Sunday Signal 072422 by Signal

JULY 24, 2022

Fleetwood Mac Reimagined Page 5 Your News, Entertainment & Lifestyle Source

SAFE SUMMER FUN

LIGHT MEALS FOR SUMMER

A SECOND WIND

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J U LY 24, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES 4 Safe Summer Fun 5 Making Date Night Magical 6 Fleetwood Mac Reimagined with Local Artists FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8 City Cinemas in the Park FOOD 9 Light, Flavorable Meals to Beat the Heat Pan Seared Salmon Cedar Plank Salmon ENTERTAINMENT 11 ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ GARDENING 12 Relocating Plants Like a Pro SENIOR LIVING 13 A Second Wind: Stop Trying to Keep Busy HOME 14 Easy Updates for Renters HEALTH 15 Detoxify Your Body Naturally PETS 16 Healthy Habits for Pets and Their Owners KIDS & FAMILY 17 Donna’s Day: Have Fun Hammering Junior Whirl PUZZLES OPINION David Hegg SPORTS

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LOCAL NEWS - TRAFFIC - VIDEO - WEATHER

Richard Budman Doña Uhrig Tim Whyte

Publisher Sunday Signal Editor Signal Editor

Sales Representatives Maureen Daniels • Jennifer Ramos • Barbara Ward 25060 Avenue Stanford, Suite 141

Are you worried about how cutting back on water use will affect your trees? Here are our top tips for keeping your plants and trees happy and healthy during the drought.

NEWLY PLANTED & YOUNG TREES • Water regularly with a slow trickle up to 2 hours every 7 to 10 days (June-October). Hand water or use drip irrigation to effectively water trees without causing runoff. • Place a garden or soaker hose in the watering well and set it at a slow flow.

ESTABLISHED TREES • Water deeply 2-3 times per month for about 20 minutes each time. • Place drip irrigation in a ring around the tree. • Water beyond the tree’s dripline, which is the area directly under the outer circumference of the tree branches.

OTHER TIPS

SINCE 1919

SignalSCV. com

SCV’S TOP TIPS: CARING FOR TREES

| Valencia, CA 91355

661-259-1234 The entire content of the Sunday Signal is copyrighted 2022 by Paladin Multi-Media Group, Inc. All submitted letters and columns are strictly the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of the publisher. All rights are reserved and no part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. If you would not like this delivered to your home, please call (661) 259-1000.

• Remember to set your irrigation timer for early morning or late evening to ensure you are following water restrictions while keeping your trees hydrated. • Limit pruning, as it may increase stress.

yourSCVwater.com @SCVwater

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J U LY 24, 2022

N E W S F E AT U R E

onger days and lighter schedules make summer perfect for relaxing, having fun outdoors and spending time with loved ones. However, more physical activity and time spent in the sun can also translate to increased health and safety risks. As you and your family enjoy the warmth and sunshine while swimming, biking, grilling, playing on the playground and more this summer, remember these precautions from the experts at the American Heart Association.

Watch for Signs of Heat Stress

On hot summer days, be alert for signs of heat illnesses, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Even when it doesn’t seem extreme, heat and humidity can take a toll. Some signs of heat-related illness include muscle pain, cramps or spasms; heavy sweating; paleness; dizziness; headache; nausea or vomiting; confusion; fainting or unconsciousness; high body temperature (greater than 100 F) with dry skin; and rapid pulse. If you experience any of these symptoms, take a break, drink some water and find shade or air conditioning to cool off. If symptoms worsen or vomiting occurs, seek medical attention.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is important for optimal body functioning, especially during the hot and humid months. If you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors, frequently consuming water and foods with high water content — melons, lettuce and cucumbers, for example — can help replace the fluids lost via sweat. In addition, be aware of the signs and symptoms of mild dehydration, including a dry or sticky mouth; dry, cool skin; headache; or muscle cramps. More severe cases may include dry, shriveled skin; irritability or confusion; dizziness; rapid heartbeat; rapid breathing; fatigue; and unconsciousness.

Learn CPR

As summertime activities expose people of all ages to risks, it’s important to be trained in CPR, an emergency lifesaving procedure that is performed when the heart stops beating. If performed immediately, it can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival, according to the American Heart Association. However, only about 40% of people who experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest receive help before professionals arrive. Because about 74% adult and 87.5% of child out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen in homes, you will likely be trying to save the life of someone you love. Hands-Only CPR is recommended for members of the general public who see someone suddenly collapse. Call 9-1-1, or send someone to do so, then push hard and fast in the center of the person’s chest until medical assistance arrives. Use

an AED, if available, following the prompts.

Protect Skin from the Sun

While it’s easy to get caught up enjoying activities outdoors, remember to take steps to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays. Limit your time in the sun, especially during the midday hours when the rays are strongest, and wear sunscreen to help reduce your risk of sunburn, skin cancer and the early onset of wrinkles. Experts recommend sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Wearing sunglasses, a hat and cool, long-sleeved clothing can further limit exposure when outdoors for long periods of time.

Play Safe

Each year, emergency departments treat more than 200,000 children under the age of 14 for playground-related injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Choose age-appropriate parks and playgrounds for your children and keep precautions like these in mind: teach children to take turns as pushing or roughhousing can result in accidents or injuries, remind kids to be careful walking near moving swings and encourage them to go one at a time on slides that are clear of other children. Also be sure to use proper protective gear for other outdoor activities like biking or watersports and have a first-aid kit on-hand, complete with bandages, gauze pads, medical tape, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipes or spray and aspirin.

Swim Safely

Whether enjoying the pool, beach, lake or river, bodies of water can be dangerous if appropriate precautions aren’t taken. In fact, drowning is among the top five causes of unintentional injury death in the United States, according to the CDC. Avoid swimming alone, especially in natural bodies of water that aren’t clear and may present strong currents or underwater obstacles, and don’t overestimate your swimming ability. Designating an undistracted “water watcher,” wearing life jackets, ensuring someone in your group knows CPR and avoiding alcohol consumption are also safe practices to keep in mind while swimming.

Be Smart with Fire

Firing up the grill and lighting fireworks are often synonymous with summertime, but open flames pose safety hazards. Never leave a grill unattended, always grill outdoors and keep children and pets away from the grilling area. When it comes to fireworks, keep a safe distance once lit, don’t point fireworks toward anyone’s face or body, never allow young children to play with them, avoid relighting fireworks that do not function properly and keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby when lighting. For more tips on CPR and first aid, visit cpr. heart.org or download the Knowledge Booster app. 

