Reduce Energy Bills During the
With temperatures forecasted to run at least 2 degrees higher than historical averages across more than half the country, according to projections from AccuWeather, heat waves may lead to soaring air-conditioning bills this summer.
“The summer is when we see homeowners strategizing about how to keep their homes cool and comfortable while sticking to their household budgets,” said Michael Williford, HVAC service manager at Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical.
“We work with customers to keep their current HVAC systems running smoothly or upgrade to more efficient systems, which can make a huge difference in their utility bills. In addition, there are many other ways homeowners can keep their energy costs down during the hot summer months.”
Consider these smart, practical, cost-cutting tips for dialing down your energy bills.
Service HVAC Systems Regularly
To ensure the best cooling performance and efficiency possible, find a licensed contractor to keep your heating and cooling system well-maintained and serviced throughout the year. There are some tasks many homeowners can handle on their own, like keeping outdoor units free of debris and changing air filters.
However, bringing in a professional 1-2 times a year for maintenance and to ensure proper function of ductwork and electrical components is also essential.
Use Appliances During Non-Peak Hours
Rather than using stoves, ovens and clothing dryers in the afternoon hours, consider doing so early in the morning or late in the evening. Peak time for many electricity providers is noon-6 p.m., meaning using appliances that heat up your home outside of this timeframe when conventional heating and cooling systems are likely running full throttle can
help lower energy costs.
Fire Up the Grill
Upgrade Your Systems to an EnergySaving Heat Pump
One mistake many homeown-
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) incentivizes homeowners who opt for energy-efficient HVAC upgrades, including qualified heat pumps, which can boost seasonal energy efficiency ratios and increase efficiencies. For example, Mitsubishi Electric heat pumps provide more energy-efficient cooling that may equal cost and energy savings as well as a reduced carbon footprint for homeowners.
These systems are equipped with inverter or variable-speed technology that allows systems to automatically ramp up or down the required amount of energy depending on the room’s capacity. Although annual savings vary, some homeowners can save as much as $1,000 per year by switching to an all-electric heat pump.
When temperatures soar, use the grill for cooking to help lower energy usage and save on air-conditioning costs. Alternatively, toaster ovens, air fryers and slow cookers use less energy than larger conventional stoves or ovens. Get creative by cooking a pizza in a chiminea or smoking favorite meats as alternatives to using your oven.
Stop Cooling Empty Rooms
Install a Smart Electric Panel
Harness the Sun’s Energy with Solar Panels
ers make is forgetting to adjust their temperature settings when leaving the house. Whether you’re headed to the beach for the weekend or just headed to work for the day, blasting the air conditioner in an empty house can result in unnecessarily high utility bills. Multi-zone, all-electric heat pumps like those from Mitsubishi Electric allow homeowners to set the comfort level and adjust the temperature in each room, so you don’t have to waste energy cooling unoccupied rooms. With a smartphone app, you can even adjust the settings remotely.
Installing a smart electrical panel alongside an all-electric heat pump enables homeowners to monitor and control energy consumption on-site or remotely using a smartphone for better overall efficiency and utility cost savings.
According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, the amount of sunlight that strikes the Earth’s surface in 90 minutes could power the world’s total energy usage for a full year. Investing in solar panels can help decrease energy bills and increase your home’s sustainability. Additionally, some utility providers and government entities, including the IRA, offer incentives to help reduce installation costs. Plus, solar-sourced power pairs well with all-climate heat pumps, which require minimal electricity to operate.
Find more ideas to dial down energy usage (and bills) this summer at MitsubishiComfort.com. (Family Features)
Beat the Outside Heat by Playing Indoors
By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer
While much of the country is sweltering in record breaking heat, for the Santa Clarita Valley, we call it “a regular summer day.”
As the calendar counts down to “real summer” which is normally August through October in the SCV, the temperatures are starting to rise. It’s time to expect routine temperatures in the 90s and 100s. It’s also time to celebrate The Great Indoors, including theaters, museums, casinos, ice rinks and other places where you can beat the heat. Malls used to be a great escape from the heat and the surviving malls are still a great place to cool off while enjoying food and entertainment.
The Movies
Movie theaters are a traditional favorite for getting away from unpleasant hot temperatures.
This summer’s anticipated biggest blockbusters include
July 19 “Twisters” A sequel to the 1996 hit film.
July 12 “Fly Me to the Moon” A quirky period comedy where a NASA director entrusted with the Apollo 11 launch hires a Don Draper–esque marketing guru brought in to “sell the moon” when public support for the launch plummets.
July 26 “Deadpool and Wolverine” The third installment of the “Deadpool” Marvel franchise.
Aug. 16 “Alien: Romulus” This new film in the “Alien” franchise takes place between the events of the first 1979 film “Alien” and James Cameron’s action-packed 1986 sequel “Aliens.”
Aug. 23 “Blink Twice” Channing Tatum a charming tech billionaire who invites a couple of ordinary nonbillionaires to his private island to hang with other one-percenters.
Indoor Water Park at Great Wolf Lodge
12681 Harbor Blvd., Garden Grove 92840
Info www.greatwolf.com/southern-california
For a unique “get out of the heat” vacation, try Great Wolf Lodge in Garden Grove and its indoor water park. Nearly 100,000 square feet of indoor aquatic fun is waiting with the River Canyon Run, Rapid Racer, Sequoia Splash and more.
If land activities are more your style, the hotel also boasts an arcade, bowling alley, mini-golf and ropes course.
This is a fun getaway for adults who are still kids at heart. But be advised, children will be present, in multitudes.
Museum of Ventura County
100 East Main Street, Ventura 93001
Info venturamuseum.org/visit
Explore the history and art of Ventura County. The museum also offers free events including a special experience where attendees can learn the artistry of Zapotec weaving on Sunday, July 14 from 2 - 5 p.m.
The artist in charge of this weaving workshop is Eduardo Jiménez. Jiménez is from Teotitláisn del Valle, a town of 5,000 inhabitants, 20 miles from the city of Oaxaca, famous for its ancestral weavings.
Admission to the museum is $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors with ID. Under age 18 is free. In addition, the first Sunday of each month is free.
Chumash Casino Resort
3400 CA-246, Santa Ynez 93460
Info www.chumashcasino.com
Not far from the SCV the Chumash Casino Resort is a great haven to escape the heat.
