lacy and Jackie Kovacs know

the community inside and out! We give back at every opportunity, sponsoring golf and lawn bowling tournaments. We also take pride in contributing to the City of Hope. Providing a Christmas tree for the auditorium or golf lounge, staging dances has been a fun time for the entire community. Giving back to Friendly Valley gives us a true feeling community! We are conveniently located INSIDE Friendly Valley next to the Masonic Lodge!

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Supporting SCV Seniors Drive-Thru and Deliveries Food from Bella Vida: Call 661-259-9444 L.A. County meals: Call 1-800-510-2020 or 2-1-1 Delivery for household items: 1-888-863-7411

Call my local office 661-287-3657 @SupervisorBarger KathrynBarger.LACounty.gov

Library Resources Books, music, and movies online and curbside pickup at Stevenson Ranch Library LACountyLibrary.org Friendship Line Crisis intervention and emotional support Call 1-888-670-1360 Stop Senior Scams CAHealthAdvocates.org or Call 1-855-613-7080 Report Elder Abuse Call 1-877-477-3646

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J U N E 28, 2020

SENIORLIVING

Crippen’s Santa Clarita Burial & Cremation Service FD-1952 We are a family owned and operated Funeral Home for more than 92 years

Margie Cummings Insurance - Licensed Insurance Agent offering Medicare Solutions, Individual and Small Group Health Insurance. You have questions? I have answers.

Margie Cummings

We have recently Renovated our Canyon Country Mortuary and Chapel —

We are a “full service brick & mortar” Mortuary — -

Insurance Consultant CA Ins Lic #0B27034

(661) 998-5029 Margie@MargieCummings.com | www.MargieCummings.com

We offer both immediate “At need” Funeral arrangements as well as Pre-Paid Pre-Arrangements with guaranteed service pricing. -

Enjoy our We offer a very competitively priced Direct Cremation Service for only $1595.00

We offer complete Funeral or Memorial Service Itemization Available We welcome people of all faiths, information is always free, and help is always available. Learn more about us and view a general price list at www.CrippenMortuary. com.

Retirement age plans sometimes don’t become reality

Lic # 197607592

24305 W. Lyons Avenue | Newhall, CA 91321 | PacificaSeniorLiving.com

any people plan to retire by a certain age, but few may actually still be working at their targeted retirement age. In the United States, the age at which working Americans expect to retire has risen to 66. But a Gallup poll showed that most don’t stay on the job that long, instead retiring when they’re about 60 or 61. In addition, according to a 2018 Employee Benefit Research Institute survey, 48% of workers wanted to retire after age 65, but only 19% of retirees stayed on the job that long. The reasons vary, but one positive outcome is having enough money to

live comfortably during retirement. Still, early retirement largely involves unexpected scenarios. These may include poor health, having to care for an aging parent, downsizing, new skills required for the job, or other work-related reasons.

J U N E 28, 2020

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Why those with hearing loss are at higher risk from COVID-19

uring this time, our team is fully committed to serving our patients to the best of their abilities. At a time when communication needs are paramount, people with significant hearing loss must be able to effectively connect at work and at home with their families and loved ones. Providing help to those in need is an essential service to us. In some instances, a phone call, video or telehealth service may be a viable option to address a patient’s needs. We are here to help. Issues associated with hearing loss place patients at a higher risk for COVID-19. First, people with hearing loss may have more heart and blood pressure issues, which can place them at a higher risk of COVID-19. Second, people with hearing loss experience communication issues that make it hard to interact with other people. These issues can result in loneliness, anxiety, and

depression. These feelings can occur at home or at a hospital. Most importantly, these feelings may weaken the immune system. The immune system fights disease. When it is weaker, you may be at increased risk of catching COVID-19. We cannot predict the future. By working together, we can persevere and ensure the eventual return to our daily lives. For questions and help please call us at (661) 200-9470.