J U LY 24, 2022

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N E W S F E AT U R E

Make Your Date Nights Magical, Special Again By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

or the last couple of years many activities have been scaled down, including one looked forward to by many couples … date night. However, date night is back and now is the time to add some magic to the routine. Falling into the “date night rut’ of visiting the same restaurant or bar on a weekly basis turns date night into just another routine. Date night is important in keeping relationships on track and giving couples special time together. Regular date nights can improve intimacy and communication. Keeping date night fresh and exciting is as important as couples finding a way to escape the daily grind. It’s important to step out of the routine, especially with date night. Make it magical again.

Magical The Magic Castle

7001 Franklin Ave., Hollywood 90028 Info www.magiccastle.com; reservations (323)851-3313 A great place to start spicing up date night is to literally bring real magic into your weekly outing. Since 1963, this century-old Victorian mansion in Hollywood has served as the home base for the Academy of Magical Arts. Reservations and formal dress are required, and no photos are allowed. Inside you’ll find a number of bars, fine dining, performance parlors, secret doors, mysterious illusions and rare magical memorabilia and magnificent posters on the walls. The Magic Castle is a private club and quests must be invited or accompanied by a member. However, there are several ways to score an invite. Join the Club You do not need to be a magician to join as an Associate member. Click the “membership” tab on the Magic Castle website for information on how to join. Know a Member In the Santa Clarita Valley you might be surprised to learn there are many members of the Magic Castle. Members can pass out guest passes with ease. Ask around in your circle of friends and you’ll likely find a friend of a friend’s second cousin who is a member and will gladly hand you a guest pass. Stay at the Magic Castle Hotel For a truly memorable date night book a room at the Magic Castle Hotel located next door to the club. The Magic Castle Hotel can book a reservation at the club for you, based on availability. It’s best to plan ahead and consider staying mid-week. Email a Magician Magicians are a friendly group. Visit the Magic Castle’s show schedule available on the website and view the weekly list of magicians performing at the

There are ways to visit The Magic Castle without being a member or magician. PHOTO COURTESY THE ACADEMY OF THE MAGICAL ARTS

club. Try emailing a performer and ask if they have a future date booked at the club and ask to be added to the guest list. You can make dinner reservations up to 12 weeks in advance.

Date Night or Day

Sometimes Date Night might become Date Day. Be flexible, try a Date Day, or Date Weekend to add variety to your routine. El Matador State Beach, Malibu 32200 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu 90265 Info www.californiabeaches.com/beach/elmatador-state-beach El Matador Beach is one of three beaches within Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach. El Matador is the most popular of the three and the closest to Malibu. The parking lot for El Matador is easy to spot as you drive along Pacific Coast Highway in western Malibu and is on the bluff with picnic tables that look out over the Pacific Ocean. A trail descends through unique eroding formations on the face of the bluff then stairs take you the rest of the way to the beach. With cliff-top views, crashing waves and craggy caves, El Matador Beach is an adventurous couple’s ideal beach day. The breath-taking beach is ideal for scenic strolling, taking in the surf and exploring towering arches and shallow caves. Pack a picnic lunch, but leave the wine at home. As with most state and local parks El Matador doesn’t allow alcohol. However, there are a number of nearby restaurants that have amazing ocean views if you want to forgo your own private picnic. West Wind Drive-in, Santa Barbara 907 S Kellogg Ave., Goleta 93117 Info www.westwinddi.com The drive-in theater experience began June 6,

1933 in Pennsauken Township, New Jersey. A few others quickly followed but the trend only truly took off with the advent of in-car speakers in the 1940s. The Mustang Drive-In Theater in the Santa Clarita Valley is long gone, as are most drive-ins throughout SoCal, but a trip to the West Wind in Santa Barbara can be a fun special date night treat to view a first-run film. The West Wind is a family owned and operated business opened in 1952. The company, which is the largest drive-in theater chain in the world has four drive-ins in California, one in Arizona and two in Nevada. The Santa Barbara Drive-In in Goleta was recently opened and renovated after being shuttered for years. West Wind Drive-Ins operate the largest digital projectors available. Audio is beamed straight to your car stereo. Picnic at Vasquez Rocks 10700 Escondido Canyon Rd., Agua Dulce 91390 Info parks.lacounty.gov/vasquez-rocks-naturalarea-and-nature-center We often take for granted the amazing beauty to be found right in our own backyard. Vasquez Rocks is hard to beat for spectacular scenery in the SCV. The 932-acre park is known for its rock formations, the result of sedimentary layering and later seismic uplift. In 1874 Tiburcio Vasquez, one of California’s most notorious bandits, used these rocks to elude capture by law enforcement. His name has since been associated with this geologic feature. The park is a popular hiking, picnicking and equestrian area and has been used in many hit movies, television shows and commercials. Pack a picnic to enjoy near the nature center, then head out to explore the park. See if you can find the location where the Gorn battled Captain Kirk in the original “Star Trek” series. 

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J U LY 24, 2022

N E W S F E AT U R E

Fleetwood Mac Reimagined, Coming to SCV By Michael Picarella Signal Staff Writer

wisted Gypsy isn’t the music group your mom and dad remember. It’s a Fleetwood Mac tribute band with a twist. Santa Clarita Valley residents Tim Gilmer and Niki Bente, who play Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, respectively, from the British-American rock band known for hits like “Landslide,” “Little Lies” and, of course, “Gypsy,” said Twisted Gypsy feeds their hunger for playing rock music while also giving them the opportunity to step into the shoes of performers they grew up loving. The Fleetwood Mac tribute band is set to appear on Aug. 18 at the Senses Block Party in Old Town Newhall, and then on Aug. 20 as part of the city of Santa Clarita’s Concerts in the Park series. “The chemistry in this band is one of the best I’ve ever had,” Gilmer said alongside Bente in an interview with The Signal. “In my years of playing — about 40 years of playing — I’ve never been in a band that is so much like family … It’s a happy place to be in, and I’ve never felt that. It’s beautiful. It really helps the energy on stage and I also think that translates to an audience because we have a lot of fun up there.” Gilmer, originally from Chicago, said his family moved out west in 1979 when he was 14. “I had a hard time making friends,” he said. “It wasn’t until after high school that I started making friends. And it was because of music.” Gilmer started playing guitar his senior year of high school, and about a year after he graduated, a drummer friend asked if he wanted to play rhythm guitar in his band. “So, he gave me the setlist,” Gilmer said. “I learned maybe 10 heavy metal songs, and I went in to play rhythm guitar, and literally after we started