The spacious, 115,000 square foot casino floor features 2,300 of the newest, hottest slot machines, plus bar top gaming at the Center Bar.
In addition to slot machines, table games, Bingo, food and drinks the resort also offers entertainment.
On Friday, July 12 at 8 p.m. see the pop band Air Supply Tickets are priced at $49, $59, $69, $74, $79. Few groups have done it better than Air Supply. From their hits “All Out of Love” and “Lost in Love” to every love song in-between, Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock have been recording hits and touring the world for almost 50 years. Now in their 70s the duo continues to sing their hits to adoring fans.
The Cube
27745 Smyth Drive, Valencia 91355
Info www.thecubesantaclarita.com
The Cube Ice and Entertainment Center offers public skating Monday-Friday 9-11 a.m. and 1:304:30 p.m. On Fridays there is an additional session 7:30-9:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays offer public skating 1:30-4:30 p.m. and 7:30- 9:30 p.m.
Admission and skate rental: $17, If you just want to sit and watch the skaters, admission only is $12. The Cube also offers The Grille for pizza, burgers and more, as well as the Top Shelf which offers a full bar, serving local brews, wine and uniquely named cocktails.
SCV Public Libraries
Info www.santaclaritalibrary.com, lacountylibrary. org
The three libraries of the Santa Clarita Public Library system and the two County of Los Angeles Public Library locations are not only cool and inviting, they offer a range of programs for all ages.
Old Town Newhall Library
24500 Main St., Newhall 91321
Jo Anne Darcy Canyon Country Library
18601 Soledad Canyon Rd., Canyon Country, 91351
Valencia Library
23743 West Valencia Blvd., Valencia 91355
Stevenson Ranch Library
25950 The Old Rd, Stevenson Ranch 91381
Castaic Library
27971 Sloan Canyon Rd, Castaic 91384
Courtesy Photos from left: Museum of Ventura County; Chumash Casino Resort; Great Wolf Lodge; and Fun at the library. PHOTO BY HABEBA MOSTAFA / THE SIGNAL
Regain Flexibility After Age 50
SFlexibility and fitness go hand in hand. Ensuring the body is flexible can help individuals avoid injury during exercise. Yogapedia indicates flexibility refers to the ability of a joint to travel through its range of motion as soft tissues like muscles and tendons lengthen and shorten to allow for movement. When these components are not flexible, muscle strains and even fractures can occur. Flexibility also helps to improve balance and lower risk of falls.
According to WebMD, as one ages, stiffness settles into joints more easily. Muscles and tendons may remain in tight positions, further exacerbating movement and potentially affecting one’s motivation to exercise. That is why older adults should prioritize regaining flexibility to improve overall health and ability to engage in physical activity. The following strategies can help.
Get Moving More
Seniors should aspire to move every day. Even walking will be a good start to improving flexibility. Walking, working in a garden, playing golf, and swimming are activities that put the body in motion and alleviate tightness in joints and muscles.
Decide on a Stretching Routine
Stretches are generally categorized as static stretching, isometric stretching or dynamic stretching. Static stretching involves holding a stretch. Isometric stretching adds to static stretching by contracting and relaxing muscles. Dynamic stretching involves actively moving muscles and joints in a set motion. Stretching can be incorporated into daily plans so it becomes routine.
Warm up even before stretching
Seniors should warm up before stretching to get the heart, muscles and joints ready. Walking in place for five or 10 minutes can be a good warmup.
Don’t Bounce or Jerk
Bouncing or jerking while stretching could increase the risk for injury.
Hold the Stretches
Try to hold stretches for 30 seconds, which will give the involved muscles time to relax. Stretch only until tension is felt.
Give it Time
Regaining flexibility can take time, especially if it’s been a while since a person has exercised. Seniors can start slowly and then increase the depth of stretches and the number of repetitions.
cores of people insist that exercising with a partner is a great way to remain committed to a fitness regimen, and now research is beginning to support that assertion. A 2023 study from researchers in Japan published in the Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics found that exercising both alone and with a partner two or more times a week helped to lower risk of cognitive impairment, but the risk was decreased by a more significant margin among those who exercised with others. Authors of the study found that the risk of cognitive impairment decreased by more than 29 percent among individuals who worked out with a partner, which was nearly double the percentage reduction (15 percent) among those who exercised alone. (MC)
Move From Seated to Standing
Seniors who may need a little extra help can perform various stretches while seated. This can help a person acclimate to stretching and avoid feelings of unsteadiness. As the exercises become easier, it may be possible to progress to standing stretches or ones that utilize a resistance band or another tool. Seniors can improve flexibility by engaging in stretching activities. Flexibility diminishes as one ages, but it can be regained. For those unsure about where to begin, a qualified physical therapist can offer advice on safe and effective stretching. (MC)
Staying Safe During Summer Vacations
Five tips for traveling with health conditions.
From staycations and road trips to Caribbean getaways and coastal cruises, summertime offers the chance to escape and unwind with a much needed (and deserved) vacation. However, for people living with health conditions like heart disease or stroke, leaving home can pose special challenges.
As travel season takes shape, the experts at the American Heart Association - celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service as the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all - recommends a few important tips to ease onthe-go woes.
“As we look forward to summer, many people will be traveling to spend treasured time with family and friends, or maybe just to enjoy some relaxation on the beach,” said Gladys Velarde, M.D., FAHA, professor of medicine and national volunteer with the American Heart Association. “It’s not always that simple for people who have chronic health conditions that require multiple medications or special medical equipment. There are also considerations for how to maintain your health and not put yourself at increased risk.”
Velarde said that doesn’t mean travel is off limits if you have a chronic health condition. A little planning and preparation can reduce stress and prepare you for your next big adventure.
Check In with Your Health Care Provider
Speak with your primary care physician or specialist about your travel plans and any special considerations related to your health. He or she can offer guidance on any restrictions or precautions you should keep in mind. Carry a list of all medications, including dosages and pharmacy information. Also consider carrying a copy of key medi-
research how to pack them appropriately for airport security and make sure you’ll have a refrigerator in your lodging.
Ensure medications are clearly labeled and that you’ve packed enough to last the entire trip.
