Sunday Signal 071623

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

It is said we spend the first half of our lives acquiring “things” and the second half of our life getting rid of our “things.” It is a topic that every senior has to face at one point in their life, do I want to leave my lifetime of “things” for my children to deal with, or should I start the process of downsizing and simplifying my life now?

The Santa Clarita Valley landscape is dotted with numerous storage facilities where it is easy to stash your “stuff.” However, that is not a permanent solution to downsizing and decluttering your life.

The thought of downsizing can be overwhelming. We often have an emotional or sentimental attachment to the “things” in our lives.

For most people there are two important questions:

• Where do you start?

• How do you start?

Mind Set

The first step is making the decision to downsize. It is a hard process and will be more difficult unless you are truly committed. Don’t worry if you start the process then stop, then start and stop several times before you finish. Downsizing is difficult and sometimes hard choices need to be made. You are dealing with many memories and it can be a very emotional endeavor.

Advantages of Downsizing

Among the many advantages of downsizing is the ability to save money by moving to a smaller home that requires less upkeep, less water, less energy and a smaller tax and insurance bills. Having less to move reduces the cost of moving

Decluttering 101

and the cost of storage. Downsizing allows you to change your lifestyle. You have more money for travel, increased time for fun activities and the opportunity to relocate to be closer to family.

Get Your Partner on Board

If you and your partner have different ideas of what should stay and what should go, you are setting the stage for conflict and hurt feelings. Start the downsizing process by agreeing to the ground rules. See if you can find a third party, an adult child or friend you trust, to be an arbitrator when you are deadlocked over an item, such as “should the extra refrigerator in the garage be decommissioned and sold?”

Start Small

Sometimes the hardest step is the first step. Start small. Every home has a “junk” drawer. The junk drawer, with its odd assortment of rubber bands, bread tags, screws, washers, bamboo skewers, assorted tools and wine corks should be the first project to tackle. Once you have cleaned out the junk drawer the sense of accomplishment should propel you forward to tackle the hall closet.

One Room, One Project

Limit yourself to one room, or one project at a time. Don’t flit from closet to closet or room to room. It is easy to lose focus and get discouraged when you can’t see any tangible progress when you have too many projects going at once.

Digitize

Some of the hardest things to part with are sentimental items you’ve collected throughout the years, ticket stubs, Christmas and birthday cards, show programs, children’s report cards and photos. The best way to preserve these memories without keeping the items in

boxes and scrapbooks is to digitize all paper memorabilia. There are exceptions, of course, but if you look at many of the items you have stashed away you will discover you can discard many.

Buy a high-quality scanner and electronically “save” these items in digital format. If you aren’t comfortable with technology hire a grandchild to do the scanning for you. It’s a great way to bond and share your life with your grandchildren.

Digitizing tax forms, property tax bills, check stubs and other business and personal financial information is a great space saver. If you ever need a paper document you can print it from your digital archive.

Donate to Charity

Once you’ve asked your children what they may want from your home gather the items that still have “life” in them and sell them on local “Buy, Sell, Trade” pages (another project for your grandchildren) or donate to charity. Keep track of the value of the items you donate for end-of-the-year tax deductions.

A Few ‘Rules’ to Follow

Decluttering experts offer rules that help in the decluttering and downsizing process. The No-More-Stuff Rule This rule is not as easy as it sounds. After a lifetime of acquiring, it is hard to simply stop the habit. If you do need to buy something new follow the One In, Two Out Rule for nonessentials. Eliminate two items for every new item you buy such as clothing, appliances and other “nonessentials.”

Appointment Decluttering Rule: Make decluttering appointments with yourself every week. Appointments can last from 15

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ETHNIC ENCLAVES

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

The 1980 census showed that California supplanted New York as the principal ethnic melting pot of America. The diversity of California offers residents a rich mosaic of food, culture and celebrations.

In Southern California ethnic enclaves abound including Chinatown, the Byzantine-Latino Quarter, Filipinotown, Little Saigon, Thai Town, Little Armenia, Little Ethiopia, Little Bangladesh, Little Moscow, Little Tokyo, Croatian Place, Via Italia, Tehrangeles and many others.

Here are a few highlights of the Southern California melting pot.

Little Saigon

Westminster, Orange County

Info www.littlesaigonnow.com

After the fall of Saigon during the end of the Viet Nam War in 1975 immigrants settled in Westminster, creating the Little Saigon community.

The district embraces Fountain Valley, Garden Grove and Westminster in Orange County. It is the largest Little Saigon in the United States.

Westminster boasts a Little Saigon business district of restaurants and businesses more than a mile long.

The Asian Garden Mall

9200 Bolsa Ave., Westminster 92683

Info www.asiangardenmall.com

This Vietnamese owned mall may be small but it offers a charming look at Vietnamese culture. Enjoy a large food court featuring banh mi sandwiches and bubble tea shops, trinket stalls and jewelry stores.

Museum of the Republic of Vietnam

9842 Bolsa Ave., Ste. 205, Westminster 92683

Info museumrvn.com

This is the first and only museum in the world

dedicated to the history of the Republic of Vietnam and its military.

Vietnam War Memorial

14180 All American Way at 13th Street, Westminster 92683 Info www.littlesaigonnow.com/vietnam-warmemorial-13176.html

The Vietnam War Memorial was dedicated on April 27, 2003. It features large statues of an American soldier and a South Vietnamese soldier standing together atop a black marble base with water cascading to the ground. In the center is an “eternal flame” bronze urn.

Koreatown

Downtown Los Angeles Info koreatownlosangeles.com

This three-square-mile neighborhood, just south of Hollywood and west of downtown Los Angeles never seems to sleep. Known as K-Town to the locals, the area is home to some of the best restaurants and nightlife in L.A.

K-Town has L.A.’s largest concentration of 24hour bars, clubs, restaurants and karaoke hotspots.

Koreatown Plaza

928 S Western Ave., Los Angeles 90006 Info www.koreatownplaza.com

KTP melds upscale boutiques with standard apparel and cosmetics shops. It offers a superb food court with many of its stalls selling authentic, inexpensive Korean street food.

Parks BBQ

955 S. Vermont Ave. #G, Los Angeles 90006 Info parksbbq.com

Park’s BBQ offers authentic Korean BBQ with high quality USDA Prime and Kobe style beef. It is considered one of the best restaurants in L.A.