With Two SCV Artists

rehearsing, we finished rehearsing, our bass player quit, and they immediately asked me if I could play bass. And I’m like, ‘Yeah, sure. Rhythm guitar is just the root note of a bass.’ So, I ran after the bass player — he was a friend of mine — and I asked him if I could borrow his stuff.” The next day, Gilmer continued, he went into rehearsal as the bass player and he loved it, so much so that he bought his first bass guitar after only his second day of rehearsal. Gilmer said he’d go on to play music in bands on the Sunset Strip from about 1983 to 1996. But the singer from his first band, a guy named Billy Derian, would go on to become the manager of Twisted Gypsy. Derian wouldn’t forget Gilmer. “He called me up after 32 years of not speaking to one another, for no particular reason. We just drifted apart,” Gilmer said. “He called me up and asked me if I was still playing bass.” Derian brought Gilmer in for an audition and Niki Bente “Stevie Nicks” (top right) and Timmy Gilmer “Lindsey Buckingham” (bottom right) are from Santa Clarita. PHOTOS COURTESY TWISTED GYPSY

eventually swayed him, with the help of band members, into being a sub for the band’s permanent bass player. “Three days after that, they fired their bass player, appointed me their No. 1 bass player, and I had to learn 34 songs in two weeks and get up on a sold-out stage in Ventura. And I was terrified. It was awesome,” Gilmer added with a laugh. He said he began playing in Twisted Gypsy toward the beginning of 2018. During the pandemic, three band members moved on. “And Billy looked at me again and he said, ‘I need you playing Lindsey,’ and I said, ‘I can’t do that.’ He said, ‘Yes, you can. I’ve heard you play guitar.’” Gilmer hesitated because the Lindsey Buckingham character was a front man in the band, and Gilmer was used to just playing guitar in the background. But he took on the challenge. For the first time in his career, he said he felt stage fright. Once he got going, however, he had a blast. “Thank goodness to Niki because she’s really helped me along,” Gilmer added. Bente, who grew up in the Santa Clarita Valley and who’s a 2004 Valencia High School graduate, said the feeling was mutual. She was coming into

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N E W S F E AT U R E

the band at the same time Gilmer was tasked to do something new in his career. “I love that I came into my role new and you were in your role new,” Bente said to Gilmer. “Because I think it just helped us kind of connect.” Bente said her overall experience with Twisted Gypsy has been quite a surprise. While she enjoyed acting when she was a kid — eventually joining the drama program and jazz choir — she really was unsure of what she wanted to try to do for a living. “I didn’t even think about making this a profession,” she said, “even though I would write and kind of just play enough guitar to write my own songs. But it kind of just kept progressing.” Bente said that Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac had always been one of her favorite singers, and so when Twisted Gypsy asked if she could sing any Stevie Nicks songs, she was all about it. “I just never imagined,” she continued, “that I would say, like, my career is playing, you know, my idol. So, it’s pretty much a dream.” Gilmer and Bente said that while they’re playing the parts of Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks in a band that’s supposed to be Fleetwood Mac, theirs is a more rocked-out version of the group, and they sometimes infuse their own personalities and musical styles into their characters. “We’re basically trying to update what we think Fleetwood Mac would’ve been these days,” Gilmer added. “We also kind of throw in some tastes of, you know, these-days music.”

In another instance, they might play a Fleetwood Mac song like “Little Lies,” and then they’ll interject bits of Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” into it. “It kind of throws people into a spin,” Gilmer said, “and they’re like, ‘Wait a second.’” Those who plan to see Twisted Gypsy in concert should expect a synergistic good time between band and audience. “We like to include the audience rather than just have them sitting there watching a show,” Gilmer said. “We like to bring them into the show. You know, laugh with us, cry with us, sing with us, dance with us.” Bente said fans of Stevie Nicks will often approach her as if she were really the music legend in the flesh or somehow perhaps a vessel to communicate with Nicks. “People will come up to me after shows and share what she means to them,” Bente said. “And they’ll say how grateful they were for me for portraying her in that way. And to me that’s like the ultimate compliment because I never, never want to mock her.” Gilmer brought up an instance when a young woman came up to him after a particular show and expressed her dislike for Lindsey Buckingham, but then acknowledged that she really liked how Gilmer played the part. “So, she’s got like a love-hate relationship,” Gilmer continued. “She keeps looking at me going, ‘I don’t like you. I don’t like you. Can I have some (guitar) picks to make earrings?” Gilmer, Bente and the rest of Twist-

ed Gypsy hope they create the same type of fun and interaction with their fellow Santa Claritans this summer.

For more information, go to the band’s website at TwistedGypsyBand. com. 

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J U LY 24, 2022

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

A New Film Tradition — City Cinemas in the Park By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

he City of Santa Clarita traces its historical roots back generations. Although we celebrate 35 years of cityhood this December, the growth of Santa Clarita can be tied to Hollywood for more than a century. From the silent Westerns featuring hometown superstar William S. Hart to blockbusters like “Once Upon a Time in … Hollywood,” Santa Clarita has served as the setting for countless movies that have delighted audiences around the world. Taking your family to see the latest movie has always been a favorite pastime for Santa Clarita residents. Whether you piled into the car to go to the drive-in theater on a Saturday, stood in line for a midnight showing of the latest Star Wars movie or enjoy discovering new independent films at the Laemmle Newhall, there has always been an option to see your favorite stories come to life on the big screen. A new era of movie-watching has begun in Santa Clarita that brings a fresh yet familiar opportunity to rediscover some of Hollywood’s greatest productions. City Cinemas in the Park blends a traditional drive-in atmosphere with a relaxing evening under

the stars to create a summer series you won’t want to miss. The first City Cinemas in the Park event took place on July 15, and there are three more showings on the schedule this summer — July 29 (Guardians of the Galaxy), August 12 (Shrek) and August 26 (The Goonies). The City hosted City Cinemas movie screenings last summer at East Walker Ranch Open Space, where a limited number of residents could enjoy a drive-in movie in a picturesque setting. We have

decided to move the series to Central Park this year for a more family-friendly event that can accommodate more residents! Utilizing the same space and setup as Concerts in the Park, City Cinemas in the Park allows thousands of residents to bring out lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy a movie while having fun with their families and neighbors. As you arrive at Central Park, you will first want to stake out your ideal spot for watching the movie. Starting at 7 p.m., food trucks will be on-site selling a variety of items, or you can feel free to pack a picnic or bring takeout from your favorite Santa Clarita restaurant. At approximately 8:15 p.m., make sure that you are in your seat so that you don’t miss the opening credits! I hope that you will take this opportunity to create lasting memories with your family in a whole new way. You can learn more about City Cinemas in the Park by visiting the City of Santa Clarita online at santa-clarita.com/Events.

