Sunday Signal July 29, 2018

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y a d Sun JULY 29, 2018

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Summer Learning Having fun can be educational Pages 4, 30 Your News, Entertainment & Lifestyle Source

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PERSONALITY PROFILE

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I-5 ROAD WARRIORS

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PLUS : CITY NEWS | OPINION | SCHOOL | ENTERTAINMENT | CALENDAR | HEALTH & FITNESS

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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

y a d n Su

July 29, 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS

[4] NEWS FEATURES

[4] School : Getting kids ready to learn again after summer

[6] Whittaker-Bermite:

What’s the future of Santa Clarita’s doughnut hole?

[8] Life in the Slow Lane :

How long do we need to be I-5 warriors?

27

PATTY SMYTH

[10] NEWS OF THE WEEK

Firefighters injured battling Pico blaze; Housing inventory rises in SCV; Authorities probe mail theft scam; Boys & Girls Club members participate in pinewood derby; DMV offers new way to avoid lines

[14] CITY MANAGER COLUMN

Ken Striplin writes about Old Town Newhall

[15] BUSINESS 1 Million Cups [16] 100 Years in the SCV A page from The Signal’s archives

[17] SPORTS SCV Speedskaters [18] OPINION Our View

Dante Acosta; David Hegg; Tim Whyte

[21] THINGS TO DO Calendar;

What to do in Ventura and Oxnard

[26] ENTERTAINMENT End of summer films

The Canyon Artist Profile — Patty Smyth

[29] YOUR HOME

32

FIRED UP BBQ TRENDS

Time-saving tips for summer

Restaurant Profile: Mom Can Cook

[34] PROFILE Janet Basmajian-Yessayan lives out a dream [36] SENIORS What is a senior?

SUMMER FUN FOR KIDS

Adding curb appeal to your property;

[30] FAMILY Summer learning for kids; Donna’s Day [32] FOOD STUFF Fired up BBQ; Recipes;

31

Mary Petersen column ‘A second wind’

SUNDAY SIGNAL STAFF

SignalSCV.com Richard Budman

[38] HEALTH & FITNESS

Jason Schaff

[39] GARDENING Jane Gates on SCV summer gardening [41] BRAIN GAMES Games, Crossword, Puzzles

Trish Galloway

Pros & Cons of Personal Trainers

On the cover: Darlin Chinchilla looks at the animals on display at William S. Hart Regional Park in Newhall last summer. NIKOLAS SAMUELS/The Signal

Publisher Sunday Signal Editor

Tim Whyte Perry Smith Brad Lanfranco

Signal Editor Graphic Design & Production Deputy Managing Editor Advertising Director

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J U LY 29, 2018

S C V F E AT U R E

Getting ready for the classroom Parents can help students practice critical thinking in fun ways during the summer

By Perry Smith

W

hile the weather isn’t of the achievement gains they made getting any cooler any during the previous school year, due time soon, the days are to the inactivity. getting shorter, the vaLocal school officials offered a vacations are winding down, and it’s riety of advice to educate kids in one almost time for the children to head of the best ways possible: have them back to school. practice critiChildren can ofcal thinking and “ I T H I N K I T ’S ten experience anxiworking on skills ety or concern about without necesW I S E TO K E E P the return to the sarily making T R AC K O F H O W classroom — where them feel like it’s MUCH TIME they trade in their a formal learning STUDENTS ARE boisterous play time environment.

E N G AG E D I N for new learning As with most opportunities. things in life, loTHEIR VIDEO However, parents cal educators G A M E S .” can help combat that suggest a balance Learning while having fun at summer camp. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO – DEE JAMISON, NEWHALL by keeping their kids of activity for “but I think it’s also wise to keep track can be a positive experience that enengaged through children.

SCHOOL DISTRICT the summer, or even “I do think that of how much time students are en- courages the attitude of a “lifelong help them with the families need gaged in their video games — a kind learner” that schools are trying to transition. It’ll also some ‘time off,’ if of moderation of what’s being done.” encourage.

While there are educational tools “I think it has to do with the discushelp them avoid what many educators you will,” said Dee Jamison, assistant that some children might enjoy, even sions, and how we are engaging with know as the “summer slide” — the superintendent of instructional sertendency for students, to lose some vices for the Newhall School District, some of their favorite video games our kids,” Jamison said. “(As a child), you could play a video game as an isolated event, or you could have a parent engaged — there is a problem-solving element to the gaming, as well. It makes a difference, in engaging with conversation with them and engaging them in what they’re doing.”

