NEWS FEATURES

NEWS FEATURE

You don’t have to go far for vino

By Perry Smith

Sunday Signal Editor

While the rules on when and where we can drink seem to be changing quite literally day by day — one moment, the city is creating an innovative plan to add outdoor dining; the next, the state temporarily is shuttering bars, again, altogether — wine enthusiasts should at least know what’s in the area.

Afterall, hope springs eternal, whether the wine glass is half-empty or half-full.

In addition to a growing number of tasting rooms in the Santa Clarita Valley that still sell wine, the area hosts a number of great getaways that are perfect for a fun day trip that’ll let you buy some wine, enjoy the outdoors and spend some time with your loved ones.

All of the options listed below are not only a little more affordable than heading into more traditional wine country destinations like Napa or Sonoma counties, and they’re also much, much closer.

The following is just a few suggestions, but outside of Fillmore’s Giessinger, the list only represents some of the options. Due to varying COVID-19 restrictions, make sure you check before you go.

Giessinger Winery

Fillmore’s lone winery is just about a half-hour’s drive down Highway 126, near a bevy of fresh fruits and a honey farm that are also worth exploring.

Giessinger Winery offers a tasting room right outside the SCV, where Ed Giessinger has released his wines for almost 25 years. Ventura County regulations might be different than L.A. County’s, depending on when you go, so it’s always good to check first.

He found the SCV-adjacent location on a lark while he was driving from the Los Angeles area to where he works as a professor of astrophysics at University of California, Santa Barbara, not long after the Northridge Earthquake. The city was looking to revitalize, and Giessinger’s family has vineyards back home in Alsace-Lorraine, as well as Alge

Pam Cheatwood, left, discusses wine selections for purchase from Doug Minnick and Scott Page-Pagter, seated, of the Double Trouble Wine Room during the NewHaul to-Go drive-up event held on Main Street in Newhall in June. While changes to what can be served and where seem to be constant, there are a number of local wine options available. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

ria — so an opportunity presented itself, and Giessinger joined the family business.

The location has a cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and malbec that are all popular, as well as a Westlake Village location. There are different varietals offered at each spot, he said.

Giessinger Winery’s Fillmore location is at 365 Santa Clara St. (805) 524-5000

Antelope Valley

The Antelope Valley has a wine scene that has a growing reputation, and a growing number of spots to enjoy wine.

Run by the Williams family, Golden Star sources their grapes from Ephraim Chavez from High Desert Cellars, who’s been supplying winemakers in the area since 1999 (including Reyes Winery in the Santa Clarita Valley.

The Littlerock location’s first release came in 2004, with the commercial vineyard following several successful homemade efforts in 2012.

While their tasting menu currently includes a chardonnay, a syrah mistral and an estate tempranillo, among others, it’s always a good idea to check before you go, due to changing statewide rules.

The tasting room is located at 36043 106th St. East, Littlerock. Call (661) 713-6660 for more information. The Thief & Barrel (42257 6th St. W No. 302, Lancaster) and Antelope Valley Winery (42041 20th St. W, Lancaster) are also not too far from each other.

RIght here at home

There’s a handful of tasting rooms and wine sellers in the Santa Clarita Valley and even a couple great new locations on Main Street — but if you’re looking for the winery experience, there’s a couple of locations just outside city limits that offer great wines and beautiful settings.

Reyes Winery

Robert Reyes is opening up a new location on Main Street, which is slated to be a tasting room, to feature his wines from SCV grapes, as well as ones that are sourced regionally.

In the meantime, his Reyes Winery offered curbside pickup, in-store service, as well as wine tastings or glasses of wine (outdoor only) by reservation at its winery and tasting room on Sierra Highway in Agua Dulce up until the recent closure.

There are still some wines for purchase though.

“We kind of tied this month to a lot of rosé,” said Beth Heiserman, who handles marketing and communications for the winery, noting the recent celebration of National Rosé Day on the second Saturday in June.