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

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J U LY 24, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

FOOD

Light, Flavorful Meals to Beat Summer Heat

ot days enjoying the summer sun are often best paired with meals that won’t drag you down, meaning lighter fare should be on your family’s menu. Skip the heavy recipes that leave you feeling uncomfortable and instead put a flaky, delicious option like wild salmon at the center of your plate. Fresh, wild-caught California king salmon is available through mid-October, making it a perfect choice for satisfying warm weather dishes. Featuring tender, flaky meat with a rich, buttery flavor ideal for grilling, king salmon is also heart-healthy and packed with omega-3 fatty acids. The fishery is managed responsibly to ensure there is never overfishing so you can feel good about the local, melt-in-your-mouth salmon. Plus, a portion of the commercial license fees are used to support habitat restoration projects, meaning money goes back to the fishery each time you enjoy it. If it’s simply too hot to cook outdoors, Pan Seared Salmon with Cucumbers and Creme Fraiche offers a reprieve from the heat by putting your stovetop to work. Mix fresh cucumbers, red onion, dill and creme fraiche for a cool, creamy side then sear salmon seasoned with salt and pepper for a savory summer dish. When you’re ready to head outside and fire up the grill, Cedar Plank Salmon with Miso Soy Glaze combines light, flaky salmon with a sweet homemade sauce to highlight the flavors of the season. Plus, it’s served right off cured cedar planks. Visit CalKingSalmon.org to find more recipes fit for light summer meals. (Family Features)

Pan Seared Salmon with Cucumbers and Creme Fraiche

Recipes courtesy of chef Laura Kenny, Real Food Catering, on behalf of the California Salmon Council Servings: 4

Cucumbers and Creme Fraiche 4 1 2 2 1 1/4

cucumbers, sliced 1/8-inch thick (about 4 cups) small red onion, diced tablespoons sea salt tablespoons rice wine vinegar tablespoon dill, chopped cup creme fraiche

Pan Seared Salmon 1 1/2 pounds salmon fillet salt, to taste pepper, to taste 3 tablespoons grapeseed oil To make cucumbers and creme fraiche: In medium plastic container or flat-bottomed bowl, place

cucumbers in single layer then sprinkle in some red onion and some salt. Repeat 4-5 times until all cucumbers and onions are layered. Cover and refrigerate 2-8 hours. Drain water from cucumbers and onions by pressing firmly (do not rinse). Add vinegar and toss to combine. Just before serving, stir in dill and creme fraiche. To make pan seared salmon: Debone and cut salmon into four pieces; season lightly with salt and pepper, to taste. In large saute pan, heat grapeseed oil and sear salmon. When slightly golden-brown, flip salmon and cook just long enough to sear other side. Remove from pan and place on platter with cucumbers and creme fraiche. 

Cedar Plank Salmon with Miso Soy Glaze Servings: 2 2 cedar planks 2 teaspoons honey 1 tablespoon white miso 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar 2 teaspoons soy sauce 1 garlic clove, minced 1 pound salmon fillet, skin on, cut into two pieces salt, to taste pepper, to taste To prepare cedar planks: Soak planks in water 1 hour. Heat oven to 375 F. Wash, oil and bake planks about 10 minutes to cure.

Heat grill to medium-high heat for indirect grilling. In small bowl, mix honey, miso, rice vinegar, soy sauce and garlic. Cut salmon to fit planks. Season salmon with salt and pepper, to taste; spread miso mixture on flesh side. Let stand at room temperature 10-15 minutes. Lay salmon on planks skin side down. Place planks on grill adjacent to heat source and close lid. Cook 15-25 minutes, depending on thickness, until internal temperature reaches 125-135 F. Transfer salmon and planks to platter and serve. 

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J U LY 24, 2022

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

Saturday in Santa Clarita — Leonid & Friends: Chicago Tribute

n just three short years, Moscow-based LEONID & FRIENDS have blown the minds of legions of fans with their uncanny ability to capture the spirit, musicality and fire of American supergroup Chicago. Leonid Vorobyev’s goal was a studio project in dedication to Chicago under the motto “musicians for musicians.” Their first video went viral, but they really gained trac-

tion when Chicago itself published the video on its official website. This incredible 11-piece tribute

band has over 200,000+ followers across social media and has had an astonishing 110 million+ video views.

The future is only looking up for Leonid & Friends. You can see Leonid & Friends live at The Canyon Santa Clarita on October 8. Tickets are available online through AXS, over the phone at (888) 645-5006, and in person at the Canyon Santa Clarita box office. For more information, visit www.where musicmeetsthesoul.com. 