If you’re traveling across time zones, enlist your health care provider to help adjust medication schedules. Some medications require refrigeration;
Master the Airport Manage Your Medications
Plan for Transportation
Whether you’re traveling by plane, bus, train, cruise ship or other means, it’s paramount to plan ahead for special medical equipment. For example, if you use a wheelchair, walker or other assistance for getting around, you may need to check in with the travel company to find out how to properly transport your devices.
During this especially busy travel season, planning ahead can make the airport experience easier. If you have a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, you may need to go through a special security screening. Walking through a crowded terminal can take its toll, so consider requesting a wheelchair or courtesy cart to get to your gate when booking your ticket.
Long flights may increase your risk for blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Consider wearing compression
cal records and a list of phone numbers, including your doctors and emergency contacts.
FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Conservative Budget Practices Paying Off
ByKen Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager
Iam pleased to say that during our last City Council meeting in June, our City Council adopted yet another on-time, balanced budget for the 2024/25 Fiscal Year. The approval of an on-time and balanced budget has been the standard in Santa Clarita, every year since the City was formed back in 1987 and is the backbone to our efficient local government services. Our conservative budget philosophies ensure we are able to consistently provide high-quality, essential services while adding new offerings and meeting new demands in the community, such as our future roller rink and Citywide median improvements. I am also happy to report we continue to maintain healthy emergency reserves and the highest (AAA) credit rating from S&P Global Ratings.
necessary to remain one of the safest in the nation; the construction of The Rink Sports Pavilion; funds for the operations of the new Valencia Community Center; one-time funding for the development of a new Arts Master Plan; and funds for 12 new eco -friendly Transit vehicles.
cia Heritage Park; and upgrades to Begonias Lane Park at a projected cost of $1.38 million.
The budget for this fiscal year comes in at $342 million, the second year in a row that it has topped the $300 million mark. Some of the highlights of the budget include increases for local law enforcement services to ensure our City has the resources
Included in the approved budget is also funding for our annual Capital Improvement Program, which will total $95.8 million. The high quality of life we enjoy in Santa Clarita is due to the investments made in these new and existing assets, which not only includes buildings, but also miles of roadways, dozens of parks, thousands of acres of open space, miles of trails and thousands of trees. This year’s budget includes $22.9 million for our annual Overlay and Slurry Seal Program; $3.3 million for the Newhall Gateway Beautification Improvements; $740,000 for the design and construction of a new tennis court with pickleball overlay at Valen-
The approval of the annual budget is always exciting, and this year is no exception. As we enter the final year of our Strategic Plan, Santa Clarita 2025, the work efforts contained in this document include many high-profile projects that will have long-lasting and positive impacts on Santa Clarita for decades to come. The City of Santa Clarita has built a reputation for being a forward-thinking organization, and as such, we thrive by prioritizing conservative budgeting practices, while providing good planning and implementation measures to ensure the continuity of superior municipal services to our community.
Overall, the organization is in a solid financial position, and I am confident we will continue to provide exceptional services that exceed expectations in our community. Additionally, our commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility ensures that every dollar is spent wisely to benefit all residents. Together, we are building a brighter future. For more information on our City budget, please visit SantaClarita.gov.
Ken Striplin is the City Manager for the City of Santa Clarita and can be reached at kstriplin@santa clarita.gov.
Celebrate Salad Season Outside the Bowl
From putting a family meal on the table after activities to hosting a large crowd at your next get-together, a seasonal favorite like Caesar salad can serve as the perfect canvas for creating quick, easy-to-prepare meals.
With more than 100 varieties of fresh, healthy and convenient ready-to-eat salads. Fresh Express provides tasty, versatile salad kits that can be modified to fit nearly any kind of meal you might be craving.
Available in the refrigerated produce department, these premium mixes can be eaten as a standalone salad when time is of the essence or taken beyond the bowl and fused with another beloved classic, like tacos, for a burst of flavor and texture in every bite. These Fried Chicken Caesar Tacos, ready in just 30 minutes, feature savory Caesar salad enveloped in a crispy, golden chicken shell.
Even when time is limited, flavor doesn’t need to be compromised. Inspired by high-end dining experiences, the Fresh Express Twisted Creamy Truffle Caesar Chopped Salad Kit provides a gourmet twist to turn these Creamy Truffle Caesar Pork Sandwiches into a culinary delight.
To find more inspiration for elevating your salads or locate a store near you, visit freshexpress.com.
Creamy Truffle Caesar Pork Sandwiches
Prep time 5 minutes
Cook time 15 minutes
Servings 4
2 pounds boneless skinless pork chops
4 tablespoons Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 red onion
1 bag (9.3 ounces) Fresh Express Twisted Caesar Creamy Truffle Caesar Chopped Salad Kit
4 long sandwich rolls
Preheat pan on stove over medium-high heat. Season pork chops with Italian seasoning.
When pan is hot, add oil and pork chops. Cook pork chops, turning halfway through, until they reach minimum internal temperature of 145 F, 6-8 minutes per side (depending on thickness).
Once pork chops are cooked through, remove from pan and let rest a few minutes.
Peel and slice onion. After resting, slice pork into strips; set aside.
Chicken Caesar Tacos
Prep time 10 minutes
Cook time 20 minutes
Servings 4
3 eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet taco seasoning
2 chicken breasts, sliced in half horizontally
3 cups neutral oil
1 bag (9.4 ounces) Fresh Express Caesar Chopped Salad Kit
In shallow bowl, beat eggs. In separate bowl, combine flour and half packet of taco seasoning.
Place chicken in resealable bag and, using meat tenderizer, pound to 1/4-inch thickness. In medium saute pan, heat oil over medium heat.
In same pan, saute onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
In large bowl, combine lettuce, dressing, croutons and cheese from salad kit.
In separate pan, toast buns until golden brown; set aside.
To build sandwiches, place sliced pork on bottom halves of toasted buns. Top with prepared salad mixture and sauteed onions. Finish with top halves of buns.
Season chicken breasts with remaining taco seasoning.
Coat chicken in flour mixture, dip into beaten eggs then coat chicken in flour mixture again, pressing firmly to adhere.
In pan with hot oil, cook battered chicken until golden brown, flipping halfway through, until chicken reaches minimum internal temperature of 165 F, 4-5 minutes per side (depending on thickness). Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding pan, if necessary.