The first Chinese community in Los Angeles dates back to the mid-19th century. PHOTO CHINATOWN BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT.

Located in the Koreatown Plaza, H Mart is an Asian grocery store chain supplying imported packaged foods, housewares and ready-to-serve meals. PHOTO KOREATOWNPLAZA

IMAGE BY B2267969 FROM PIXABAY

See MELTING POT, page 15

Seniors: You May Have More Choices Than You Think

Do you struggle with starting or maintaining a fitness routine? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. While most of us know that exercise is beneficial, fitness can be daunting, especially if you’re over 65 and want to be sure that you work out in a way that is safe and effective.

The good news? Physical activity is key to maintaining health and mobility as you age, and if you are 65 or older, the right Medicare Advantage Plan can provide tools and resources to help you get off the couch.

If you just need a little motivation to reengage in your fitness and social routines or would like to start a new one, there are more choices than ever in exercise and wellness options.

Meeting Seniors Where They Are

No matter your age, the ongoing pandemic has caused tremendous changes in our lives, including an increase in physical and mental health issues because of social isolation. Many seniors were understandably cautious due to a heightened health risk and experienced a greater disruption of trusted routines. More good news? We continue to see a return to our lifestyles and activities.

A recent nationwide poll by Tivity Health®, a leading provider of healthy lifestyle solutions, including SilverSneakers®, the nation’s leading community fitness program designed for older adults, shows that seniors no longer just work out at the gym or home, but enjoy the freedom to exercise how and where they please: indoors, outdoors, at the gym or community center, together or alone, in-person or virtual.

The poll also found that over the last few months, 78% of seniors have engaged in some type of physical activity, the highest proportion in months. More seniors are engaging in activities that bring them joy and can include a variety of movements -

walking, household chores, gardening, hiking, etc. By identifying how the past few years have unsettled these daily routines, we can take steps to help older adults re-energize and re-engage in healthy activities that are enjoyable and encourage valuable social connections.

All You Need is an iPhone

By joining forces with Apple Fitness+, the award-winning fitness and wellness service designed to be welcoming to all, SilverSneakers members in participating health plans will soon have access to Apple Fitness+, with workout types from Strength to Yoga, guided mediations, and more at no additional cost.

Programming allows members to exercise where they want, when they want with world-class workouts and fitness programming curated for a range of skill levels and interests.

“We know that fitness isn’t one size fits all, espe-

cially with today’s dynamic senior population,” said Richard Ashworth, president and CEO of Tivity Health. “Seniors need a variety of options for physical activity that fit their lifestyles. Our partnership with Apple Fitness+ offers fitness for all skill levels, interests and goals including a wide array of content presented by expert instructors and celebrity guests.”

Changing the Fitness Industry

The fitness industry is changing. According to the International Council on Active Aging, a large and growing number of products and services are being developed to allow people to fully enjoy the gift of a longer life, which requires a foundation of good health. Exercise remains critical for seniors to maintain a healthy immune system that’s able to fight off disease and consistent exercise can improve balance and strength and help prevent falls. One trend the pandemic saw was the rise of digital and virtual care, and it’s here to stay. About one in four seniors are currently using a device to monitor their health and well-being, and the use of video calls to socially connect with friends and family has steadily increased in the past few months.

More Than a Workout

“As a fitness instructor, I see firsthand how exercise can change a person’s life. But fitness is more than just a workout,” said Jen Burgmeier, 2022 SilverSneakers Instructor of the Year. “I have SilverSneakers members who attend classes both in-person and virtually, and I love that they have a choice to work out when and where they want. One of my members recently said that ‘the laughter and camaraderie coming through her computer screen makes you feel like you could conquer anything!’ I get so much joy out of seeing them take meaningful steps to improve their health and watch them fall in love with SilverSneakers.”

For more information on how seniors can check their eligibility, visit silversneakers.com. (BPT) 

Tame Traffic-Related Stress

Aggravation on the nation’s roadways has become a frequent topic of conversation over the last decade or so. Incidents that involved traffic-related acts of violence have gained increased attention over that span.

The automotive group AAA estimates that nearly eight out of 10 drivers demonstrate aggressive driving behaviors. While data indicating the number of road rage cases per state is not available, The Trace’s study on road rage with a firearm found 522 people were shot in 2021 due to road rage, and that Texas, Florida and California have the most road rage incidents involving guns.

Road rage is the extreme outcome of impatience or frustration behind the wheel. Many times this frustration stems from traffic-related stress. There are more cars on the road than ever before, which can intensify stressful traffic conditions. Drivers

can take steps to reduce stress while behind the wheel and recognize behaviors that may contribute to road rage.

Don’t rush Leave plenty time to get to a destination. You are less likely to be impatient and react to traffic stressors if you are racing the clock.

Calm down If there is something that has angered or upset you, take time to calm down before getting behind the wheel.

Be patient Recognize that someone driving slowly may be lost or aging with diminished abilities.

Keep a safe distance Tailgating can create animosity among drivers. By leaving room, you can avoid aggressive interactions between drivers that can contribute to frustration.

Don’t honk unnecessarily Honking out of frustration is unproductive and also may exacerbate your levels of stress and anger other drivers.

Take an alternative route If you know that certain roadways are plagued by traffic, then figure out a route to avoid the traffic, even if it may be longer.

Change your schedule It’s not called “rush hour” for nothing. Certain times of the day feature busier roadways than others. If possible, alter your schedule so that you commute

BEST IN CLASS SPECIALTY CARE

Right Here in the SCV

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

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

during off-peak hours.

Share the driving Split driving duties with others, particularly when feeling stressed out. Breaking up particularly long trips among a few drivers can relieve anxiety.

Driving can be stressful, but there are various ways to mitigate feelings that may escalate into anger and road rage. (MC) 

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Say ‘I Do’ to Summer Love

By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

If you’re looking to tie the knot this season – look no further than City Hall Ceremonies. The City’s international award-winning wedding program has married more than 489 loving couples since its launch in 2020.

When it comes to planning a wedding, many couples envision extravagant ceremonies at grand venues, lavish decorations and extensive guest lists. However, an increasing number of couples are discovering the unique appeal of getting married at City Hall.