J U LY 24, 2022

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

Daisy Edgar-Jones Shines in ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘Where the Crawdads Sing’

 (out of four)

3000 Pictures presents a film directed by Olivia Newman and written by Lucy Alibar, based on the novel by Delia Owens. Rated PG-13. In theaters.

ou’ve never seen a Marsh Girl as attractive and kempt and impressive as the Marsh Girl in “Where the Crawdads Sing.” Even though she has lived all by herself in a rudimentary cabin deep in the wetlands for the better part of a decade with no formal schooling and very little social contact, she looks like she stepped out of a Sears catalog and apparently shaves her legs, bathes and shampoos on a regular basis, has lovely white teeth, and get this: She’s such a brilliant observer and student of her surroundings, such a talented artist, that she just sold a book of her drawings of seashells to a publisher and received a nifty $5,000 advance, and this is in 1969, so that’s about 40 grand in today’s dollars. Marsh Girl has it going on! And yet when Marsh Girl is literally hauled out of the water and charged with the murder of a local young man named Chase who is a former football hero, practically everyone in town is convinced she’s guilty, because after all, she’s that weirdo Marsh Girl, aka Missing Link, aka Wolf Girl. Nothing but a savage, they’ll tell ya. Of course she murdered Chase, because she knew she wasn’t good enough for him. This is one of the many eyebrowraising hitches in the plot of the uneven and at times implausible periodpiece drama “Where the Crawdads Sing,” and yet we are recommending it because Daisy Edgar-Jones (“Under the Banner of Heaven”) is luminous and spectacularly effective in the lead role, it’s one of the most gorgeously photographed films of the year, the invaluable David Strathairn provides terrific supporting work, and despite the problematic storyline, it works as an escapist piece of fantasy entertainment. Director Olivia Newman (“First Match”) and screenwriter Lucy Alibar

surroundings, getting to know all the the truth about this jerk and tries to extricate herself from his life, but the creatures great and small with the possessive and duplicitous and vioskill set of the untrained but talented lent Chase is having none of it. When scientist/author she will become. Chase is found dead in the marsh, A goodhearted and handsome loall signs and a considerable amount cal boy named Tate Walker (Taylor John Smith) takes a shine to Kya, first of circumstantial evidence point to Kya, which leads to the trial portion befriending her, then teaching her to of the movie, complete with witnesses read and write and eventually falling who are predisposed to judge Kya, a in love with her, and for this stretch district attorney dead set on convictof time the film plays like a soggy version of “The Notebook.” Tate goes ing her and a courtroom packed with observers who react on cue every off to the University of North Cartime a bombshell is dropped. After olina with the promise to return to the verdict adsource@exhibitorads.com is read, we’re given an epiKya onClarita the FourthSignal of July, but in a Laemmle Theatres • Santa logue that spans a number of decades heartbreakingly effective scene, Kya 888.737.2812 f. 203.438.1206 3col (4.75”) x 5.9”IMDB spends the night on the beach alone and feelsp.rather rushed but provides PHOTO COURTESY and wakes up devastated because Tate a measure July 24-28, 2022of suitably satisfying albeit insertion date: (“BeastsAd of the Southern Wild”) have Sunday-Thursday, melodramatic closure. never showed. been tasked with adapting one of the Ad creation/delivery date: Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at 11:21:06 AM CASCS_LEM0724-0728.qxp Thanks in large part to the beautiA year or so later, another handmost successful books in recent histoful work by Edgar-Jones and the consome local comes calling. Chase ry: the 2018 novel of the same name sistently stunning visuals, “Where the Andrews says all the right things as by Delia Owens, which sold a whopCrawdads Sing” provides just enough he courts Kya, but there’s something ping 12 million copies after being semarshland entertainment to carry the off about this guy. Against her betlected by Reese Witherspoon’s Hello day.  ter judgment, Kya allows Chase into Sunshine Book Club. (Witherspoon Copyright 2022 Chicago Sun-Times her heart, but she eventually learns is one of the executive producers of the movie.) With Louisiana filling in for North Carolina, the time-jumpTM ing storyline is faithful to the novel, telling the story of one Catherine Danielle Clark, aka Kya, who is but 6 years old by the time her mother, then her older siblings and finally her 22500 Lyons Ave. info Line 310.478.3836 abusive father abandon their marshland cabin, leaving Kya to fend for herself. Somehow the girl survives NOPE E 1:00 4:10 7:15 The film reunites Peele with Oscar® winner Daniel Kaluuya who is joined by Keke Palmer and Oscar® nominee Steven Yeun as for years, with the occasional help of residents in a lonely gulch of inland California who bear witness to an uncanny and chilling discovery. Mabel (Michael Hyatt) and JumpMRS. HARRIS GOES TO PARIS B Sun: 1:30 4:30 7:20; Mon: 1:30 4:30; in’ (Sterling Macer Jr.), a local couple Tue: 4:30 7:20; Wed: 1:30 4:30 7:20; Thu: 1:30 4:30 In partnership with the House of Dior, Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris tells the story of a widowed cleaning lady in 1950s London who falls who own a nearby grocery store and madly in love with a couture Dior dress. She works, starves and gambles to raise the funds, then embarks on a life-changing adventure in Paris. seem to exist solely for the purpose of PAWS OF FURY: THE LEGEND OF HANK B 1:20 4:20 quietly and kindly looking after Kya

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J U LY 24, 2022

GARDENING

Tried-and-True Tips to Relocate Plants Like a Pro

hether your plants could stand a little more sun, a tad more space to grow, or you just want to redesign your backyard, transplanting plants offers them a fresh start. “Tried-and-true methods will help you safely move your plants; all it takes is some know-how, elbow grease and a shovel,” says Jamie Briggs, director of marketing for Exmark, a leading manufacturer of commercial mowers and equipment for landscape professionals and homeowners. This is the driving idea behind “Backyard Smart,” free online explainer videos full of facts to answer your most common lawn and garden questions. The following strategies, which come directly from a recent “Backyard Smart” episode, will have you transplanting plants like a pro: When to do it Time of year matters. Perennials should be moved in spring when other flowers are in bloom and the days are cooler. Conversely, shrubs should be relocated in the fall -- the cooler air and warmer soil make for perfect transplanting conditions. Never move plants in summer or winter. Hot weather, when plants need the most water, can kill sensitive roots. Likewise, the cold, hard ground in winter makes it virtually impossible for

Now it’s time to dig. Always dig straight down, as digging too shallowly and at an angle can lead to damaged roots, which can stunt growth and ultimately kill your plants. Once you’ve dug up your plants, knock a little dirt loose from the compacted root ball. This enables roots to hang free, and encourages plants to take root in their new home. plants to take root. Always transplant on cloudy, cool days to protect roots from the harsh sun and retain moisture in their soil. Rules of thumb To begin, picture a circle around your plant. You’re imagining its root ball — the mass of roots and packed-in dirt that help provide plants the necessary nutrients and stability to grow. For perennials, dig a circle at least three inches out from the plant’s edge. Shrubs are a different story. Instead of digging out from the farthest part of the shrub, first measure the circumference of its stem. For every inch in stem thickness, draw the length from the circle to the stem a foot longer. If your shrub has a 2-inch-thick stem, measure a circle that’s at least 4 feet in diameter (or, a radius of 2 feet from stem to circle).