SENIORLIVING

COMFORT KEEPERS: In-Home Care

omfort Keepers is the premier provider of In-Home Care and is a licensed Home Care Organization locally owned and operated by Myles McNamara, Certified Senior Advisor. Comfort Keepers’ goal is to enable seniors to remain in the privacy and comfort of their own home for as long as possible. Often, all that is needed is a helping hand with daily tasks, including but not limited to, medication reminders, assistance with bathing/showering, meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, transportation (beauty salon, doctors, etc.), grocery shopping, companionship, grooming guidance, recreational activities, and more. We are also instrumental in lowering the stress for family members who are juggling their own busy lives and work schedules around attending to a loved one’s needs. Our 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, just knowing someone is with them can make all the difference. Our Caregivers are also specifically trained for Alzheimer’s and Dementia care. Although our clients are primarily Seniors, our services are available for anyone over the age of 18 experiencing difSee COMFORT, next page

Crippen’s Santa Clarita Valley Burial & Cremation Service Services including but not limited to the following: • Funeral or Memorial Services at ANY church + burial at ANY cemetery • Complete packages starting at $3900.00, including a 20g steel casket. • $1595.00 Direct Cremation Service* - Our Simplest Cremation service includes: transportation, refridgeration, cremation container for the body, the cremation fee, the urn for the ashes, & processing all necessary documents. (Does not include Viewing, Funeral/Memorial, Death Certs/Permit)

• “Pre Need” pre-paid mortuary arrangements with a licensed Funeral Insurance Agent “Pre Need” means peace of mind for everyone! • We offer US Military Veteran Services w/ Military Honors for all Honorably Discharged veterans with American flag and taps at ANY National Veterans or Private Cemetery (Military Casket Selection Available) and VA Benefits applied for.

Crippen’s Santa Clarita Valley | Burial & Cremation Service - FD 1952 16653 Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita, CA 91351 (661) 250-1435 * (661) 250-1557 Fax

Crippen Mortuary FD 402

2900 Honolulu Ave., La Crescenta, CA 91214 (818) 249-6131 * (818) 249-6957 Fax

www.CrippenMortuary.com

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J U N E 28, 2020

SENIORLIVING

County resources for Santa Clarita Valley seniors By Supervisor Kathryn Barger Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors

s your L.A. County Supervisor, it’s my privilege to ensure older adults are taken care of during our fight against COVID-19. This pandemic has proven particularly challenging for seniors. It’s vital everyone has access to the resources they need to truly be Safer at Home. I am grateful for the dedication and compassion of our county employees, local service organizations, and first responders for their work to support SCV seniors during this difficult time. For food and essential items, there are several delivery services available so residents can stay home, stay safe, and stay well fed. The L.A. County Department of Workforce Development, Aging, and

Community Services and Bella Vida, the SCV Senior Center, are working overtime. Through pickups and deliveries, we are providing more than 1,200 meals a day to older adults in the SCV. Bella Vida has also launched a variety of virtual classes for education, art, writing, technology, and exercise, plus emotional and social support groups. Residents can find the calendar online at myscvcoa.org/calendar. L.A. County’s Department of Parks and Recreation also has a suite of online programs to encourage summer fun. There are activities for arts and culture, fitness videos, tutorials for baking and floral arranging, and tours of beautiful scenery and historical sites, all of which you can find at parks.lacounty.gov. I highly encourage SCV seniors to explore the classes and services avail-

able. Being distanced doesn’t mean being disengaged, and there are more

resources for seniors than ever before!

How companion care is enhancing the lives of seniors

any seniors in Santa Clarita are living alone and express a strong desire to maintain independence and remain in the comfort of their own home even though they may face challenges brought on by illness or the aging process. Seniors who live alone are at an increased risk for social isolation, recently amplified by the COVID-19 crisis. It’s especially important that seniors stay connected and avoid social isolation. This is where a companion can enter the picture and transform a senior’s life. A companion is more than just hired help. Their role in the senior’s life extends beyond basic housekeeping and personal care tasks. Companions provide much needed emotional and social support, especially for seniors who live alone. While the laundry is running, a companion can sit down and play a game with the senior or encourage conversation over a cup of coffee. Companions can listen, support, and encourage seniors to stay connected with others. In our

COMFORT

current situation, companion caregivers might be the only contact to the outside world for some seniors, as their families are choosing to keep their loved one safe by staying home. The personal link a companion caregiver provides is crucial for seniors who live alone and may be isolated from others. Through our 15 years of providing companion care services for Seniors in Santa Clarita, Visiting Angels has had the privilege of seeing the lives of our clients and their families transformed with the supportive presence of our compassionate caregivers. If we can help you too, call us at (661) 263-2273 to set up your free consultation.

Continued from previous page

jury. Servicing the Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valleys, with office in Santa Clarita and Encino.

ficulties with daily tasks because of illness or injury. Offering In-Home Care for Seniors, and anyone 18 and older recovering from illness or in-

Myles McNamara, owner of Comfort Keepers In-Home Care, is a Certified Senior Advisor. He can be reached at (661) 287-4200.