Once fully cooked, fold chicken over to create taco shell-shape. Place sheet pan on top to hold shape, 3-4 minutes.
In large bowl, combine lettuce, dressing, croutons and cheese from salad kit.
Once chicken taco shells set, carefully remove sheet pan. Fill each taco shell with prepared salad mixture. (Family Features)
ENTERTAINMENT
‘A Quiet Place’ is — ‘at times — Surprisingly Poetic’
By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer
‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ (out of four) Paramount Pictures presents a film written and directed by Michael Sarnoski. Rated PG-13. In theaters.
In the 10-minute prologue for “A Quiet Place Part II,” we learned the Abbott family from the original movie were at a Little League game in their idyllic hometown of Millbrook, New York, on the first day of the alien invasion, when all bloody hell broke loose, and those monstrous extraterrestrials began slaughtering much of the world’s population.
At the same time that madness was transpiring upstate, the city of New York (as well as a host of major metropolitan areas across the planet) found itself under siege, and that’s the setting for “A Quiet Place: Day One,” which serves as a worthy pre-
Sunday-Thursday, July 7-11, 2024 M AXXX I N E E 1:30 4:30 7:30 In 1980s Holly wood, adult film star and aspiring ac tress Maxine Minx finally gets her big break
quel to the first films but also functions quite well as a standalone story. Even if you’ve never seen the first two “A Quiet Place” films (though we highly recommend that you do), “Day One” writer-director Michael
Sarnoski, working from a story he conceived with John Krasinski, delivers a compelling and at times surprisingly poetic and melancholy survival story, with the brilliant Lupita Nyong’o carrying the film every quiet step of the way.
This is Sarnoski’s second feature after he made a spectacular debut with the Nicolas Cage-starring “Pig” in 2021, and it’s once again clear he is a spectacularly talented visual artist and storyteller who isn’t afraid to take big swings. Granted, there are some metaphoric flourishes and overly sentimental moments that almost dare you to roll your eyes, but by the time “Day One” reaches its beautifully rendered and deeply moving conclusion, we’re all in.
Nyong’o plays Sam, a writer and terminally ill cancer patient who is staying in a shabby hospice outside New York City, clinging to her service cat, Frodo, relying on transdermal fentanyl skin patches to stave off the excruciating pain and barely tolerating the upbeat and warmhearted Reuben (Alex Wolff), the nurse who runs the center.
When Reuben arranges a field trip into Manhattan to see a show (which turns out to be a strange and unsettling marionette performance), Sam agrees only after Reuben promises her they will get pizza, real New York pizza, before heading back.
of other survivors, including Djimon Hounsou’s character from “A Quiet Place Part II.” Thanks to announcements from military personnel flying overhead (presumably too high for the creatures to reach up and swat ‘em), everyone quickly learns the rules of engagement with these hideous monsters, who look like a cross between Jeff Goldblum’s “Brundlefly” and the creatures from the “Aliens” movies, and sound like 20 horses pounding down the stretch at the Kentucky Derby when they come roaring after you. They can’t see a thing, but they’re highly sensitive to even the slightest noise, so you must STAY VERY QUIET. The only way to escape them is to seek water; they can’t swim.
With thousands of New Yorkers walking like silent zombies to the South Street Seaport to take ferries to safety, Sam heads in the opposite direction, to Harlem, to get that pizza. (As you’ve probably guessed, Sam’s desire for that pizza is about much more than having a slice.)
S O U N D O F H O P E: T H E S TO RY O F P O S S U M T ROT C Sun: 10:00 1:00 4:00 7:00; Mon to Thu: 1:00 4:00 7:00
Possum Trot follows Donna and Reverend Mar tin as they ignite a movement of compassion in their East Texas church to adopt some of the most difficult-to -place kids in the foster system DESPICABLE ME 4 B Sun: 10:20 12:45 3:00 5:10 7:30; Mon to Thu: 12:45 3:00 5:10 7:30 Gru, Luc y and their girls welcome a new member to the Gru family, Gru Jr., who is intent on tormenting his dad.
A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE C Sun: 10:15 1:40 4:20 7:10; Mon to Thu: 1:40 4:20 7:10
Experience the day the world went quiet
DA D D I O E Sun: 10:10 AM
A young woman and a cabbie strike up the most unexpected conversation resulting in a single, epic remarkable journey
H O R I ZO N: A N A M E R I C A N S AG A C H A P T E R 1 E Sun: 10:00 12:45 3:40 7:00; Mon to Thu: 12:45 3:40 7:00
Horizon: An American Saga explores the lure of the Old West and how it was won
T H E B I K E R I D E R S E 4:00 PM
THE BIKERIDERS, starring Austin Butler, Jodie Comer, Tom Hardy and Norman Reedus, follows the rise of a midwestern motorc ycle club, the Vandals
THELMA C Sun: 10:20 1:20 7:10; Mon to Tue: 1:20 7:10; Wed: 1:20 PM; Thu: 1:20 7:10 When 93-year- old Thelma Post gets duped by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson, she sets out on a treacherous quest across the city to reclaim what was taken from her
I N S I D E O U T 2 B Sun: 10:30 1:10 4:30 7:20; Mon to Thu: 1:10 4:30
Return to the mind of newly minted teenager Riley just as headquar ters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for something entirely unexpec ted: new Emotions!
C LO S E E N CO U N T E R S O F T H E T H I R D K I N D B Wed: 7:00 PM
Roy Near y, along with several other stunned bystanders, experience a close encounter of the first kind
Spoiler alert: There’s no heading back.
With the cinematography, score and sound design greatly helping to set the stage, Sarnoski finds just the right moment to slam on the accelerator and plunge Manhattan into chaos, as the skies light up with meteorlike streaks and hundreds and then thousands of Death Angels tear through the streets of the city, hurling cars like toys and tearing people to pieces. (“Day One” is rated PG13, and while there are a number of jump-scare moments of sudden carnage, we see more of the aftermath of the destruction than the actual killings.)
Covered in soot and bearing a startling resemblance to the late Marcy Borders, aka “Dust Lady” from the famous 9/11 photos, Sam hunkers down in that theater with hundreds
In a bit of plot development that feels a bit arbitrary and forced, Sam finds herself stuck with a man named Eric (Joseph Quinn), who explains he’s a law student from England and that’s about as much as we ever learn about Eric, other than he’s kind of a panicky dude and he keeps following Sam until she finally agrees to let him accompany her to Harlem.