Relocation Always dig the new holes at the same depth as the existing ones. Planting too deeply can encourage water pooling around the root system, effectively drowning your plants. Planting too shallowly has an opposite, but equally deadly, impact: it exposes the root system to warmer weather and can dry it up. For an even easier reference when transplanting shrubs, the root flare — the area where the stem expands at the base -should be partially visible at the soil’s surface. Now fill the remainder of the hole with soil, water generously, rinse and repeat. For more easy-to-understand approaches to making the most of your outdoor spaces, check out the Exmark Backyard Life site at exmark.com/ backyard. Now get outside and get moving — your plants will thank you for it! (SPT) 

J U LY 24, 2022

A SECOND WIND

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

SENIORLIVING

Stop Trying to Keep Busy WE NEED 20 PEOPLE

Are you ready to hear better? By Mary Petersen Signal Staff Writer

y friend recently told me that I am the busiest retired person she knows. I don’t think she knows a lot of retired persons. Retirees’ calendars are often as booked as when they worked fulltime. Amazon even sells a t-shirt boldly proclaiming “I’m busier now than before I retired.” The general wisdom has been that retirees should stay busy to have a fulfilling last third of their lives. Being busy prevents boredom, and preventing boredom is conducive to good health. Seniors are encouraged to learn a new skill, find a part-time job, take up a hobby or volunteer with a nonprofit. In the first year of retirement, it seems easy to stay busy. Freedom from time constraints releases the pent up desires that we never had a chance to realize. Activities fill the time block that was once devoted to work. But when the novelty wears off and we settle into a routine, some older adults are surprised to find that not having time and task constraints makes them feel a bit lost or adrift. Retirees average more than seven hours of leisure time per day, according to 2019 data from the American Time Use Survey. After being overscheduled for decades, it can be disorienting to have so much free time. If days become mundanely routine, the resulting boredom leads to a lack of purpose, and feeling irrelevant can lead to a decline in mental health. So is keeping a full calendar of activities to ward off boredom the key to maintaining health and happiness in old age? A researcher at the Wash-

ington University School of Medicine in St. Louis challenged this idea. Professor Kelly M. Everard’s study found that if people engaged in activities simply to pass the time, there was not a health benefit. She states, “The reason for participating in an activity may be as important as the activity itself.” In Everard’s research, those who engaged in activities for pure enjoyment or social companionship rated their health and well-being higher than those who engaged in activities because they felt they had to keep busy or pass the time. This speaks to the quality of our busy-ness. If we are filling our days with activities that are necessary obligations, then being retired is as exhausting as being back at work. If we liberate ourselves from the pressure of being productive, we can explore pursuits that are personally engaging. Whether learning to brew beer or completing a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle, being deeply absorbed in an activity for its own sake is satisfying. In her article, “In Praise of Pointless Goals,” Gloria Liu explains, “Traditional self-improvement goals are not much fun. Pointless goals are meant to be enjoyed.” Perhaps pointless is not the right word. These goals are intrinsically satisfying and undertaken simply for the joy of doing them. Allowing time to reflect on what we value, savoring the quirky things we love, and lingering in activities we find fun and rewarding are the optimal ways to enjoy being busy. Mary Petersen is a retired COC English instructor, 30-year SCV resident and two-time breast cancer survivor. 

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J U LY 24, 2022

HOME

Easy Updates for Renters

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hen living in a rental, it can be challenging to make the space feel like home. While you may not be there long term, that doesn’t mean you can’t make it your own with some creative, non-permanent updates. Here are a few tips to make your rental feel more customized to you.

Prepare and Plan

With any rental property, it’s a good practice to check in with your landlord before you make changes to the space. If you’re given approval to customize your rental, be sure to store anything you remove and keep a list of any other physical changes you make in order to ensure your security deposit is returned when your lease concludes. It’s also best to research and purchase items that don’t cause damage to the wall.

Enhance Lighting

Brightening a space in a rental can be tricky if you have limited windows or ceiling fixtures that can’t be upgraded. Enhance your area by adding new table lamps and installing lighting in sections that might need more illumination, like under cabinets or in closets. Secure push lights or rope lighting with a removable adhesive such as Duck Max Strength Nano-Grab Gel Tape, which provides easy mounting with extreme holding power. NanoGrab’s double-sided gel adhesion creates a clean look, with a removable grip so you can clean the space after you move.

Create Eye-Catching Walls

Investing in high-end upgrades like new tile or flooring isn’t an option when renting, but reinventing

the space with quality removable items is absolutely possible. Enhance your bathroom walls or kitchen backsplash using a product such as Duck Brand EasyLiner Brand Removable Adhesive Shelf Liners. The sheets adhere directly over existing tile or paint and can be removed easily, which means you can choose from the wide variety of fashionable designs and trendy patterns.

Add Some Shower Power

A quick, straightforward way to make an ordinary bathroom feel a bit more spa-like is to swap out your showerhead. There are simple-to-install options that include everything from a large, flat rainfall experience to a handheld nozzle for ease of use. Best of all, they can be installed manually without the help of a plumber and are simple to change, meaning you can uninstall your new fixture and take your upgraded experience with you wherever you go.

Showcase Your Personality

Infusing a bland space with a touch of personality is the best way to transform it into a cozy, sophisticated living area. Add fresh pops of color with lush plants in bright pots or vases. Wall décor like artwork, macrame hangings or photo collages can add hues to empty walls and enhance the mood of a room. If your landlord is a little more flexible, painting an accent wall, hallway or even adding a stripe or paint pattern into a bare space can bring your rented space to the next level. Upgrading a rental location doesn’t have to be daunting or complicated to complete. With the right products to help brighten up your temporary space, it’s easy to create a unique (and removable) look. (SPT) 

J U LY 24, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

H E A LT H

Detoxify Your Body Naturally

s you prepare your mind and body for the warmer months, you may be interested in detoxification as a way of cleansing and eliminating toxins. A typical detoxification period may include fasting and a strict diet combined with light, appropriate exercise. According to Ayurvedic practices, an ancient Indian science focused on whole-body healing and health optimization, it may be beneficial to detoxify. Consider these steps toward detoxification from the experts at Buddha Teas:

Aim for a Healthy Lifestyle

Before considering the specifics of daily routines and phases of detoxification, it’s important to focus your lifestyle around healthy practices. For example, aim to minimize stress by participating in uplifting activities such as mindful walking, meditation, spending time in nature or other hobbies that put you at ease. Remember to rest both your mind and body, and get an appropriate amount of sleep each night.