Reyes Winery is located at 10262 Sierra Highway, Agua Dulce. Reservations are required. For more information, contact (661) 268-1865.

Agua Dulce Winery

Just down the street from Reyes on Sierra Highway, Agua Dulce Winery offers a number of local options, as well.

The staff also is working to comply with the ever-changing health orders, so it’s available options, just like for everyone else, could change.

However, right now, the “picnic program” is a popular option, and offers a bottle of wine and a tea plate that lets you sit in a serene setting near some of the animals at the facility.

The Sweetwater Rose is probably also their most popular choice right now due to the rising temperatures. The “hugely popular” wine is chilled, and described as having a slightly sweet flavor with lots of fruit.

Agua Dulce Winery is located at 9640 Sierra Highway, Agua Dulce. Call (661) 268-7402 for more information.

SCV tasting rooms

If you’re feeling especially ambitious and have a ride-sharing account, there are several tasting rooms in Santa Clarita, in addition to the one Reyes Winery is building on Main Street.

Double Trouble Wine Room, which opened in May 2017, is unique in that it is a blend of two wineries, Hoi Polloi and Pagter Brothers Wines, coming together to join forces. Pulchella Winery is also nearby if you’re in the neighborhood.

Wine 661 is also a fun, popular, local destination with countless wines from which to choose.

The Double Trouble Wine Room is located at 24338 Main St., Newhall. 661-476-5627. Wine 661 is located at 24268 Valencia Blvd. \

NEWS FEATURE

Don’t fret: New streaming content is on the way

By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States, the cameras stopped rolling in the film industry throughout the world.

Friends and family hunkered down on their couches to weather the storm with streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon. HBO and other streaming services have also joined the mix with new content, a lot of which is also available on the big three.

With a little more free time now available, people binged their favorite programs and cleared queues filled with shows and movies.

But after about four months of COVID-19- induced streaming, some have run out of content; the well has been tapped, and it seems like watching “The Office” for the fourth time through this week isn’t very appealing.

However, there are some hidden gems worth watching. And streaming isn’t an option, then what can you expect, coming down the pipeline, in terms of returning to the silver screen when they eventually return?

Hidden gems

Here are a few suggestions gaining attention despite not having a lot of hype surrounding their release, either here or abroad.

“Broadchurch” is a bingeable show that comes to us from the United Kingdom, but can be enjoyed by all mature audiences. The story follows David Tenant’s character, Alec Hardy, and Oscar winner Olivia Colman’s character, Ellie Miller, who are police detectives working to solve a murder in their small English coastal town. The murder mystery includes twist and turns, and has become listed as a “Popular on Netflix” show since it came to the streaming platform a few months ago.

Documentaries such as “Finders Keepers” available on Amazon Prime follows the rather dark story of amputee John Wood and his fight with Shannon Whisnant, who inadvertently purchased Wood’s leg prosthesis after it somehow turned up in a grill she bought at an auction.

Amazon describes it as a “true-life tragicomedy about fame, addiction and family.”

And finally, there’s no such thing better than living out some nostalgia, but doing so with your kids. Currently, “Rugrats,” the hit cartoon show from the 90s, is currently available on Hulu.

“See life from the ground up with Tommy, Chuckie, Susie, Lil, Phil and the hardly angelic Angelica,” reads the description on Hulu before offering you access to all nine seasons of content. “Usually led by fearless leader Tommy, the Rugrats turn the ordinary into the extraordinary and every day into the perfect setting for adventure.”

“A Quiet Place: Part II” and Disney’s live-action version of “Mulan” are just a couple of the big budget pictures expected soon, although schedules remain somewhat in flux.

Homegrown hits

Santa Clarita is in part known for its proximity to Hollywood and the town’s consistent featuring roles in notable television programs. Within Santa Clarita, there are 30 sound stages, 10 movie ranches and countless numbers of scenic locations that all contribute to nearly $30 million in revenue for the city each year.

There are a number of shows you can watch on streaming services that use the SCV as a backdrop, according to Evan Thomason, head of Santa Clarita’s Film Office.