Eventually, Eric turns out to be a pretty OK guy; I mean, when Frodo the cat takes a liking to him, how can we not follow suit?
“A Quiet Place: Day One” has a handful of pulse-pounding action sequences, but it also works as a work of poetry about a young woman who is dying but is fiercely determined to fend off these Death Angels so that she can say goodbye to this world on her own terms. Nyong’o is in a horror movie, but she gives a performance that transcends genre. Greatness is greatness.
TRAVEL
Continued from page 7
socks and walk around the cabin while it’s
and allowed to help improve your circulation.
Know the Signs
someone you’re with experience symptoms, call 911. Many airports even offer kiosks where you can learn Hands-Only CPR while waiting for your flight.
“Every individual’s condition is unique, and you’ll want to tailor your travel plans to your specific needs,” Velarde said. “By taking a little time now to plan and prepare, your vacation can be just what the doctor ordered to help you unwind and recharge.”
Learn more about healthy traveling at Heart.org. (Family Features)
Exceptional Breast Cancer Care in Santa Clarita
QIs it true that Michael Crichton has a new book coming out? I thought he passed away years ago.
— E.M.
A”Jurassic Park” author Michael Crichton died in 2008 of cancer at the age of 66. He graduated from Harvard Medical School, but followed his passion for writing and developing novels, films and television shows (“ER”).
According to People magazine, Crichton’s widow, Sherri, has been searching for a writer to finish the incomplete manuscript that her husband left behind. She found that writer in bestselling author James Patterson. Crichton was fascinated by volcanoes and provided “meticulous notes” on what he started, so Patterson and Sherri worked together in a “joyful collaboration” that included
Late author/filmmaker Michael Crichton (1942-2008). PHOTO CREDIT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
“intense research on volcanology to make sure the book retained Crichton’s signature gripping momentum and rigorous scientific accuracy.”
The finished novel, “Eruption,” is now available for purchase in stores and online, and there’s a really good chance it’ll be on the big screen someday, too.
QWhatever happened to the planned sequel to Waiting to Ex-
Survival at Stake
By Poorva Joshipura
With science recognizing animal consciousness, intelligence, emotion and morality, we must be aware of our own moral responsibilities toward other beings. But there’s another reason to consider animals’ well-being — because it is intertwined with our own.
Leading animal rights activist Poorva Joshipura argues that, evolutionarily, humans are more like other animals than we care to believe. She examines how hunting wildlife leads to pandemics and epidemics, which, in turn, harm us; how the production of meat destroys forests and causes climate change, which, in turn, destroys us; how blood sports hurt both humans and animals; how leather production damages the environment and human health; how animal experimentation is often a threat to
hale”? I know there was a follow-up novel, which I really enjoyed, but I was hoping to see the cast reunite for the film.
— K.K.
AYou’re correct that a sequel was in the works based on Terry McMillan’s book “Getting to Happy,” which was the sequel to her novel “Waiting to Exhale.” Unfortunately, the project was canceled after the tragic death of one of its stars, Whitney Houston. The remaining three stars, Angela Bassett, Lela Rochon and Loretta Devine, did not believe in continuing the film without their friend Houston.
The good news is Rochon and Devine are part of the ensemble cast of “Terry McMillan Presents: Tempted by Love,” an upcoming romance movie for Lifetime, starring Garcelle Beauvais (“The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”). Beauvais will play a famous chef who falls for a handsome young man 20 years her junior. The movie sounds reminiscent of another McMillan novel-turned-movie “How Stella Got Her Groove Back.”
The original film will premiere on
public health; how cruelty to animals leads to violent crimes; and so on. It’s time to take the necessary steps towards the betterment of all the planet’s inhabitants. Purchase at peta.org/ survival.
The Idea People
By Mike Lubow
It is 1987: the “greed is good” era. When anxious ad agency whiz Ben Franklin Green accidentally falls through a wall during a boardroom presentation, he hops a plane and flies west instead of returning to work. During a nostalgic sojourn in
the eucalyptus and marijuana-scented playland of LA’s sexy Laurel Canyon, he plans to develop a book with his former mentor about the sham that is the advertising business.
But his plans are short-lived when his mentor’s outdoorsy daughter is kidnapped while working in the Rocky Mountain wilds. Ben, with the creativity of a Madison Avenue idea man, becomes an unlikely detective as he is drawn into the case.
Ben’s interest in nature, loyalty to his friends, and an uncanny ability to see what others miss allow him to become a rare bird who finds a new life
Lifetime on Aug. 17 at 8 p.m. ET.
QWill there ever be a reboot of “Desperate Housewives”? It seems like now would be the perfect time for an updated version of the show.
ANot if the show’s creator Marc Cherry has any say in it. Eva Longoria, who played Gabrielle Solis on the show during its entire run from 2004-2012, says she’s all for it. However, she told Entertainment Weekly that Cherry feels like he doesn’t have anything else to say about the characters that he hasn’t “already fully mined.”
You can catch Longoria in the new miniseries “Land of Women” on Apple TV+ and the new season of “Only Murders in the Building” on Hulu. “Only Murders” will be partially set in Los Angeles, with returning stars Steve Martin and Martin Short, as well as the return of season three’s Meryl Streep. Longoria will join Eugene Levy and Zach Galifianakis as one of the show’s signature guest stars in supporting roles.
©2023 King Features Synd., Inc.
in the Wild West.
Moons
By R.E. Mason
This is a tale of two worlds at cross-purposes, orbiting around a once-habitable planet. Two men, strangers to each other, are commissioned to find and bring their chosen heir back to claim her right to ascendency in time to stop a despot from taking control of both Moons.
Moons, an action-packed sci-fi adventure novel, is written by a happily retired, blind octogenarian living in the Bay Area in Northern California. As a lad, he was curious for what he might find on the other side of the hill, and throughout his life, he sought to find it. He felt he belonged somewhere else, and that someday they would come for him. He created that world, that adventure, those people and friends, where he can go from time to time. This first excursion, Moons, takes him to that other world.
What is Sleep Divorce?