Preparation Phase

Take 3-7 days to prepare your body for detoxification. The start of your journey should involve the elimination or drastic reduction of caffeine, tobacco, alcohol and recreational drugs.

Active Cleansing Phase

During the 7-14-day active phase, it’s important to create and follow a singular diet of kitchari, which consists of mung beans, basmati rice, spices and vegetables. As a complete protein that’s easy to digest, kitchari helps reset your digestive system while restoring digestive fire and supporting the elimination of toxins. If you’re looking for a place to start, consider trying a few different recipes online, or purchase from a natural foods store. If kitchari isn’t right for you, opt for oatmeal in the morning and steamed vegetables or vegetable soup with basmati rice for lunch and dinner. Be conscious of portion control; eat enough for satisfaction without overeating. Aim to finish your evening meal 2-4 hours before sunset. Another important aspect of the active phase is liquid intake. Drink hot water with lemon juice in the morn-

ing. Throughout the day, consider a hot tea with bitter herbs like Buddha Teas’ Detox Dharma Blend. This delicious option consists of carefully chosen herbs and spices that come together to help eliminate toxins. Other effective hot teas include nettle leaf, dandelion root and dandelion leaf.

Create a Morning Routine

To stay on track during the active phase, it is helpful to create routines, starting with your morning wake-up call. After brushing your teeth and other daily to-dos, try relaxing techniques like sipping 8-16 ounces of hot water with lemon juice, self-massaging, taking a warm or hot shower or bath, gently exercising and combining these activities with an appropriate active phase morning meal.

Create an Evening Routine

Proper relaxation prior to bedtime can help encourage restful sleep. Avoid watching TV about one hour before bedtime and consider massaging your feet with herbal oil for a few minutes before rinsing with cool water. Drink a peaceful beverage like a milk substitute mixed with Buddha Teas’ Golden Milk, which is developed from an Ayurvedic recipe that provides satisfaction and comfort while supporting the body and mind. As your active phase comes to a close, slowly reintroduce foods like dairy, wheat, soy, meat and fish. Continue activities like gentle yoga, walking, tai chi and qi gong then rejuvenate your body with hot beverages like turmeric ginger tea, chaga tea and mushroom tea. Learn more about detoxification and its benefits at www.BuddhaTeas.com. (Family Features) 

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J U LY 24, 2022

PETS

Healthy Habits for Pets and Their Owners

ets are the lights of their owners’ lives. And keeping pets healthy is key to extending the warmth and love for years. Dr. Ernie Ward, nationally renowned veterinarian, pet author and founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, offers his ‘Top 5 Healthy Habits’ for pet owners to help ensure pets stay happy and healthy throughout the year: 1. Healthy Eats and Treats The most important decision you make each day regarding your pet’s health is what you feed it. When choosing pet food, look for meat as one of the first few ingredients and avoid by-products, artificial flavors, colors and preservatives whenever possible. When it comes to treats, look for low-cal options. Treats that help maintain healthy joints, clean teeth or ensure pills are taken are recommended. The Greenies Brand specializes in great-tasting treats individually formulated to deliver these benefits. If you’re going to give treats, make them count! 2. Brain Boosters Most people love puzzles — and so does your pet! One of the best ways to feed and treat pets is with a food puzzle. These clever devices hide your pet’s food or treats until they unlock the secret and get their goodies. These tools engage your pet’s

brain and bust boredom while you’re away. 3. Power Play Walking your dog and playing with your cat each day keeps them trim, healthy and mentally alert. Pets that don’t receive enough physical activity have the highest rates of weight-related diseases such as arthritis and diabetes and suffer from behavioral problems. For dogs, 20 to 30 minutes of brisk

walking each day benefits both ends of the leash. For cats, two or three five-minute play periods are plenty. Walking with your pet can be fun! Try programs like Greenies Wag & Walk 4 Life, and get active with your pet. 4. Paws Together It’s more fun to play with other dogs! Socialized dogs are simply better behaved and more fun. Visit a dog park or enroll in training classes. There are endless ways to get you and your dog to interact with other pet lovers. 5. Pets and Vets Somehow pet owners started believing that the only time you need a vet is when something is wrong with your pet. The secret to a long and healthy life is vet visits when everything appears fine. A pet owner’s primary goal should be to prevent disease, not only treat it. Changes in diet or lifestyle, giving nutritional supplements and exercising more are straight forward solutions. Sometimes you just need a prod; other times a push. Your veterinarian is your pet’s voice; let them speak for your pet by visiting once a year for young pets and twice yearly for those over age seven. For more best-care tips for pets, visit www.greenies. com and www.drernieward.com. (NewsUSA) 

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J U LY 24, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 7

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Have Fun Hammering — Make Pounded Pansy Pouches 2. Put one of the fabric pieces on a cutting board or a flat piece of wood. Carefully set a fresh pansy bloom in the middle of the fabric — front side down and stem side up. Cover it with a sheet of wax paper and hammer over the wax-paper-covered flower until its color has been absorbed into the fabric. Remove the wax paper and pansy to reveal the natural, colorful floral design.

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

don’t know a young child who doesn’t love a hammer. Watch when kids grab one tightly in both small hands, lift it high and pound. Thud! They see it do something. It might only be a nick on a board, or, if lucky, they’ll hit a nail square on. Throughout the action, it’s a thrilling feeling of control and an introduction to the adult world. Hammers can be the perfect tool for kids to make imprints of fragile flowers, too. When they tap, tap, tap a wax-paper-covered flower on fabric, they magically see the bloom’s natural colors and shapes appear right before their eyes. No wonder families recently filled the benches at a craft booth at our local weekend farmer’s market. Pounding natural designs of violet pansies

Remember to keep your library card handy this summer. A mother places her son’s crafty pansy pounch around his neck.

onto fabric was the first step. Then the children learned to hand-sew pouches with simple stitches after the pounding. Even some preschoolers could sew handily with adult assistance.