“‘Justified,’ you can watch it on Netflix, and it went five or six seasons — and that was heavily filmed in Santa Clarita,” said Thomason. “So, people would recognize a lot of Old Town Newhall in there.”

In “Justified,” according to the Netflix description, “U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens takes the law into his own hands, frontier-style, as he faces off against crooks in the Appalachian town where he grew up.”

Additionally, shows like “Sons of Anarchy,” display local scenery even though they’ve been off the air for some time.

“I enjoyed ‘Atypical’ and ‘Jean-Claude Van Johnson,’ were both really clever,” said Thomason, adding that he thought the show ‘Unbelievable’ was also a Santa Clarita-filmed show that was binge-worthy. “I would advise people to look at the age of appropriateness of some of these because some of them are light and comedy, and some of them are heavier subject matter. ‘Unbelievable’ would fall into that (latter) category, but it was very well done.”

For lighter content that can be binged, is lesser-known and was also filmed in Santa Clarita is “Ultimate Beastmaster.” Described on Netflix as: “In this intense obstacle course series, elite athletes from the U.S. and other countries compete for cash prizes, individual glory and national pride.”

Thomason said a number of the contestants lived at the Hyatt while filming the show, conducting a number of their interviews from inside the hotel.

Movie theaters

For some studios, it was a week before Los Angeles County announced it’s stay-at-home order back in March, that they decided to halt production out of safety concerns.

And while production companies have been told they can resume their filming, a number have opted not to, whether due to general concerns about the COVID-19, or because of simple logistical issues.

These issues have been felt not only on the production side, but also on the movie theater side. As it currently stands under the present health order, the way in which we watch movies will be drastically altered.

“Movie theaters are not yet open, but drive-in theaters are, as long as social (physical) distancing and infection control practices are followed,” reads the most recent public health order.

It’s unclear when movies will be watchable from the silver screen once again, but there are a number of movies, that once the theaters do reopen, people will have their eyes on.

Movies expected to come soon, barring continued delays, include: “Bill & Ted Face the Music” is set to release Aug. 28; “A Quiet Place Part II” is set to release on Sept. 4; and “The Kings Man” is set for release Sept. 18.

For more family friendly entertainment in theaters, Disney’s “Mulan” is set to release on July 24 and “The Spongebob Movie: Sponge on the Run” is going to release on July 31 — although there’s constant speculation about possible changes to those dates. \

NEWS FEATURE

Talking to kids about getting back to ‘normal’

By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

School closures across the nation have affected more than 56 million students due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving them and their families to try and adapt to ever-evolving changes for months.

Now into the summer months and with lockdown restrictions easing, the discussion about things like how will our schools reopen, how can we safely eat out together and what about gyms and playgrounds will continue to dominate talk.

School, for example, will undoubtedly offer a new routine for students, parents and educators. Health guidelines indicate schools could include one-way hallways, masks for all and closing down cafeterias.

The thought of returning to school amid the ongoing pandemic is cause for uneasiness for some families but for others, resuming classes can’t come any sooner. Among the parents ready to return to a “new normal” is Santa Clarita resident Erin Kirk Evans.

“It’s going to look very different, but I am very ready,” she said, who is a mother of a 6-year-old first-grader and a 3-year-old preschool student.

The family “overcame the worst part,” after she and her husband became ill around late January. Her husband would eventually test positive for COVID-19, and so did she, she later learned through an antibody test, in late April.

“For us, we all had to go through it. My kids just know now to wash their hands more often and not touch everything when we go to the store — to be more cautious,” she said.

But there’s a lot more to discuss with one’s children as schools and summer camps plan to reopen besides frequent handwashing, said the mother of two.

Start a conversation and listen

Talking to your children about quarantining is just as important as talking about returning to what will be a different school routine, according to Monica Dedhia, a program manager for the Santa Clarita Valley’s Child and Family Center.