J U N E 28, 2020

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Friendly Valley offers something for everyone in Santa Clarita’s premier senior living community.

555,000

396,000

439,000

3 Bedroom 2 Bath 2 Car Garage With A View

2 Bedroom 2 Bath

2 Bedroom 2 Bath 2 Car Garage

Upper Unit

Lower Unit

250,000

249,000

1 Bedroom 1 Bath 2 Car Garage

Upper Unit: 2 Bedroom 2 Bath $

310,000

Lower Unit: 2 Bedroom 2 Bath

265,000

2 Bedroom 1 1/2 Bath Carport

Retirement doesn’t have to be boring, and that’s why our community offers a quiet, peaceful place to live while also offering a wide array of activities for those who aren’t ready to slow down. Community amenities are almost too many to name! ELLIE LACY REALTOR/ASSOCIATE CalBRE # 040871

• Golf Course Privileges • 1-Executive 9 hole course • 1-18 hole pitch & putt course • Olympic sized pool and hot tub • Library • Gym JACKIE KOVACS REALTOR/ASSOCIATE CalBRE # 01868798

(661) 341-6226

(661) 433-2603

EllieCLacy@yahoo.com

JackieKovacsy@att.net

Office is conveniently located inside Friendly Valley at 19310 Ave. of The Oaks, Newhall, CA 91321 • Office (661) 252-9000 • Fax (661) 252-9003

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FOOD

Firecracker Strawberries By Lena Abraham Signal Contributing Writer

hese delicious strawberries will light up your 4th of July party … vodka is the hidden secret. When brainstorming what to make for July 4th, we all know there needs to be adult beverages. These red, white, and blue strawberries are first soaked in vodka, then dunked in marshmallow fluff and sprinkles for the most patriotic look ever. Yields:10 Prep time: 10 mins Total time:1 hour 10 mins

Ingredients 3 4 1 1/2 1

cups strawberries cups vodka cups marshmallow crème cup blue pop rocks

Directions 1. Place strawberries in a large bowl and pour over

vodka until the berries are fully submerged. 2. Place in refrigerator and let soak for at least 1 hour. Drain strawberries, reserving vodka for future use.

3. Pat berries dry with a paper towel. Microwave marshmallow crème for 10 seconds. Dip berries first in fluff, then into Pop Rocks. Serve. (Delish)

Can’t stop staring at this Freedom Bark

iguring out an easy 4th of July dessert can be daunting: You want it look super patriotic, but not be too much work to make. Not being a super-crafty person myself, I couldn’t believe how easy this Independence Daythemed bark was to make. The hardest part is securing the red, white and blue candy melts, which is actually super easy as long as you have a craft store like Michael’s nearby. If you’re not familiar with candy melts, they’re basically a mix of oil, cocoa butter and food dye; they come in any color you could pretty much ever want. They might be the highest caliber of chocolate, but they produce super cool stuff. We used candy melts to make Unicorn Bark around Easter, a pastel bark studded with a half dozen different types of sprinkles. The process is so mesmerizing to watch: You melt candy melts as you would chocolate, then add spoonfuls to a baking tray, making sure each spoonful is touching one another. Once you’re satisfied with your general shape, you swirl all the colors together to get a cool tie-dye effect. We topped with red, white, and blue sprinkles and edible gold stars to be as patriotic as possible. Tastes like freedom!

Freedom Bark

Yields: 8 Prep time: 15 mins Total time: 35 mins

Ingredients 1 1 1 1/3 2

cup white candy melts, melted cup blue candy melts, melted cup red candy melts, melted cup red, white and blue sprinkles tbsp. edible gold stars (available at craft stores) 2 tbsp. blue edible glitter (available at craft stores)

Directions 1. On a baking sheet, add spoonfuls of melted white, blue and red candy melts, adding twice as many white spoonfuls than red and blue. 2. Using an offset spatula or knife, swirl colors together, creating a tie-dye effect. 3. Top with sprinkles and edible gold stars and glitter. 4. Freeze 20 minutes. 5. Break into pieces and serve. (Delish)

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HOME

IT’S TIME TO

Remodeling tips from the pros

ith the extra time many Americans have spent at home over the past few months, there have been plenty of opportunities to think about how that living space could be improved. While this may not be the ideal time to tackle a full gut and renovate project, it may still be possible to do some smaller scale remodeling projects that update and improve your home. For example, simple cosmetic repairs like painting and replacing vanities can make a noticeable difference with minimal work or investment. Or if you’re hesitant about bringing contractors into the house, outdoor projects like replacing fencing, adding paver stones or constructing outdoor living spaces may be a benefit for your family. Before you take on a project, consider these tips from Robi Kirsic, MCKBR, UDCP, chairman of the board of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and co-CEO of TimeLine Renovation & Design.