By Mary Petersen Signal Staff Writer
When a friend informs you that they’re experimenting with “sleep divorce,” you may stare in bewilderment. Your first thought may be to offer condolences.
The phrase “sleep divorce” evokes images of a spouse banished to the couch after an argument. It conjures up concern that the relationship is in trouble. Actually, more and more couples are turning to this routine to improve their sleep and their relationships.
A sleep divorce refers to romantic partners sleeping in different rooms rather than sharing a bed at night. According to an American Academy of Sleep Medicine survey, over onethird of American couples regularly sleep in a different room from their romantic partner.
Sleep Divorce is a growing trend. Estimates by organizations like The Better Sleep Council and the International Housewares Association suggest that approximately 1 in 5 couples are sleeping separately most or all of the time. So, why don’t we hear more about it?
Psychologist Susan Albers, PsyD., explains that the term itself “sleep divorce” has a lot to do with avoiding the subject. The same social stigma that has been associated with the term “divorce” has given the phrase “sleep divorce” a negative connotation. She prefers to use terms like “sleep separation” or “alternative sleep arrangements.”
In addition, people hold cultural ideas about what a good relationship should look like, both in bed and in public. Dr. Albers says that embarrassment can accompany talking about sleep divorce if couples feel like they aren’t adhering to the societal norm.
Fortunately, a few celebrities have come forward to say that they and their partners sleep in separate rooms which is helping the practice become more normalized and easier for
people to talk about. Television host Carson Daly has publicly discussed sleeping separately from his wife. Cameron Diaz, who is married to Good Charlotte guitarist Benji Madden, says she wants to destigmatize separate sleeping arrangements.
According to a SleepFoundation. org survey, couples who choose to sleep in different rooms do so for a variety of reasons. A partner may be significantly interfering with their spouse’s sleep due to sleep apnea, snoring, restless leg syndrome. or frequently getting up in the night. Regularly interrupted sleep has negative health effects.
Sleep insufficiency can result in a higher risk of heart problems, a weaker immune system, and reduced alertness and attention. It can lead to anxiety, depression, and diminished quality of life.
Rebecca Robbins, associate scientist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and instructor at Harvard Medical School, says, “Prioritizing sleep is really critical for couples. If it means sleeping in different bedrooms because one partner snores or one partner isn’t happy with the mattress or the temperature, then that is absolutely OK.”
If the thought of sleeping separately feels lonely or uncomfortable, ask your partner about the possibility of making a plan. Arrange an evening routine that includes time to connect and cuddle before retiring to separate quarters without feeling guilty.
For couples struggling to get a good night’s sleep, there’s no harm in giving it a trial run. You can always go back to sleeping together. A sleep divorce might save you from a marital one!
Mary Petersen is a retired COC English Instructor, 35-year SCV resident, and two-time breast cancer survivor. She welcomes your comments at asecondwind.signal@gmail.com
• I hear fine as long as I turn the sound up
• Wearing a hearing aid will make me look old
• I don’t have time to check my hearing
• If you relate to any of these CALL US!
GARDENING
Gardening in the Unique Santa Clarita Biome
Chaparral is a semi-arid, shrub-dominated association of hard-leaved, woody shrubs shaped by a Mediterranean-type climate, and infrequent, high-intensity fires.
— California Chaparral Institute
By Jane Gates Signal Staff Writer
Now that 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.
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.
For more information about gardening in the Santa Clarita Valley, visit Jane Gates on YouTube at https://youtube.com/user/Janieg8s.
Essentials for Homeowners Navigating Construction Contracts
In today’s construction landscape, homeowners-to-be encounter numerous challenges, like budget overruns and delays. This is why selecting the right contractor and thoroughly scrutinizing the contract are crucial.
Glen Harris III of Alair Florida stresses transparent processes and client control in his dealings with clients. Here are five key elements to consider for a successful construction experience based on Harris’ insights, and the results of an Ipsos and Hover survey of 500 adults involved in home renovation projects.
A Detailed Planning Process Harris advocates for a comprehensive planning phase that lays the groundwork for precise budgets, schedules and scopes.
This aligns with findings from the survey, which reveal that 58% of homeowners experienced time delays averaging about 40 days. A thorough planning process mitigates ambiguity and sets realistic expectations from the outset, preventing costly delays down the line.
Transparency Throughout With a traditional “cost plus” contract, transparency can be limited to monthly cost breakdowns after completion. Instead, prioritize a contract that promises transparency from conception. According to the survey, more than a third of homeowners reported paying more than the original quote, with the additional costs averaging $19,000.
Contracts should ensure continuous insight into project costs, schedule updates and scope changes, empowering homeowners to make informed decisions and maintain control over their investment.
Client Involvement Harris encourages “client control,” stressing active participation in the planning phase. The survey shows nearly half of homeowners faced avoidable issues, causing strained relationships and setbacks.
Contracts should foster teamwork, keep clients informed and engaged in decision-making, and reduce misunderstandings for a smoother construction process.
Technology Integration Harris em-
phasizes the role of technology in managing projects, highlighting Microsoft Business Central for real-time access to project data. Using such platforms improves transparency and communication between contractors and homeowners.
The survey highlights that 31% of homeowners find budgeting the most challenging aspect of the process, emphasizing the importance of streamlined systems for clarity and efficiency.
Trust and Reputation Trust is paramount in the homeowner-contractor relationship, with reputation ranking as the most important characteristic for homeowners when selecting a contractor. The survey reveals that half of homeowners prioritize fair pricing, while 40% value contractor knowledge and 35% emphasize good
communication skills.
Contracts should reflect these priorities, instilling confidence in homeowners and fostering strong partnerships built on trust and reliability.
Alair market partner and renowned home designer, Dave Jenkins of Wright Jenkins, emphasizes thorough planning and transparent communication throughout the construction process.
He says, “Our clients love to be kept in the loop with our cutting-edge design and communication. A well-defined planning phase sets the stage for success and minimizes costly delays and misunderstandings. Transparency and communication are essential for building trust and alignment on project goals.”
For more information about new construction and home remodeling, visit www.Alairflorida.com.