“You want to start by exploring

Kimberly Facko, right, points out river rocks to her son Fernando Magana as the pair explores a creek near the Placerita Nature Center, following the initial easing of COVID-19-related restrictions on parks in May. It’s a good idea to have a conversation with kids about COVID-19, whether your summer plans might include travel, camp or anywhere outdoors where there might be groups of people. PHOTO BY BOBBY BLOCK / THE SIGNAL

what comes up for them. Is there worry about COVID-19 or things being different?” she said.

When having these conversations, make sure you are aware of the setting.

“Reduce distractions so that there aren’t any interruptions. If the conversation is interrupted, go back. It doesn’t have to be a one-time conversation. You want to make sure both parties are engaged and listening.”

Offer reassurance

Children pick up on adults’ energy, so it’s important to lead by example in an effort to help reduce fear, said Dedhia.

“No one expected this, so it’s also hard on the parents. Make sure you make time for self-care, because when a kid sees their parent calm, that teaches the child to be calm,” she said, adding that one way to offer reassurance is by looking at the facts and dispelling misinformation.

One way to do that is by monitoring television viewing and social media, said Evans.

Parents are encouraged to explain to children that some stories about the pandemic on the internet and social media may include rumors and inaccurate information. Instead, talk to your child about factual information and engage your child in learning activities, according to a guide by the National Association of School Psychologists on its website.

Explain issues according to age

Children in elementary stages will consume and understand information differently than those in high school. For that matter, it’s important to have conversations about returning to school and practicing safety protocols according to their age, said Dedhia.

For elementary school children, for example, the National Association of School Psychologists recommends providing brief, simple information that combines facts about the pandemic with appropriate reassurances that their guardians will keep them safe and healthy.

For middle school and high school students, issues can be discussed in more depth. “Provide honest, accurate, and factual information about the current status of COVID-19. Engage them in decision-making about family plans, scheduling, and helping with chores at home,” read the Association’s guide.

Stay connected with your child’s school

Due to developments with the ongoing pandemic changing frequently, parents should stay in touch with their child’s school to learn about the latest updates, changes for returning to class and other resources.

Districts in the Santa Clarita Valley are discussing what schools will look like based on guidelines recently issued by the L.A. County Office of Education, such as designating a sick room for staff and students who may become ill, frequent cleaning of classrooms and playgrounds and eating meals at a social distance.

The latest guidelines were designed to cover instruction, safety and health, social and emotional support, family and community engagement and operations, according to Saugus Union School District Superintendent Colleen Hawkins, who served on the county’s task force tasked with formulating the plan for reopening.

These sectors are already being considered by the local districts, she said. “I don’t think it’s unaligned from anything that we’ve started seeing in the SCV. I certainly know being a member of it has driven the information I’ve shared with the community.”

Create a plan that works for you and your kids

As parents plan to find what works for their families upon return to school, which may be a full-time return or a hybrid one where virtual, distance learning is continued, Evans said parents should remember to incorporate socialization.

“Find your quarantine bubble with like-minded people and create study groups, even if it’s just one or two other kids. Rather than being stuck on a computer by themselves, kids can practice on their assignments or participate in a project with their group in a safe manner,” she said.

“The socialization aspect is really important. The isolation leads to more fear and anxiety. We are going to do projects together and have less computer time this summer.” \

New friends abound at Castaic shelter

NEWS FEATURE

By Emily Alvarenga

Signal Staff Writer

As stay-at-home restrictions left Santa Clarita Valley residents quarantined, the number of animal adoptions surged.

“We are very blessed in the county right now that all the facilities are low, which means a lot of people have been adopting, a lot of rescues have been pulling (animals out of the care center), so that’s a great thing,” said Brenda Beougher, a supervisor, or SPC, at the Castaic Animal Care Center.

Even so, much has changed through the pandemic, including the center’s volunteers, who have been limited, only allowed to go in every couple of days due to the safety precautions put in place. Volunteers Terra Dispirito and Leigh Geraghty agree that things have been very different.

“Some of us are doing special projects, trying to find ways to give our time to the community differently,” Geraghty said, “but it’s been hard. (The shelter is) where I would go after I had a long day at work.”