The average cost of a wedding in California now exceeds $37,000, leading many newlyweds to feel overwhelmed and financially burdened. With its blend of simplicity, affordability and convenience, City Hall Ceremonies offers a refreshing alternative, enabling couples to allocate their resources towards other important aspects of their lives — such as

buying a home or starting a family — while allowing them to craft the wedding experience they want. By choosing to get married at City Hall, couples can enjoy a stress-free, affordable and heartfelt wedding experience that allows them to prioritize their love and commitment to each other above all else.

City Hall Ceremonies allows couples to enjoy a more personal and intimate experience so they can focus on the true significance of the occasion. Couples have the option to choose between several beautiful locations at City Hall for their nuptials, including in front of our historic lobby mural, outside with a bubbling fountain as a backdrop and even in the City Council Chambers. An officiant for the ceremony is provided and a staff photographer will be on hand, although we do encourage couples to bring their own photographer to commemorate their special day. For couples who have already selected a venue for their ceremony, the

City is delighted to offer confidential marriage licenses for those unions to be held within the state of California. For those couples who can’t wait to tie the knot, our convenient onestop service ensures you can obtain a marriage license and say “I do” on the same day! Marriage ceremonies are performed exclusively by appointment on Wedding Wednesdays.

July 16-20, 2023

The City Hall Ceremonies team is looking forward to providing you with a beautiful and stress-free alternative to a traditional wedding service. To learn more about how you can say “I do” at City Hall Ceremonies, including pricing for marriage

services, available scheduling dates and additional information, please visit santa-clarita.com/Weddings or contact the City Clerk’s Office at (661) 259-CITY (2489). The City would like to invite you, and your significant other, to enjoy love and laughter while living happily ever after through this unique, intimate, affordable and convenient wedding ceremony.

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. 

: 7:00 PM

Nat onal Theatre’s accla med, Olivier Award-w nn ng produc tion of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Ok ahoma! Direc ted by Trevor Nunn and starring then-newcomer Hugh Jackman as Curly, alongside Maureen L pman, Josefina Gabr elle and Shuler Hensley, this rivet ng stage produc tion was filmed during its record-breaking 1998 run n London

t h e m i r ac l e c lu B C Sun: 10:10 12:50 3:00 5:10 7:20; Mon to Thu: 12:50 3:00 5:10 7:20

A group of Irish ladies embark on a dream trip to Lourdes, France but tension ar ses when they ’re joined by an acquaintance who recently returned home after after decades in the US m i S S i O n: i m p O S S i B l e - D e a D r e c kO n i n g pa r t O n e C Sun: 10:00 1:00 2:00 4:00 6:00 7:00; Mon & Tue: 1:00 2:00 4:00 6:00 7:00; Wed & Thu: 1:00 2:00 4:00 7:00

In M ssion: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Par t One Ethan Hunt (Tom Cru se) and his IMF team embark on their most dangerous miss on yet: To track down a terrifying new weapon that threatens all of humanity before it falls into the wrong hands i n S i D i O u S: t h e r e D D O O r C Sun: 4:20 7:20; Mon to Thu: 1:20 4:20 7:20

To put the r demons to rest once and for all, Josh and a col ege -aged Dalton must go deeper into The Fur ther than ever before, facing their family ’s dark past and a host of new and more horrifying terrors that lurk behind the red door

J Oy r i D e E Sun to Tue: 1:30 4:30 7:30; Wed & Thu: 1:30 4:30

This hi ar ous and unapologetica ly explicit stor y of identity and self- discover y centers on four unl kely friends who embark on a once -in-a-lifetime nternational adventure

i n D i a n a J O n e S a n D t h e D i a l O f D e S t i ny C Sun: 10:00 1:00 4:00 7:00;

Mon to Thu: 1:00 4:00 7:00

Harrison Ford returns as the legendar y hero archaeologist in the high y antic pated fifth installment of the conic “Indiana Jones” franchise, which is d rec ted by James Mangold

a S t e rO i D c i t y C Sun: 10:20 1:10 4:10 7:10; Mon to Thu: 1:10 4:10 7:10

The tinerar y of a Junior Stargazer/Space Cadet convention (organized to bring together students and parents from across the countr y for fellowship and scho ar y compet tion) is spec tacularly disrupted by world- changing events

t

The aimless, clueless Paris an pseudo -intel ec tual Alexandre lives with his tempestuous older girlfriend, Marie, and begins a dalliance w th the younger, sexually liberated Veronika, leading to a volati e open relationship pa S t l i v e S C Sun: 10:10 AM

Nora and Hae Sung, two childhood friends, are wrest apar t after Nora’s family em grates from South Korea Two decades later, they are reunited in New York for one fateful week as they confront notions of destiny, love, and the choices that make a

Elevate SUMMER ENTERTAINING with This Crunch

As families and friends gather on patios and decks to enjoy the warmth of summer and meals fresh off the grill, many are searching for that perfect ingredient that can complement salads, appetizers, main courses, desserts and more.

This year, you can turn to pecans to elevate meals and give your guests something to rave about. Iconic for their flavor versatility — shining in a wide range of profiles from sweet and spicy to salty, smoky and savory – they're a tasty addition for favorite summertime recipes.

From an enjoyable crunch to comforting creaminess and a satisfying chew, pecans deliver a perfect bite and texture. These Grilled Pork Chops with Peach Pecan Salsa, for example, are loaded with fresh flavors for an easy, nutritious warm-weather meal.

Taste is just the beginning — pecans also pack a nutritious punch with a unique mix of health-promoting nutrients and bioactive compounds.

Known for their rich, buttery consistency and naturally sweet taste, pecans have a longstanding tradition as a nut topping. They're sprinkled atop this Spiced Pecan Grilled Peach Salad with Goat Cheese for a refreshing seasonal salad with a nutty crunch.

To find more recipes that take summer entertaining to the next level, visit EatPecans.com.

Grilled Pork Chops with Peach Pecan Salsa

Cook time 25 minutes

Servings 4

4boneless pork loin chops (each 1-inch thick)

3/4teaspoon, plus 1/8 teaspoon, kosher salt, divided freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2medium peaches, diced

2/3cup raw pecan pieces

2tablespoons red onion, diced

2tablespoons chopped fresh basil

1teaspoon minced jalapeno pepper

2teaspoons lime juice

Season pork chops with 3/4 teaspoon salt and black pepper, to taste.

Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

Grill pork chops until browned, about 5 minutes.

Flip and cook 5-6 minutes until food thermometer inserted in center registers 135 F.

Transfer to plate and rest at least 5 minutes until internal temperature rises to 145-160 F.

Gently stir peaches, pecans, onion, basil, jalapeno, lime juice and remaining salt.

Add salsa on top of each pork chop with remaining salsa on side.

Spiced Pecan

Grilled Peach Salad with Goat Cheese

Salad

1/4cup, plus 2 teaspoons, extra-virgin olive oil or pecan oil, divided

1/4cup white wine vinegar

1teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/4teaspoon garlic powder

1/8teaspoon kosher salt

pepper, to taste

2large peaches, halved and pits removed 6cups mixed baby greens (such as arugula, spring mix and spinach)

4ounces soft goat cheese

To make spiced pecans: Preheat oven to 275 F. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In medium bowl, whisk egg white, brown sugar, cinnamon, cayenne pepper and salt until well combined. Fold in pecans and mix until evenly coated in mixture. Spread in single layer on prepared baking sheet.

Bake 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally until pecans are fragrant and golden brown. Allow to cool completely.

Spiced Pecan Grilled Peach Salad with Goat Cheese

Prep time 5 minutes

Cook time 50 minutes

Servings 4

Spiced Pecans

1large egg white

3tablespoons dark brown sugar

1teaspoon cinnamon

1/4teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4teaspoon kosher salt

2cups pecan halves

To make salad Heat grill to medium-high heat. In small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside.

Brush cut sides of peach halves with remaining olive oil and grill until grill lines appear and peaches become tender, 3-5 minutes. Remove peaches and cut into slices.

Divide greens among four plates. Top with grilled peach slices and goat cheese. Divide 1 cup spiced pecans evenly among salads and reserve remaining cup for snacking. Drizzle each salad with vinaigrette. (Family Features) 

Spiced Pecan Grilled Peach Salad with Goat Cheese

‘The League’ Tells the Story of Black Integration into Baseball

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘The League’

 1/2 (out of four)

Magnolia Pictures presents a documentary directed by Sam Pollard. Rated PG. In theaters and on digital platforms.

As many a Chicago baseball fan knows, the first Major League All-Star Game was played at glorious Comiskey Park (“The Baseball Palace of the World”) on the South Side on July 6, 1933, with a crowd of 47,595 looking on as an American League team with a roster that included Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Al Simmons and Jimmie Foxx defeated the National League by a tally of 4-2.

But this was not the only All-Star game played at Comiskey during that era. As we’re reminded in the comprehensive, invaluable and inspirational documentary “The League,” in September of 1933, just a couple of months after that first MLB AllStar game, the inaugural East-West All-Star Game featuring the very best Negro League players took place at Comiskey Park. (Voting was tabulated by the two most influential Black newspapers of the time: the Pittsburgh Courier and the Chicago Defender.)

Over the next three decades, the East-West All-Star Game was a nearly annual staple at Comiskey (a handful of the games were played at other venues, including Yankee Stadium and the Polo Grounds), with crowds sometimes swelling above 50,000 to marvel at the talents of legends such as Josh Gibson, Satchel Paige, Cool Papa Bell — and in 1945, a Kansas City Monarchs shortstop named Jackie Robinson. Only after Negro League stars such as Robinson, Paige, Larry Doby, Roy Campanella and Willie Mays were admitted into Major League Baseball did the East-West game fade into the sunset, with many of its stars having moved on.

This is the type of amazing historical chapter featured throughout director Sam Pollard’s film, which was produced by Questlove and Black Thought and makes brilliant use of archival interviews with Satchel Paige, Willie Mays, Rachel Robinson

(widow of Jackie), Monte Irvin and former Negro Leagues umpire Bob Motley, among many others; gorgeous black-and-white photography; newsreel footage; and some simple but cool and effective animation to tell the story of Black integration into baseball, which often mirrored and even influenced integration in a myriad of other fields.

It’s the poet Maya Angelou whose comments inspired the title, as she notes in an interview that back in the day, when anyone in the Black community made a reference to “the League,” everybody knew you were referencing the Negro Leagues, which were officially formed in 1920.

The story of the Negro Leagues has been told many times, through documentaries such as “There Was Always Sun Shining Someplace” (1981), “Pride and Perseverance: The Story of the Negro Leagues” (2014), the “Shadow Ball” chapter of Ken Burns’ “Baseball” series (1994), and oral histories such as “Only the Ball Was White,” and “The League” stands with the best of them.

We meet or are re-introduced to a number of pivotal, larger-than-life personalities who were instrumental in the development and promotion of the Negro Leagues, e.g., Rube Foster, founder and manager of the Chicago American Giants, who favored a fast and exciting style of play featuring drag bunts and an emphasis on stealing bases and taking the extra base, at a time when the major leagues of the Babe Ruth era were all about the home run and stodgy, station-to-station baseball. Foster wrote a series of op-eds for the Chicago Defender titled “The Pitfalls of Baseball,” in which he advocated for organizing Black baseball into a league with scheduled games in order to help build the fan base. In 1920, with Foster leading the way, the Negro National League was born.

As the documentary reminds us, the ballplayers were often subjected to the harshest conditions: banned from staying at hotels or eating at restaurants in the South, sometimes having to sleep at the ballpark, routinely playing double-headers or even triple-headers. Still, they played the game with great talent and passion.

With powerhouse teams such as the Chicago American Giants, Kansas City Monarchs, Homestead Grays, Pittsburgh Crawfords and Birmingham Barons in various versions of the Negro Leagues, it was obvious to any knowledgeable baseball insider that dozens if not hundreds of players could play, and in many cases excel, at the major league level. Negro League team owners hoped for a merger — something we saw in later decades with the NFL and the AFL, and the

NBA and the ABA — but white owners and the rigid (that’s putting it nicely) Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis were having none of that.

“The League” points out that while Branch Rickey will always have a place in baseball and cultural history for signing Jackie Robinson, Rickey steadfastly refused to compensate team owners for taking Robinson and other Negro League stars. The Indians’ Bill Veeck is credited for breaking that precedent by paying Newark Eagles co-owner Effa Manley (talk about a legend of the game) $10,000 for the rights to Doby. It was far below market value, but it was something.