By prioritizing these elements in a contractor’s contract, homeowners can navigate construction confidently, mitigating risks and ensuring a positive outcome. Reviewing and understanding these aspects of the contract is crucial for safeguarding investments and achieving project success. (SPT)
HEALTH
Five Things to Know About Asthma and Summer Heat
Nearly 25 million people of all ages in the United States are living with asthma, a lifelong chronic disease that makes it harder to move air in and out of the lungs.
Here’s what the American Lung Association wants everyone to know during summer, when extreme heat can make asthma harder to manage. New Challenges are Emerging
Beyond traditional asthma triggers like respiratory infections, secondhand smoke and pets, new challenges are emerging. The effects of climate change include extreme heat, poor air quality, increased allergens, extreme weather events, and more frequent and intense wildfires, all of which are making asthma more difficult to manage.
Excessive heat and humidity increase the risk of asthma exacerbations, asthma-related hospitalization and asthma-related death, especially for children and women. Patients
should limit time outdoors during heat waves, seek access to air conditioning and take steps to improve indoor air quality, as humidity allows dust mites and mold to thrive.
City Dwellers are Particularly Vulnerable
Two-thirds of the average U.S. city is made up of roads, parking spaces, sidewalks and roofs. Since these sur-
faces are typically dark and non-porous, they contribute to flooding, increased air pollution, poor health and what is known as “urban heat,” a phenomenon in which cities experience warmer temperatures than surrounding areas.
Urban heat, combined with pollutants from power plants, motor vehicles and other pollution sources, creates ozone pollution, also known as smog. Those with asthma can experience symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing from both ground-level ozone and particle pollution, as well as from the impacts of extreme weather and airborne allergens.
Sadly, these issues disproportionately impact certain communities. Due to a history of discriminatory practices like systematic denial of mortgages, insurance loans, and other financial services on the basis of race and ethnicity, Black and Indigenous people, and other people of color, are more likely to be living in areas impacted by urban heat and poor air quality.
Flooding Can Harm Lung Health
Increased severe storms due to climate change results in more flooding, which can harm lung health. Chemicals, sewage, oil, gas and other dangerous substances found in floodwaters can pose health risks, and mold, associated with asthma attacks, can grow anywhere there is water or dampness.
Advocacy Efforts are Underway
The Smart Surfaces Coalition is made up of 40 national and international organizations committed to
making Smart Surfaces the global urban design standard. Smart Surfaces encompass a suite of cutting-edge technologies, including reflective (cool) roofs and pavements, green roofs, trees, solar panels and rain gardens. Designed to mitigate urban heat, enhance air quality and improve health, these transformative urban features can cool cities by 5 degrees F, reduce flooding, provide economic benefits and potentially advance environmental justice.
The American Lung Association, an active member of the Smart Surfaces Coalition, encourages cities to take these actions:
• Install light-colored roads, parking lots and driveways to reflect sunlight and reduce heat.
• Install solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity and provide shade for roofs.
• Plant trees to increase shade.
• Select porous surfaces to collect polluted stormwater, soak it into the ground, and filter out pollution. Other strategies to reduce urban heat, air pollution and ozone levels include using public transportation carpooling, increasing green spaces and installing cooling centers in extreme conditions.
Resources are Available
Educational programming can help people better manage the disease in summer and year-round. Patients can check out the self-management education programs, information and tools available at Lung.org/asthma or call the American Lung Association’s Lung Helpline at 1-800-LUNGUSA. Living with an illness, or being the caretaker to someone who is, can take a physical and emotional toll. Patients can get support and knowledge, and connect with others by joining the Lung Association’s Patient & Caregiver Network.
For the 24.8 million Americans living with asthma, extreme summer temperatures and emerging environmental threats can make life more difficult. Fortunately, new educational resources and expanded programming can help patients navigate new and old challenges alike. (SPT)
Creating a Pet-Friendly Palace For Cats and Dogs
As much as you love your pets and work hard to make them part of the family, they’re also a big responsibility. Part of that responsibility includes setting up your home so it’s equal parts stylish (for you) and functional (for Fido).
Show furry friends a little love, beyond the walks and snuggles, by making your home more pet friendly.
Set Up Their Space Near an Entry
It’s common for pet owners to desire a space to keep all their furry friends’ belongings and avoid clutter. Ensure convenience and cleanliness by establishing an area near the door where you can store leashes, collars, toys and more. Consider keeping a towel or two nearby for wiping paws (and snouts) after going outside. You can also keep your pets’ beds, food and water bowls in this space so it feels like their own little “home” when returning from a walk or going to sleep at night.
Consider Stain-Resistant Fabrics
From furniture to decor, avoid-
ing fabrics that attract pet hair is a no-brainer for pet owners looking to escape a constant mess. Silk and velvet are virtual magnets for fur, while alternatives like leather offer more practical choices that are easy to clean and durable.
Install Resilient Flooring
Reduce your fear of zoomies causing damage to your floors by installing resilient flooring focused on reducing wear. Both durable and beautiful, a variety of Beautifully Responsible floors take on some of the burden of pet ownership with built-
How Pet Owners Can Benefit from Resilient Flooring
It’s likely you want your pets to live their best lives without sacrificing your own gorgeous spaces. With a variety of attractive options to fit your aesthetic, Beautifully Responsible resilient flooring provides durability against dirt, spills and sprints. Consider these benefits of floors that fit your style and give furry friends room for fun:
Deny Dirt and Dander
Once playtime outside is over, that mess can sometimes make its way inside. Designed to make cleanup easier, many resilient flooring options can make removing messes, odors and pet hair a cinch. From sheet solutions to modular configurations, resilient flooring can typically be cleaned without harsh chemicals - just make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning instructions.
Zoom On
Many Beautifully Responsible resilient floors are durable enough to stand up to those zoomies. These options are ready for your dogs’ and cats’ fastest sprints, and make for quick clean up when they accidentally turn over a favorite flowerpot or their own water bowls.
Reduce Water
Worries
Those vigorous tail wags near a fresh bowl of water lead to even good boys and girls causing a spill now and then. With many waterproof and water-resistant options for even the messiest of pets, you can be more confident in resilient floors standing up to spills so you can forgive puppy-dog eyes even faster. (Family Features)
in durability for the everyday and the unexpected. With options designed to bridge the gap between style and function, numerous water-resistant and waterproof floors give you and your pets room to live your best lives for years to come without wet shakes triggering worries. Plus, many resilient floors don’t flinch when it comes to addressing muddy paws, often only requiring the mud to be easily wiped
away, without harsh cleaning products.