Define the purpose

The first consideration whether you’re making changes for yourself or for future resale is the purpose of your project. This determines everything from the budget to the materials you select. Remember projects in the kitchen and bathroom typically bring the greatest return on investment. It’s also a good idea to plan how you’ll use the renovated area. When possible, incorporate elements of universal design that don’t change how the space looks but will change how it works. For example, in the bathroom, install a curbless shower, taller toilet and block in walls to allow future installation of grab bars.

Stick to a budget

Another early decision is your budget. It’s fruitless to spend time looking at materials and making design decisions based on products that exceed your budget or, conversely, fall below the quality level you prefer. Having a professional involved can

help keep you from overspending and identify areas you may want to splurge or pull back.

Select a remodeler

Friends and family can be great resources when it comes to choosing a remodeling contractor since they’re likely to give detailed and candid opinions about their experiences. When you begin interviewing companies yourself, verify they’re licensed and insured, and ask what they offer above those minimum requirements. Are they certified or accredited? Do they specialize in the type of work you’re considering? Also be sure to request and check references and search online for reviews.

Santa Clarita Safer Business Commitment

Conduct virtual meetings

While some projects may require an in-person assessment, many planning sessions can be conducted virtually. You can even shop products to be used in your project virtually since online catalogs typically show a variety of colors and finishes along with prices. For items you need to see or feel to choose, like flooring, request samples to test in your home. To make your virtual meetings most productive, prepare by providing a detailed scope of work and be ready to provide measurements and show the space cleared of clutter.

Keep it safe

For some families, sticking to outdoor projects may be more comfortable in the short term. For those who are ready to bring contractors inside, there are numerous steps you can take to create a safer working environment. Examples include asking everyone involved to wear face masks and gloves and using plastic at doorways to keep the work area separate from the living area. Regular disinfecting and a thorough cleaning at the end of the project are also important preventive steps. Find more remodeling resources, including certified contractors in your community, at RemodelingDoneRight. com. (Family Features)

SHOP LOCAL EAT LOCAL

STAY SAFE

Add your business to the list of Santa Clarita Safer Businesses at

VisitSantaClarita.com/SaferBusinessCommitment

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J U N E 28, 2020

GARDENING

Summer gardening in the Santa Clarita chaparral By Jane Gates Signal Staff Writer

ow that the 4th of July is upon us, we are officially heading into summer. Chances are we will not be seeing a lot of cloud cover or many days under 90 degrees, if any, for at least the next couple of months. That means that working in the garden will be best done during the coolest hours of the day. We do not live in the desert, but we are mostly in a biome called chaparral (made famous by the “High Chaparral” TV show from 1967-71). The chaparral is actually a description of the tough, brittle, natural vegetation that grows here, adapted by hundreds of years in dry, hot summers with cooler, moister winters that, in higher elevations like ours, used to experience nighttime frosts.

What this all means to us in Santa Clarita, is simply that we can expect desert-like heat and dryness that is often attributed to the Mojave or Sahara. But our soil, flora and terrain is different. So, how do we garden in the SCV chaparral summer?

Clean up and clean out

First, we make sure that brush on the hills and in open areas, dead stuff in the gardens and gutters are all cleared out. Wildfires took the winter off this year, but you don’t want any of these fire-fuel sources to invite disaster to your home now that dry, toasty summer has arrived. Grass will need cutting and edging. Since they are high-maintenance water-guzzlers, keep lawn areas to where they will be most useful. Keep pulling out weeds while they are small and before they get established in your garden or lawn areas. Our local weeds quickly form tough, deep roots.

Our gardens can reflect the chaparral area, adapting to the chaparral biome but affording more color, fire safety, comfort and productivity. PHOTO COURTESY JANE GATES

Mulch or use pebbles

Add a top layer of compost as mulch. It works as a barrier to keep out the heat of the beating sun while slowing evaporation and locking in precious water around plant roots. For California natives and drought-tolerant plants, mulch with small twigs and stones — the usual stuff that covers our non-cultivated land.

Irrigate early

Irrigate early in the morning — on or before sunrise is best. Check water systems during the day to make regular adjustments you might miss if you are still asleep when your irrigation goes on. If water pools or runs off anywhere, cut down the application time and turn it off for 15 minutes or more to soak into the soil. Then, set it to run again. Also, check drip irrigation systems for breaks and leaks. Rabbits are notorious for chomping into plastic tubing.