Integration was always the goal, but it also meant, in the words of Effa Manley, that it would “break [the] business” of the Negro Leagues. It’s great that Jackie Robinson, Willie Mays, Ernie Banks, Henry Aaron and many others played on the biggest baseball stage imaginable, but we’re reminded that it will always be our shame that the likes of Oscar Charleston, Josh Gibson, Pop Lloyd, Buck Leonard and Cool Papa Bell never had that chance. At least, thank the baseball gods (but mostly the pioneers who set the path), they had The League. 

Copyright 2022 Chicago Sun-Times

Top 10 Movies

July 10, 2023

1. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (PG-13) Harrison Ford, Phoebe Waller-Bridge

2. Elemental (PG) Leah Lewis, Mamoudou Athie

3. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (PG) Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld

4. No Hard Feelings (R) Jennifer Lawrence, Andrew Barth Feldman

5. Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (PG-13) Anthony Ramos, Dominique Fishback

6. Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken (PG) Jane Fonda, Lana Condor

7. The Little Mermaid (PG) Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King

8. The Flash (PG-13) Ezra Miller, Michael Keaton

9. Asteroid City (PG-13) Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson

10. Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3 (PG-13) Chris Pratt, Chukwudi Iwuji

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

PHOTO COURTESY IMDB

Exercise Like a Senior Athlete

It’s vital to stay active as you age, but how can you keep working toward your fitness goals during the sweltering summer heat? Exercising outdoors as the temps — and humidity — climb may be not only uncomfortable but can risk conditions like heat stroke and heat exhaustion. If you’re beginning any exercise program, it’s also best to check with your healthcare provider first.

Before heading out for a brisk power walk or a lively game of pickleball this summer, Andi Kwapien, a SilverSneakers National Trainer who will be teaching SilverSneakers classes from this year’s National Senior Games, offers tips that hold true whether you’re a competitive athlete or just staying active for your overall health.

Be Informed

When planning outdoor activities, make sure to check the weather. Your local news station or the National Weather Service can help you decide if it’s a good day to spend outside. Check not only the temperature and humidity but also the air quality where you live. If there are signs it could be hazardous for you to spend much time in the great outdoors, consider an indoor alternative.

Pace Yourself

Fitness experts advise warming up and cooling down before and after a workout. Start at a slower pace at first, then cool down gradually a few minutes before you end your session, followed by gentle stretching. Choose activities that are easy to do anywhere and that you can adjust to your own pace, such as walking, or that require less strenuous exertion and strength while keeping you active and cool, such as water exercises.

Know your limits and listen to your body’s signals. According to the Mayo Clinic, it can take time for your body to get used to the heat, so start nice and easy, and lower your expectations for how long and hard you exercise. Take breaks, especially if you feel overheated, lightheaded or out of breath.

Try Organized Exercise

Getting involved in a fitness program provides many benefits, includ-

ing expert advice and instruction, plus opportunities to enjoy the social and mental health benefits of fitness.

For example, SilverSneakers® by Tivity Health® is a health and fitness program for adults 65+ and is included for free in many Medicare Advantage plans. It includes live, online fitness classes, on-demand videos and access to a network of up to 22,000 fitness locations nationwide, including community fitness locations. Learn more at SilverSneakersLetsGo.com.

Stay Hydrated

Always keep water or beverages containing electrolytes (like sports drinks) nearby anytime you’re working out, especially out in the heat. Take sips often, even before you feel thirsty, to help you regulate your temperature and replace moisture lost through sweating. The American Heart Association recommends drinking before, during and after your workout to help prevent health problems that could be exacerbated by dehydration.

Prepare for Heat and Sun

The Mayo Clinic also recommends taking other precautions outdoors in the summer, like wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and avoiding exertion during the hottest time of day (from around noon through 3 p.m.) To avoid too much sun exposure, stay in the shade when possible, wear a wide-brimmed hat and apply sunscreen. You may need to reapply it after swimming or sweating.

Using these tips should help you stay active even when it’s hot outside. Commonsense measures can help you enjoy your favorite activities, no matter what the weather. (BPT) 

• Dementia is more common among people with untreated hearing loss.

• People with untreated hearing loss report more concerns about their memory than people with normal hearing.

If you or someone you know is experiencing hearing loss, contact Advanced Audiology to schedule your FREE hearing screening.

Santa Clarita Menu Guide

Funburger

Pho Sure

Jersey Mike’s

Newhall Refinery

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

23460 Cinema Dr Unit J

Santa Clarita, CA 91355

(661) 753-3124

Thai Dishes (Valencia)

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

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

Egg Plantation

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

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

Everest Burgers

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

24258 Main Street Newhall Ca. 91321

661-388-4477

Fire Island Grill

Eating is Believing!

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

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

About Egg Plantation

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

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

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

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

18645 Soledad Cyn Rd. Santa Clarita , 91351 (661) 252-3412

COMING SOON

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

19335 Plum Canyon Road Suite A Santa Clarita 91350

L’Italiano Restaurant

Neighbarista

Jersey Mikes

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

23460 Cinema Dr A Santa Clarita, CA 91355

(661) 476-5618

Numero Uno Pizza

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

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

Pierogi Spot

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

The Juice. Red wine vinegar and an olive oil blend. It’s how a Jersey Mike’s sub gets its exquisite zing. It’s how bites get boosted, and a great sub becomes an even better one. The Juice adds that certain something extra. An exclamation. The kind of exclamation … you can eat.

Pride in our Produce. Our produce is grown, packed, and shipped locally (where available), and then handled with the utmost care at our stores. When you eat one of our subs Mike’s Way, you can be certain that your veggies were prepped by hand earlier that day for the highest level of freshness and flavor.

Quality Ingredients. When it comes to quality, refusing to compromise has been an important part of our heritage. It’s why we choose only the leanest, tastiest cuts of meats and fine, aged cheeses. We wouldn’t settle for any other way.

Cooked in Store Roast Beef. USDA Choice Top Rounds Fresh Sliced, Fresh Grilled!

Slicing meats and cheeses right in front of you is not only the tastiest way to make a sub sandwich — it’s the only authentic way. Same goes with fresh grilling cheese steaks. At Jersey Mike’s, we would have it no other way.