While the Public Health protocols put in place changed the way many things were done at the care center, officials believe their “new normal” still has some benefits.

Animal adoptions

With restrictions still in place, the care center is open to the public by appointment only, so those looking to adopt an animal must first visit the center’s website to view available animals.

“If they see an animal that they’re interested in adopting, they would call in,” Beougher said. “If it’s not available, we would place their name on a list, and at that point, we would call them back when it’s available.”

If unable to get through, as the center has been inundated with calls, Dispirito suggests private messaging the center on social media for additional help.

At the appointment, potential adopters would have an allotted time to visit and interact with the animal.

“If they needed more time than the time that was allotted, we could reschedule them to come back to do the

Left: Animal Control Officer Harmon holds a 6-month-old bunny at Castaic Animal Care Center. PHOTO COURTESY CASTAIC ANIMAL CARE CENTER. Right: Volunteer Renee Focht sits with “Chocolate” a 10-year-old pit bull available at the Castaic Animal Care Center in Castaic. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

adoption,” Beougher added. Social media’s assistance

“Out of all the care centers, we have a great team,” Dispirito said.

Though limited, staff and volunteers have been working hard to keep the center’s social media active, working together to post animals that are available for adoption.

“(Volunteers) were doing a great job before with networking our animals, but now more than ever, that approach has been showing that it’s very successful,” said Carlos Pineda, the center’s manager. “We’re able to make connections because of the tools that we have available.”

“Without social media, a lot of our animals would still be in the care center, but with social media, we’re able to network to a wider variety of people,” Beougher added.

Social media has also become a resource for lost pets, with a number of Facebook groups in the SCV dedicated to locating missing animals, as well as Shadow, a free app used by the county that works to reunite lost pets.

An expanded foster program

“Usually, the only way to foster was if you were already a volunteer within the county and it would be for, say an injured or unweaned animal to nurse them back into health,” Beougher said.

Now, the department has opened its foster program to the community, allowing anyone to apply to foster an animal temporarily until it is placed into its forever home.

“So, if somebody finds a stray animal, and they’re willing to hold on to it, we are pushing towards that,” Beougher added. “It could be in a warm, loving home, while we try to either get it back with its owner or in a new home.”

While spring is usually kitten season, meaning the center sees an influx of cats, Geraghty says this year has been unique due to the pandemic.

“It’s created a kitten frenzy,” Geraghty said, chuckling. “Normally, you couldn’t place a commitment to adopt without coming to the center, but now within 10 minutes of them going into the system, they’re completely gone.”

Surrendering an animal

“Because of COVID, we’re doing a better job of asking the right questions to help keep animals in their homes,” Geraghty said.

Through the pandemic, the center has been working hard to change the public’s perception of surrendering animals, according to Beougher.

“The last thing we want is people to surrender their animals, so we are trying to offer plenty of resources for owners,” she added. “For example, if they can’t afford food, we do have food that we can give out. If they’re looking for medical treatment, we can reach out to the local vets and see if there are services they can provide for them at a lower cost.”

While the goal is to keep an animal in its home, if all resources have been exhausted and an animal still needs to be surrendered, it can be done by appointment.

“I really like how we’re approaching things, and I believe we were doing this all along, but we’re working extra hard at this,” Geraghty said.

Coming back to a ‘new normal’

“All of our lives have been impacted, and the ability to to open our care centers and just allow people to congregate here is going to be difficult,” Pineda said. “We have to be prudent.”

Now, as volunteers have begun to return to the center, able to walk the dogs and play with the cats, officials are starting to look towards new ways of doing things, such as virtual-based adoption events.

Adoption fees have been waived through the month of July at all L.A. County Animal Care Centers. Adopters must still pay license fee and trust deposit.

The Castaic Animal Care Center is located at 31044 Charlie Canyon Road in Castaic. For more information, visit animalcare.lacounty.gov, call (661) 257-3191 or follow them on social media @castaicanimalslaco. \