Here’s how: 1. Cut two pieces of plain white cotton or muslin fabric 2 3/4 inch wide by 3 inches long with pinking shears.

3. It’s time to sew the two fabric pieces together to form the neck pouch. Thread a large needle with a 30-inch length of embroidery floss. Stack the fabric pieces with the floral print on top and, beginning at the top right corner, sew the sides and bottom together with a running stitch. Guide your child’s hands when needed. When complete, remove the needle and knot the end of the floss to the starting corner of the pouch. Place the pouch around your child’s neck and put a coin or some treasure inside. For more ideas about crafting with natural materials, visit www.heartfelt online.com. Donna Erickson’s award-winning series “Donna’s Day” is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit www.donnasday.com and link to the Donna’s Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.”  © 2022 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

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CROSSWORD TIME

J U LY 24, 2022

PUZZLES

SOLUTIONS

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J U LY 24, 2022

Opinion

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 1 9

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

READERLETTERS

Invasion of America Recently Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas led the way for other states to condemn the Joe Biden Administration for not protecting Americans from foreign invasion. An invasion is an unwelcome intrusion into another’s territory — most Americans agree this intrusion is indeed unwelcome. He cited the U.S. Constitution, Article IV, Section 4 (the U.S. shall guarantee protection for every state against invasion — paraphrased) by emphasizing that it shows the responsibility of the federal government to assure this guarantee. He noted similar protection in the Texas Constitution. He indicated an immediate plan to use Texas resources to stop illegal immigration at his state’s southern border. Hopefully, other states will adopt his proactive posture to address this invasion menace of millions of illegal immigrants at their borders. All states’ sovereignty has been violated by Biden’s secret transporting of illegal immigrants to cities across America. They are being invaded whether their borders are adjacent to Mexico or not. Sadly, California’s governor shows no interest in taking a similar posture to protect California citizens from invasion. We are fortunate in District 27 to have Rep. Mike Garcia confront supporters of this disastrous invasion and many other issues. On May 12, he addressed Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her leftist colleagues. Speech highlights include the following quotes: • “Some matters go beyond simple coincidences, and some things are simply inexplicable and inexcusable. The blizzard of crises our nation has endured since January of 2021 cannot be attributed to a simple string of bad luck. The reality is that these were intentionally induced crises by our elected officials in the White House and in this body.” • “Why does your party care more about the borders of other nations than our own? ... A party that has become hijacked by (Black Lives Matter) and special interests. Hijacked by fear, rather than a devotion to our beautiful Constitution.”(THE authority for protecting our nation from invasion!) Each of the above quoted concerns by Rep. Garcia demonstrate his passion and capability to help lead America out of the disastrous policies of Joe Biden’s administration. Likewise, each of his statements to the House and its speaker provide ample evidence of Biden’s failure to protect America’s sovereignty and her citizens from this “blizzard of crises,” especially this ongoing invasion. This failure merits impeachment of the president! The following closing statement by Garcia in the House of Representatives shows his commitment to America and our district. Help assure returning America to her greatness and stopping this invasion by voting for Rep. Mike Garcia on Nov. 8. “I have spent my life defending this beautiful country. Since the age of 18, as a Naval officer, I have been willing to give my life for this nation, and if I’m willing to die for it, I’m willing to work for it. And if I’m willing to work for it, I’m willing to do what’s right for it.” Larry Bustetter Valencia Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone; Anonymous letters aren’t printed; email: letters@signalscv.com.

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

Elitism, Populism, Baggage

hen I was in high school my career goal was to go into the legal field. But the courtroom wasn’t my final destination. I wanted to enter the political realm. Like so many others down through history, I wanted to make the world a better place, and I thought those who made the laws were in the best place to do that. Obviously, law wasn’t in my future but my interest in the political realm never slackened. But, as a pastor/theologian, I see things through a different lens. I have always put truth above everything else. Truth must be the foundation of life, and must form our ethics. What we believe must drive how we perceive the world around us and how we live in it. We are now knee-deep in the political season as local, state and national races have the candidates engaged in their campaigns. We are about to be deluged with flyers, ads, yard signs and political shout-outs masquerading as TV commercials. But here’s the deal: Few of these do what you and I really need, and that is to understand what the candidates actually believe, what their beliefs will motivate them to do and how they will go about doing it. So, beginning this week, I’m offering you some conversation starters as you plow through the mass of mailings, dirt-slinging sound bites and office gossip. My hope is we all can really start fact-finding, and then think deeply about the choices before us, and finally, vote for those candidates whose pronouncements most closely align with our values. Let’s start with two very important ways to govern a democracy. First is the “elitist form of government.” Those who espouse this view believe a few educated, capable people should make the important decisions. Plato made the case for this in his Republic. In order to have a well-ordered society, those with the most intelligence and experience should be put in charge. This view has much to commend it. We certainly don’t want the uneducated and daft to be running things. Yet, history has demonstrated that this can easily deteriorate into the few making the big decisions for the rest of us and asking us to trust them and obey. On the other hand is what we know as

“populism.” In populism, the people are given the most power. But, there are dangers here, too. Alexander Fraser Tytler said it best: “A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover that they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury.” Since both “elitism” and “populism” come with unwanted baggage, the framers of the U.S. Constitution put a system of checks and balances in place to guard against both extremes. And yet, as we all know, those checks and balances only work when those responsible to honor and submit to them are people of untarnished integrity. It is crucial to understand that our governmental structure will only work if those holding office are honest, truth-loving and truth-speaking people. If they are, then even as elitist, educated and intelligent people they will listen to, honor and represent the people. Conversely, if a “populist” has integrity, he or she will stand for what is right even when the majority demands they get their way. So, there you have it. Job No. 1 as we move toward election day is to recognize the integrity quotient of candidates you are thinking of supporting. Have they stayed true to their promises? Have they courageously voted their principles rather than party at times? Have they been transparent in letting you know where they stand on controversial issues? Most of all, have they refused to compromise their principles even if it meant losing? As for me, I’d rather have an honest person of intelligence and impeccable integrity representing me than someone who was a professional politician was dedicated to using their political office for greater advancement and an upscale lifestyle. Bottom line: Get invested in educating yourself as to the issues that matter to you, and then vote for those you can trust. After all, your vote is a treasure inherited from our forefathers. It is more powerful than currency. Don’t let it be bought cheaply. Instead, do what you can to spend it wisely. Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays. 

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