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

26111 Bouquet Canyon Rd

Santa Clarita, 91350 (661) 259-3895

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

26511 Golden Valley Rd

Santa Clarita , 91350 (661) 254-4850

Serving Oven Fresh Bread Daily. Authentic Jersey bread is the foundation of a sub above. We bake our bread fresh in our stores every day. Traditional white and whole wheat. It’s the only way to have a truly authentic Jersey Mike’s sub.

Our culture of giving at Jersey Mike’s is as much a part of our heritage as oil and vinegar. We believe making a great sub sandwich and making a difference can be one in the same. Every store we open starts by partnering with a charity in the local community. Because the way we see it, a sub’s job isn’t done at simply tasting good. A sub should do good too.

As of today, there are 9 Jersey Mike’s in the Santa Clarita Valley to serve you fresh & delicious sandwiches. Visit us online at www.JerseyMikes.com to find the location nearest to you. 

How to Keep Your Lawn Looking Green

Homeowners’ fasciation with a lush, green lawn is something that has developed over time and is still “growing” strong. According to a 2019 survey conducted on behalf of the National Association of Landscape Professionals, 81% of all Americans had lawns and 79% said a lawn is an important feature when buying or renting a property.

Even though lush lawns are still coveted, due to drought, the financial climate and even invading insect populations, many people are taking inventory of their landscapes and deciding if a lawn is a priority, even going so far as to reinvent their spaces with lawn alternatives. Still, there are ways to keep properties green no matter which route is taken. Here’s a look at some environmentally friendly ways to address a landscape.

Irrigate From Below

There are many ways to water landscapes, but homeowners may want to take their cues from the commercial farming industry. Drip irrigation systems use a network of valves, pipes and tubing close to the roots of plants or under the soil. Such systems are more efficient than surface irrigation options, helping to save water and nutrients in the soil.

Water Early

Scotts Lawn Care suggests watering a lawn in the morning before 10 a.m. when it is cooler and winds tend to be calmer. This ensures water can be absorbed into the soil and grass roots before evaporation occurs. Watering midday may cause the water droplets on the lawn blades to heat up and actually scorch the lawn.

Plant a New Grass Type

Homeowners can experiment with eco-friendly

grass seed blends that mix native grasses and may not require as much water nor ideal growing conditions.

Use Green Alternatives

Rather than focusing solely on grass, some homeowners are turning to alternatives like clover and even moss, particularly if their landscapes do not have the most pristine growing conditions. This may reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and herbicides. The result is still a green, inviting yard.

Watch the Lawn Height

Mowing too frequently or at too low a height may compromise the lawn’s ability to thrive. Grass cut to the proper height develops a deep root system to better locate water and nutrients in the soil. That means homeowners may not have to water as

much or as frequently. Taller lawns also shade the soil and the roots, reducing some evaporation.

Compost

Leave the clippings on the lawn to break down and further feed nutrients to the lawn, helping it look greener and thrive. Furthermore, rely on supplementation with compost to reinforce the nutrient profile in the soil. The National Resources Defense Council says composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps, into a valuable fertilizer. It doesn’t take much to nurture compost in a yard.

Green landscapes are possible with a few tips that help conserve water and maximize natural resources. (MC) 

Understanding the Basics of Fertilizing Your Lawn

Fertilizing a lawn can be intimidating. An array of fertilizers, with each seemingly designed to address a different issue, can make homeowners’ heads spin . However, fertilizing is a very simple task that any homeowner can tackle. In fact, fears about fertilizing are often unfounded and can be overcome with some basic knowledge of the process.

Identify the type of grass you have. The home improvement experts at HGTV note that turfgrass is divided into two categories: cool-season grass and warm-season grass. A local lawn and garden center can help home-

owners identify which type of grass is in the yard, and this often depends on location. Fescue, bluegrass and perennial ryegrass are some examples of cool-season grasses, while Bermuda, bahia, St. Augustine, and zoysia are considered warm-season grasses. Identifying which type of grass is in the lawn is important because that will indicate when to fertilize. Cool-season grasses are typically best fertilized in early spring, while warm-season lawns can benefit from an application just before especially warm temperatures arrive.

Identify which spreader to use. A small yard or a thriving lawn with

only a few bald or unsightly patches may not need a full application of fertilizer. In such instances, a hand spreader can suffice. For larger lawns and areas, a broadcast spreader is the ideal option. Spreaders have multiple settings, and the fertilizer package will indicate which setting to utilize when using the product. Test the soil first. The lawn experts at Pennington¨ note that a simple soil test can reveal soil pH and phosphorous and potassium levels. Soil tests can be purchased at most home improvement stores and lawn and garden centers, and they can help homeowners determine which fertilizer

will most benefit their lawns. Water first. The experts at Scotts¨ recommend a good watering a few days prior to fertilizing a lawn. Such an approach ensures the soil is ready to accept the fertilizer once it’s applied.

Follow the instructions. Detailed instructions are typically provided on fertilizer product packaging. Once homeowners have identified and purchased the product they need, they can simply follow the instructions on the packaging, including how and when to water after application, which can make fertilizing less intimidating. (MC) 

MELTING POT

Kang Hodong Baekjeong

3465 W 6th St. Ste 20, Los Angeles 90020

Info www.baekjeongktown.com

This beloved destination for Korean BBQ is dedicated to serving premium quality cuts of meat.

Korean Cultural Center

5505 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90036

Info www.kccla.org

The Korean Cultural Center works to promote Korea’s traditional culture, language and history to the public. The year 2023 marks an important year in history as the center celebrates the 70th year of the Korea-U.S. alliance and the 120th year of Korean immigration to the United States. The center features history, art exhibits, Korean language classes, lectures and events.

Chinatown

727 N. Broadway, Los Angeles 90012

Info chinatownla.com

The first Chinese community in Los Angeles settled in the area around what is now Union Station in the mid-19th century. After the construction of Union Station displaced the “old” Chinatown a “new” Chinatown arose after the Chinatown Central Plaza was dedicated in June 1938. Currently, the Chinatown area is less than one square mile and is bordered by Main Street to the east, Yale Street to the west, Cesar Chavez Avenue to the south and Bernard Street to the north.