Decorate with Pets in Mind
Displaying Grandma’s fine China and your favorite sports memorabilia may not go hand-in-hand with pet ownership - that autographed baseball may look more like a chew toy than a treasured artifact. Instead, prioritize decor that’s washable and sturdy so you can avoid coming home to a delicate family heirloom shattered on the floor.
Pet-Proof the Yard
If you plan on your pets being outside on their own, it’s a good idea to carefully inspect your outdoor spaces before letting them roam. Look for gaps in the fence, identify potentially harmful plants and ensure outdoor structures like grills and furniture are secure.
Find pet-friendly flooring solutions at beautifullyresponsible.com. (Family Features)
SOLUTIONS
Opinion
Unless otherwise stated, the views and opinions expressed are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily represent the views of The Signal.
READER LETTERS
Mall Needs a Shot in the Arm
I’m writing to talk about the number of shops closing in the Valencia Town Center mall. As someone who’s grown up in Santa Clarita, it’s really sad to see so many empty stores. The mall used to be a great place to hang out, shop and grab a bite to eat, but now it feels like it’s losing its charm.
These closures affect not only the shoppers but also the people who work there and our local economy. I hope the mall management and local leaders can come up with some ideas to attract new stores and keep the ones we still have.
Revitalizing the mall should be a priority to ensure it remains a vibrant part of Santa Clarita. Efforts such as offering incentives for new tenants, hosting community events, and improving the overall shopping experience can make a significant difference.
Thanks for reading my thoughts on this issue.
Pavi Premadasan Santa Clarita
Editor’s note: The mall is under new ownership, and the company that owns it intends to revamp the mall into more of a “mixed-use” center combining residential and retail uses. The city of Santa Clarita over the past year has been collecting community input and developing a new Town Center Specific Plan, intended to provide an outline for the future changes to the mall and surrounding property. The City Council gave its initial approval to the plan June 25 and it is scheduled to go before the council for a final reading on Tuesday. You can see our story on the June 25 decision here: signalscv.com/2024/06/city-council-oks-framework-for-mall-development.
Overlooking the Evils of Marxism
For their crimes Nazis are routinely — and appropriately — denounced by everyone, including leftists, who eagerly ignore the even worse crimes of Marxists.
But it’s not just leftists who ignore the historical atrocities and patent dangers of Marxism. Practically everyone does, including its wokester DEI rebrand, which simply replaces “class” with “race” to produce racial/ cultural Marxism out of economic Marxism.
When you stop to think about it, after killing a hundred million people, it’s astonishing that Marxism is still taught in our universities to this very day. What would it take? Two hundred million?
Who would tolerate college classes that taught Nazism? Even if it were rebranded Nazism — who would stand idly by?
Rob Kerchner Valencia
But Cusack Was Great in ‘Sixteen Candles’
The Signal did it again! While honoring obscure actors like John Cusack and Mary Stuart Masterson, your column (“Today in History”) omitted mention of my favorite African immigrant: Elon Musk, born on June 28. Perhaps The Signal considers Tesla and SpaceX to be insignificant compared to Cusack.
Bill Lyons Santa Clarita
ETHICALLY SPEAKING
Dependent Independence
By David Hegg
Once again, Independence Day has brought summer into reality. In my growing-up years near Canada, July 4 always seemed to be the first day it was hot enough to go lake swimming. I fondly remember watermelon, rope swings out over the water, lots of friends and laughter. And, yes, we always paused to thank the Lord for the freedoms we took for granted the rest of the year.
As I reflected on Independence Day this past Thursday, I couldn't help but ponder the unintended consequences of this idea of “independence.” It was more than just breaking free from tyranny and King George. It was really about becoming a mutually dependent union. It was about uniting as a people and forming what would become the United States of America. The Declaration of Independence, in its chilling conclusion, reminds us of this unity: “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”
Did you catch that? They understood that independence would require them to be dependent on one another, down to their very lives, their estates, and, most importantly, their honor.
Our Founding Fathers knew that independence would enact the greatest political experiment in the history of mankind. No longer would power be invested in the rulers, but rather it would flow upward from the ruled. And yet, for such a system of governance to succeed, the ruled had to be united around a common vision, a shared ideology, and a deep commitment to mutual dependence. Simply put, they were convinced that independence from England could only succeed if the citizens of this new country were united in their reliance on one another.
demic of selfishness. It is no exaggeration to say that an increasing number of Americans are declaring their own independence from the rest of us and charging us with being tyrants. Why? We continue to believe in God the Creator, in only two genders, in marriage designed as one man and one woman, and think our children should read well, think critically, and behave morally by the time they graduate high school. We continue to believe the ideology upon which this grand experiment was founded. Imagine that!
Of course, it must be said that, without top-down rule, the ruled will be a conglomeration of diversity in many areas. I should know. It is said that if you get two Baptists in a room, you'll get three opinions. My concern isn't about the deep disagreements we are experiencing. It is about how we allow those ideological and practical differences to fracture the heart of America.
It is one thing to have a position that others oppose. It is quite another to marshal all your resources to force your opponent not only to accept your view but also applaud it and create space for it in their sphere of existence. That isn't democracy; it is tyranny.
So, what do we do? Here's my suggestion. If you want to take another path that leads you in a different direction, go ahead! Be yourself. Find your authenticity. Do what you want, but don’t measure your authenticity by how many of us applaud you. Don’t make your success dependent on our alignment with your ideology, especially since, historically, your pathway hasn’t led to joy and peace. And, please, don’t label us as haters or tyrants for staying the course and walking the path that continues to live “with a firm reliance on divine Providence.”
Submit a Letter to the Editor
Include name, address & phone. E-mail: letters@signalscv.com.
Today, we hear voices from all sides declaring that our democracy is in grave danger. And why is that? The answer is clear and won’t be solved in the voting booth. We, the people, have lost a shared vision of America as the cult of “being my authentic self” has fostered a pan-
After all, we’re still driving on the main road, celebrating America’s foundations, and coming to understand every day just how essential it is for all of us to disagree agreeably and also fight for the right to do so. That’s what dependent independence looks like and why it matters.
Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.