There’s also activities, perhaps outside the usual summer activities, that children could explore while they still have a little more “free time” per se, without the time crunch of class, then after-school sports, then scouts, etc.

“Maybe there’s something the kids would like to do, maybe they could write a persuasive letter,” said Kim Tredick, director of curriculum and instruction for the Sulphur Springs Union School District, who also is an editor for Brain Quest, which seeks to create fun learning materials for a younger audience.

Cheering on swimmers at the LA84 competition.

SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

J U LY 29, 2018

While the library is a great and affordable option, there’s nothing wrong with going to a movie, too, but there are also ways to make that a learning experience, Tredick said.

“Ask them question about movies they’re seeing,” she suggested. “Not just, ‘Did you like the movie?’ But, ‘Would you be friends with that character, and why?’” are some questions to stimulate the dialogue.

Tredick also mentioned summer Accelerated Reading programs that take place at school districts throughout the Santa Clarita Valley, which allow students to work ahead on their reading goals, as opposed to potentially falling behind.

“It’s always a great idea to make up reading lists, do flashcards or math problems, if you have an opportunity

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

to go out, go to museums and the library,” said Lee Morrell, spokesman for the Saugus Union School District. “It’s very much like physical fitness, where 60 minutes a day is recommended — I would think an hour a day of reading or solving math problems would be a great way to make sure your children are ready come the beginning of the school year.”

While it might just be as easy as a thought-provoking conversation, the idea is the intellectual engagement, and to keep the student critically thinking, whether they’re in the classroom, the playground or outside the theater.

“And keeping the thinking over the summer and keeping the conversations going over the summer,” Tredick said, “really keeps children in the mode of the school.” 

sses ER SLIDE ce learning lo n e • SUMM ri e p x e le op al All young pe ot engage in education n o d y e when th er. ng the summ ri u d s ie it v ti ac vement gap of the achie lf a uth can h n a th r-income yo e h • More ig h d n a erto summer between low qual access e e n u y b d e lt, low-incom su re be explain a s A s. ortunitie high learning opp raduate from g to ly e k li ss youth are le ter college n e r o school dge emic knowle d a c a n a th lose more articularly children—p • Children st o M r. e m eight over the sum risk of obesity—gain w igh of school children at h they are out n e h w ly id more rap er break during summ most mmer as the su e it c y tl n e n have consist their childre t a • Parents th re su n e to e dif ficult tim TA ings to do. e California P productive th Courtesy of th

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J U LY 29, 2018

S C V F E AT U R E

What’s the future of Whittaker-Bermite?

After years of remediation, contaminated property will be clean by end of year

By Jim Holt

I

magine someone standing up in City Hall 20 years ago and suggesting a development-free zone be set aside in the heart of the city where 1,000 acres would remain protected for two decades.

Now, imagine a grand unveiling of such property now scheduled to take place in less than six months.

What appeared to be a nightmare of an undertaking in 2005 — to roll back more than half a century of explosives manufacturing and begin cleaning 996 acres of contaminated soil, as well as a plume of contaminated groundwater spreading deep under the Santa Clarita Valley — is on the threshold of being a dream come true.

On Jan. 1, 2019, the Whittaker-Bermite land in the heart of SCV, off limits from the public while work was being done, is now expected to have been cleaned to the satisfaction of state officials and ready for development.

Jose Diaz, senior project manager for the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, who has overseen the cleanup since it officially began two decades ago, this month called the last days of decontamination: “a fairly significant milestone.”

Milestone

Diaz stood up at City Hall during the multi-jurisdictional meeting and told a group of cleanup stakeholders that nearly 1,000 acres would soon be made available.

Around the table, those who commited to a project stretching beyond a quarter of a century were jubilant.

Hassan Amini, project manager with the cleanup firm Amec Foster Wheeler, was gleeful.

“We are 85 percent complete, and I’m very very happy to tell you that,” he said pointing to an overhead map of the Whittaker-Bermite site.

But, what now?

Jobs

Tom Cole, director of community development for Santa Clarita who also attended the July 11 stakeholder update, had an answer when asked a couple of weeks after the meeting.

In a word, he said: Jobs.

Specifically, Cole described the future of the Whittaker-Bermite site in three words: Significant job generator.