Broadway Cuisine

913 N Broadway, Los Angeles, 90012

Info broadwaycuisinels.com

Broadway Cuisine now inhabits the space where the iconic Plum Tree Inn served guests for 40 years, closing in 2020. Opening in 2021 Broadway Cuisine is a 6,000-square-foot restaurant that evokes the old-school Chinese dining palaces. It offers a menu with more than 240 items. Enjoy favorites like egg foo young, Peking duck and moo shu pork.

Yang Chow Restaurant

CLUTTER

Continued from page 4

minutes to two hours. Keep to your schedule. Don’t “call in sick.” If you have to cancel an “appointment” unexpectedly schedule a “make good” time to replace the canceled appointment.

The Clothing Rule If you haven’t worn an item in the past year, think long and hard about why you want to keep it. Donate it. There are many great places in the SCV that accept gently used clothing. The

819 N Broadway, Los Angeles 90012

Info yangchow.com

If there is one dish you must try at Yang Chow Restaurant, which was founded by the Yang family in 1977, it is the restaurant’s classic slippery shrimp. The restaurant boasts a 100-item menu and is located in the heart of Chinatown.

Chinese American Museum

425 N. Los Angeles St., Los Angeles 90012

Info camla.org

Symbolically housed in the oldest and last surviving structure of Los Angeles’ original Chinatown, the 7,200 square foot Chinese American Museum embodies a cultural and physical link to the past.

It is the first museum in Southern California dedicated to the Chinese American experience and history. Opened on Dec. 18, 2003 it reflects the development of an immigrant history that began over 150 years ago when the first major Chinese settlement was documented in Los Angeles.

Thai Town

Los Angeles 90027

Info www.california.com/exploring-the-best-oflos-angeless-thai-town

Thai Town is a six-block neighborhood flanking Hollywood Boulevard between Normandie and Western avenues, its entrances being marked by the Thai Town Apsonsi Gateway, two statues of apsonsi, a mythical half human, half lion angel in Thai folklore. Thai Town is bordered by the neighborhoods of Los Feliz to the north and east, central Holly-

One Year and It’s Gone Rule also can apply to small appliances and anything else in your home that you rarely, if ever use. If it is not needed, donate or resell.

Entertain Yourself

Play music that you love or invite friends and family to help. Music is a great way to make the time fly as you sort and discard. Friends and family might spot something you are ready to part with and take it with them, they are also great assets in helping to keep you “honest” in your decluttering efforts. 

wowod to the west and Little Armenia to the south. It is the only officially recognized Thai Town in the United States. Here are some restaurants to try.

Ruen Pair 5257 Hollywood Blvd.

Thai Original Barbeque Hollywood 5324 Hollywood Blvd. 90027

Kruang Tedd 5151 Hollywood Blvd. 90027

Sanamluang Cafe Hollywood 5176 Hollywood Blvd. 90027

Pa Ord Noodle 5301 Sunset Blvd. 90027

Boran Thai Restaurant 5401 Hollywood Blvd. 90027

Hollywood Thai Restaurant 5241 Hollywood Blvd. 90027 

This Vietnam War Memorial was dedicated on April 27, 2003 in Little Saigon located in Westminster in Orange County. PHOTO LITTLE SAIGON.

For a taste of Chinatown visit Yang Chow Restaurant, which was founded by the Yang family in 1977 and features a menu featuring more than 100 items.

PHOTO YANG CHOW RESTAURANT.

HOME

What to Know About Kitchen Countertop Materials

Kitchens are the busiest rooms in most homes.

Kitchens have become more than just places to prepare meals, with many functioning as gathering spaces and even goto dining spots in homes that do not feature formal dining rooms.

So much time spent in the kitchen makes it worthwhile to invest in these popular spaces. Kitchen renovations are high on many homeowners’ to-do lists, and there’s many decisions to make once they commit to redoing the room. When renovating a kitchen, homeowners will have to choose which countertop material they want to install. Here are some options.

Quartz

Quartz is considered a low-maintenance and durable countertop material. The home improvement experts at This Old House note that quartz countertops are typically 94% ground quartz and now come with an honed, sandblasted or embossed treatment,

which makes them appealing to homeowners with varying ideas on the ideal look of a kitchen countertop. Quartz can crack if it’s not handled properly, and edges and corners can chip over time. Rounded edges can minimize the risk of chipping. Costs vary by location and product availability.

Granite

Consumer Reports notes that no two slabs of granite are the same, and that uniqueness has long appealed to homeowners. Tests run by Consumer Reports found that heat, cuts and scratches did not harm granite, though this material, like quartz, can crack around edges and corners. Granite is a durable material that, if properly maintained, can last several decades. Granite also is nonporous, which makes it resistant to bacteria.

Laminate

Laminate countertops appeal to budget-friendly homeowners and Consumer Reports notes that they’re

easy to install. Home Depot also notes that laminate countertops come in a wide range of colors, textures and designs. Laminate countertops also are durable and easily maintained. However, it’s also easy to permanently damage them with knives.

Butcher Block

Butcher block countertops are among the more unique options homeowners may consider. Sometimes referred to as Òwood countertops,Ó butcher block countertops are made from wooden strips that are fused together. The home improvement experts at BobVila.com note that butcher block is among the more affordable materials, but the final cost will be dictated by location and availability. BobVila.com notes that butcher block countertops are highly sensitive to liquid, so exposure to moisture should be limited. Sealing butcher block countertops immediately after installation can help protect against bacteria and warping. Though butcher blocks can be high maintenance, many homeowners find the unique look is well worth the extra elbow grease.

Kitchen countertops can define how the room looks, and homeowners have many options to choose from when designing a new kitchen. (MC) 

QWhat happened to Geraldo Rivera on Fox News? I’ve read conflicting information about whether he was fired or quit.

— C.D.

AAccording to Geraldo Rivera himself, he was both let go and left of his own accord. He was fired from the weekday show “The Five,” but then decided to quit the network altogether. He stayed until the end of June and was even given a cake and balloons. Rivera also watched a montage of his career highlights with the network and received farewell messages from colleagues like Jesse Watters and Sean Hannity. Notably missing was any message from his former co-host Greg Gutfeld, of whom Rivera was not fond.