Deadhead and prune

All plants will bloom longer if you keep them deadheaded. This means that you want to cut off wilting flowers before they set seed. Setting seed will drain the plant of energy. Deadheading is particularly effective with annuals that typically want to keep blooming in order to set as much seed as they can before they die. These are short-lived plants that

will only last a single season anyway, so they will keep blooming in the attempt to set more seed if you keep spent flowers removed. Prune plants lightly for shape and to cut out dead or crossing branches. July is not a good time for heavy pruning.

New plantings

If you do any new planting, water the newcomers daily for at least a week, especially if they are in sun. And if you can shade them for the first day or two in July heat, they will appreciate it. You can plant at this time of year, but even tough natives will have to be coddled. Spend hot days designing ideas for new features in your garden. Autumn will be here sooner than you think and that will be a good time for outdoor projects.With the constant rise in the cost of — well, everything! — building materials and construction should probably be planned for sooner than later. So if you want to add a hot tub, a fire pit, an outdoor room, a water feature or a barbecue, these will all add value to your house in the future while you get to enjoy them as long as you live in your home. July may be good for vacationing and hiding in the air conditioning. But there are plenty of things to do in the garden, especially in the cooler hours of the day.

J U N E 28, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 1

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

K I D S & FA M I LY

Some flag-inspired Fourth of July celebratory fun a large arrow next to the flag. Set on the ground or on a small table.

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Editor

eagerly count down the days to the Fourth of July. It’s a special time when Americans gather to celebrate our independence. In my extended family gathering, we even toss in a birthday song to my cousin who was born on the fourth. When she blows out the candles on her cake decorated with mini American flags, it’s a tradition to tease her for being born with a “firecracker” personality. Fly the flag! Whether it’s prepping for a mini-parade and decorating bikes, helmets and pets, or planning a menu, let the flag be your inspiration. Whatever patriotic activity you choose, there’s something red, white, and blue to do.

Paint and learn

Use a photo or actual flag as a reference and paint a picture of the flag on construction paper. As your child draws, read the Pledge of Allegiance together. Divide the pledge into short phrases and talk about what the words mean to you and your family. For example, what is “liberty,” and what does “justice for all” mean in your daily lives and in your own community?

Flag stones

Collect several medium to large rocks with flat sides. Wash and let dry. Paint a flag design on them with red, white and blue acrylic paints. Use small rocks as a napkin weight at your outdoor meal. Use a large rock as a sign to direct people along a walkway to your picnic location by painting

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Stars and Stripes dessert

The Fourth of July calls for a special dessert. Decorate a homemade or store-bought sheet cake with white frosting. Rinse and hull a pint or more (depending on size of cake) of fresh strawberries. Slice them in half. Let dry. Rinse and dry a small carton of blueberries. Using a flag for reference, let kids employ their artistic flair by setting the strawberries in rows to resemble the stripes of the flag. Save a quadrant in the top left corner to fill with the blueberry “stars.”

Wave the flag

For post-dusk fireworks fun, plan a sing-along fest. Encourage those who play an instrument like a guitar or ukulele to accompany the group as everyone waves small flags in their hands while singing. Choose contemporary and traditional patriotic songs such as “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “America the Beautiful” and “This Land is Your Land.” Donna Erickson’s award-winning

series “Donna’s Day” is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit www.donnasday.com and link to the NEW Donna’s Day

2 2 · S U N D AY S I G N A L

Opinion

J U N E 28, 2020

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

READERLETTERS

Masks and a Divided America Every time I read about wearing masks infringing on the rights of American citizens, I cringe. The first wave of coronavirus is not over, and cases are increasing. The fact that institutions see higher numbers of infected people whether by bacteria or viruses is not unusual. What I object to is going into a business and having someone without a mask get into my personal space, potentially infecting me with “something.” I want to live long enough to vote and it is my personal right not to be subjected to the risk of getting coronavirus by doing essential business in my community. Whatever you want to do is your business – attend a political rally, go to a protest to object to masks and social distancing in your community, complain about Democrats, go to a baseball game, have a party – do whatever you want to do. The coronavirus problem has been so politicized that it has become detrimental to the country. The approach to it on the part of the administration has resulted in the Divided States of America. So, if you don’t want to play Russian roulette, wear a mask, stay away from anyone without one, wash your hands and wear gloves if you think you need to. Don’t support any businesses that don’t enforce some activities that protect your health. Perhaps in November we can get back on track to becoming the United States of America. Randi Kay Saugus

Why Not Wait on Fireworks? Reading this morning’s Signal (June 24), I saw that viewing of the Fourth of July fireworks won’t be allowed around the Valencia Town Center. The areas around the mall will be closed for cars and in-person viewing on the streets and the parkways. I agree completely with the mayor’s concern that we must maintain the health and safety of our community during this pandemic. Because of the very limited viewing area, people can view via livestream. My point is that watching fireworks on a screen does not begin to compare to watching them live in person within a half-mile radius of the launch site. You can watch incredible displays on YouTube. Why not save the fireworks until next year and put the money for other needs this year? Andrew Nadeau Valencia Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone; Anonymous letters are not printed; Email: letters@signalscv.com.

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

Comfort and Complacency By David Hegg

et’s take a minute to look back. Who ever thought this virus would be such a pest, such a villain, such a robber of life and comfort? I didn’t see this coming, and I have resigned myself to thinking I really don’t know what lies ahead. And that set me to thinking: What have we learned that we need never to forget? Before casting my thoughts out to those who read my columns, let me remind you that I don’t claim any form of omniscience. Further, what knowledge I do have is shared primarily through my preaching, teaching, life-counseling and writing projects much more weighty than these columns that are limited to roughly 750 words. My columns are opinions — not deeply researched, peer-reviewed arguments, conclusions and applications. If you want those, come hear me preach or buy one of my books. So, here’s my opinion of what we’ve learned during the past three months. First, we’ve learned that, in reality, we’re pack animals. We don’t do well alone even if you, like me, are an introvert. While some of us love our alone time, very few of us thrive when cut off from other human contact. Turns out, we were made for community, for conversations, for sharing life’s events and emotions no matter how ordinary. The ancient word for this is “fellowship,” which comes from a Greek term that goes beyond simple gathering to express the benefit of living life together. Simply put, life is better when it is communal, when it is shared with family, friends, neighbors and even friendly strangers. Have you, like me, caught yourselves waving at total strangers on your walks? Have you, like me, initiated conversations over the wall as you realized there was another human out in their yard, too? And have you schlepped your lawn chairs out to the driveway so you could join the other families in a new-look block party? And, have you, like me, come to realize Zoom and FaceTime ultimately don’t deliver the interaction they promise? We were created for community and perhaps nothing has made that more evident than being deprived of it during this season. The second thing we’ve learned is – forgive me here! – nobody really knows what’s going on, nobody has all the pertinent facts, and nobody can provide us with how we should actually feel or act in this crazy, biased and click-bait-driven world. There, I said it. By now we’ve realized what’s true

today won’t be tomorrow. What’s helpful in this article is debunked in that one. Everyone has their own graph, model and prediction. And let’s face it, we all tend to believe and share the news that fits our own narrative, a narrative grounded on our hoped-for outcome in the November elections. All of this has greatly dulled our national discernment and served to exacerbate the problem. The result is that we all feel extremely vulnerable. Take away the life-giving power of human fellowship, and the mind-calming reality of truthful truth, and you’re left with the low-grade fever of anxiety and frustration that pulsates in the psyche of our daily existence. Yes, we can manage it, but we’re all realizing its soul-eroding effect. So I offer this suggestion. We’re in the shape we’re in because we’ve become too comfortable with being comfortable. We’re outraged that our normal has been invaded by unwanted chaos, and we really don’t know how to deal with it. It is time to admit we’ve become a soft people. We’ve outlawed adversity and made personal comfort King. We see discomfort as not only inconvenient but as an actual evil perpetrated by someone who must pay. We no longer are hardy, tough, able to discern truth from error simply because we’ve pursued comfort at the cost of mental and emotional tenacity. What do we do? The solution is easy. Be what has always been an American trait. Let’s get rugged again and self-sufficient. Let’s be prepared to stand firm in the storms of life, while at the same time ready to sacrifice our comfort to build character and serve one another. Lastly, let’s develop a strong sense that we can find contentment in every situation while never becoming complacent. I look around and also in the mirror and find we’ve become demandingly complacent in our comfort. We think life always owes us convenience and calm. But the idea that life is always going to fit our desires is a fairy tale. Life is a journey filled with obstacles, detours and washed-out bridges. Those who are unprepared, who insist life owes them comfort and convenience, will fall and often never get up. That can’t be us, not now, not ever. There’s simply too much at stake. Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.

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