As for his firing, Rivera had been suspended briefly from “The Five” after he “profanely criticized some of fired prime-time host Tucker Carlson’s theories.” His return didn’t last long, and that’s when he departed the show. At first, he said he quit, but now says he was fired. Fox released a statement simply stating “we reached an amicable conclusion with Geraldo over the past few weeks.”

Rivera, who turned 80 on July Fourth, isn’t necessarily ready to retire. He recently told his fans that he has “restless energy when it concerns issues important to the American people.”

QWhen is “Reacher” coming back to Amazon? I hope it hasn’t been canceled. Wasn’t it a pretty big hit?

— L.K.

ANot only was the first season of “Reacher” a success, apparently Amazon is leaning toward renewing it for a third season before the second one has even aired. According to TV Guide, expect season two to premiere in the latter months of 2023. They reportedly finished filming the episodes back in February, and the show promised to be bigger

and better than ever.

If you’re not familiar with the novels, there is a whole series of books based on the character of Jack Reacher. The character was originally adapted for the big screen with Tom Cruise in the titular role, but fans of the books never really took to Cruise, as the character was listed as 6 feet, 5 inches tall in the books. As for the series, a perfect match seems to have been made in the form of actor Alan Ritchson.

QIs “Who Wants to Be a Million aire?” ever coming back in any form? I really enjoyed it when it was on during the weekdays, but I’d be happy if it came back in the summer during prime time again.

— A.K.

AAs of now, everything is on hold due to the WGA Writers Strike, but even if that weren’t an issue, “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” has been canceled.

©2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Geraldo Rivera (“The Five”). PHOTO CREDIT DEPOSITPHOTOS

SOLUTIONS

READER LETTERS

Speaking with Courage

Everyone in this city, state, and indeed the nation, should be standing up and applauding Mr. Mario Presents of Palmdale for his empathy, bravery and courage for standing up and speaking out at the Santa Clarita City Council meeting on June 13.

The council was having a heated discussion on Pride Month when Mr. Presents was recognized to speak.

He first said that he had always felt comfortable in Santa Clarita. He called the pride flag a symbol of unity, not a nation. But he also felt the need to call out the LGBTQ community’s “predatory and debaucherous” behavior, sharing some of the ways its members victimize each other through online means.

While he supported unity, he feels flying the pride flag alongside the American flag was problematic, because one ideology or religion should not be given preference, saying the community would never fly the flag with the Star of David on it during the high holidays of the Jewish faith.

“A country that puts one ideology, religion or group above another is a country destined for division. Santa Clarita is one city with many lifestyles, but more importantly it is a city dedicated to freedom and justice for all. We are one country and we only need one flag to represent us.”

Yes indeed. Thank you, Mr. Presents for speaking with courage and common sense when those around you seemed to have none!

Ronald Perry Canyon Country

Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone; Anonymous letters aren’t printed; email: letters@signalscv.com. Mail to: Letters to the Editor, The Signal, 25060 Avenue Stanford, Suite 141, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.

ETHICALLY SPEAKING

What Makes Right, Right?

By David Hegg

The academic field of ethics is a subset of philosophy that seeks to apply principles of morality to everyday behavior. A person is “ethical” to the extent that what they believe to be true shapes their thinking and doing. However, if the presuppositions and beliefs of one’s system are themselves unethical, no behavior based on them can be considered ethical.

For example, John Doe believes eating his grandmother is ethically acceptable based on his ideological principles. But his beliefs notwithstanding, his actions would be considered unethical, dishonorable and criminal when judged against the overall ethical ethos of civilized society. Simply put, if your reasons for doing good are not good, nothing can normalize abnormal behavior.

But what about when the overall ethical ethos of a society changes? What if our worldview, our “social imaginary,” were to change to the extent that eating one’s grandmother became more and more acceptable? Would that make it ethically acceptable?

The answer to this kind of question should be on our minds today. We are watching the ethical foundation of western civilization morph dramatically as a new ideology, untethered from both natural law and historical precedent, is taking hold. What once was unacceptable is now applauded. What once was unthinkable is now demanded. And so it is time to ask another question.

Are the foundational beliefs of the progressive ideology of our day to be trusted? Are they sound? Do they have a proven track record? Do they promote the common good? Or are they fueled by individual selfishness and a vindictive spirit?

Here’s the deal: You can tell a tree by its fruit. The test of any philosophy, any ethical system, any ideology is simply, “Do those who best exemplify it have beliefs and behavior that equip them to join with those around them in maintaining an honorable society?”

So, let’s do some fruit inspection.

Are we better off now that all restraints have been taken off sexual expression? Are we better off now that public nudity is seen as a demonstration of freedom? Are we better off now that elementary school children are being told there are numerous genders available to them? Are we better off now that we have regressed to assessing one another, no longer by individual character, but by the color of their skin? Are we better off now that ideology has replaced biology? Are we better off now that those in power can enact

regulations that curtail individual freedoms even though they know years later their regulations will be found unconstitutional?

Historically, all philosophies of life fall into two broad categories: Those whose foundations are founded in theism, and those whose foundations are primarily humanistic. That is, those who believe in, and take their foundational beliefs from the existence of a transcendent deity, and those who believe man is the measure of all things.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit many who confess to believing in and following their God have largely used religion for selfish and many times destructive purposes. The same can be said for every ideology through history.

But, for those playing with an open mind and an open history book, the truth is clear that those who honorably, consistently bow to the authority of Almighty God have found an ethical system that is personally uplifting and of great benefit to the society around them. America is proof of that. As America has honored God, we have prospered. As we have failed to honor him, we have eroded as a people. If you’ve read this column for some time these thoughts are not surprising to you. But I also know we live in a pluralistic society and this means we will differ. But the strength of pluralism demands that we deal with our differences honorably. We must listen and we must be able to engage in profitable, useful and civil dialogue simply because there is no honor in acting before getting all the needed information. There is also no honor in incivility, in demeaning speech or actions.

Lastly, I have just returned to our wonderful city from a lengthy sabbatical largely filled with writing projects, reading, and time with my amazing wife. But, coming home to the Santa Clarita Valley has been such a marvelous blessing. We love our town, our people and our way of life. Thanks, SCV, for allowing me into your lives for the past 14 years. I trust we have many more to come.

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

We are watching the ethical foundation of western civilization morph dramatically as a new ideology, untethered from both natural law and historical precedent, is taking hold.