“Whoever the successor is to Whittaker-Bermite, that group will likely propose a mixed use development,” he said, citing an opportunity to complement existing housing with jobs.

“This will be a jobs-to-housing balance,” Cole said. “The (city’s) goal has always been to keep jobs here. None of us like to commute.”

And, while developing Whittaker-Bermite for business and industrial use suggests a nice balance to the several housing projects in the process of building homes in the area, state officials Friday described Whittaker-Bermite as an open slate.

“DTSC estimates that approximately 975 acres will be suitable for unrestricted use and it is up to the local planning department to determine how much of that it is used for residential,” said Russ Edmonston, spokesman for the Department of Toxic Substances Control.

“It is up to the local planning department to determine how much of it will be used for residential,” he said.

That means all but 21 acres of the Whittaker Bermite property are expected be available for development.

However, once contamination ceases to be a factor barring development, developers are expected to confront a number of other equally pressing environmental issues they must take into account, Diaz said.

Environmental concerns such as maintaining ridge lines and building The Saugus Aquifer Treatment Plant removes perchlorate from groundwater at Whittaker-Bermite.

SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

near existing fault lines are expected to leave developers with — realistically — the chance to build on about half the property, about 500 acres, Diaz said.

When it’s finally declared clean by the DTSC, the saga of the Whittaker-Bermite will be seen — at least in the rear view mirror — as having been a wild ride.

Explosives

As far back as the 1930s, the Los Angeles Powder Co. was manufacturing dynamite in those hills, north of Sierra Highway and south of Soledad Canyon Road.

Then, in 1936, the Halifax Explosives Co. moved in and spent the next six years making fireworks.

After that, it was explosives made

for oil fields.

From the start of the World War II to the height of the Vietnam War, specific wartime chemicals were developed — from coated magnesium flash flares and red phosphorous, to detonators and fuses.

Then after the Vietnam War, the Whittaker Corp. continued manufacturing ammunition rounds, boosters, more flares, more detonators, signal cartridges, glow plugs (used to heat the combustion chamber of diesel engines in cold conditions), tracer and pyrophoric pellets (fragments that spark spontaneously), igniters, Empty dump trucks pull into a soil treatment area to pick up clean dirt during clean-up efforts at the Whittaker-Bermite site.

SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

J U LY 29, 2018

ignition compositions, explosive bolts (designed to separate cleanly along a set fracture), powder charges, rocket motors, gas generators and missile parts.

It wasn’t until 1987 — after a half century of blowing things up — that the hills quieted down.

Whittaker Corp. stopped manufacturing and testing explosives and concerns shifted to cleaning up the mess.

Two years later, as Santa Clarita Valley blossomed into a nice place to buy a home and raise a family, developers proposed a plan to build a 2,911-unit residential community in the hills.

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

They called their vision Porta Bella.

Porta Bella

The vision of Whittaker-Bermite, according to the planners of Porta Bella, included development of the area surrounding the Metrolink station near Saugus Speedway, creating a central valley access and extending Via Princessa.

There was talk of a civic center but also talk of preserving a significant amount of open space, including plans to link bike trails with ones already in existence and plans for a park and a school.

In 1999, Whittaker sold the property to RFI Realty Inc., which later declared bankruptcy in July 2004.

Whittaker, cited by the DTSC for having withheld crucial information in its reports, was then ordered in 2005 to clean up the site.

Cleanup crews decontaminated 225 acres of toxic soil between 2005 and 2009, excavating and treating more than 435,000 cubic yards of dirty dirt.

In the six years that followed that initial phase, at least 771 additional acres were cleaned, with more than one million cubic yards excavated and treated.

In terms of scooping up contaminated soil, at least 188,000 cubic yards were scooped up and treated by 2015. An additional 868,290 acres were scooped up and treated since then.

In addition to the soil contamination, local leaders have also faced the challenge of removing perchlorate pollution from local groundwater.

Perchlorate

For more than 40 years, perchlorate was a byproduct of the manufacturing of munitions, fireworks, flares and other explosives at the Whittaker-Bermite site located south of Soledad Canyon Road and east of what was then called San Fernando Road, now Railroad Avenue.

As a result of all those operations, a known perchlorate contaminant plume was identified and several water wells tested positive for perchlorate.

Once used as a medication to treat overactive thyroid glands, perchlorate can impair the function of normal and underactive thyroids.

It has also been linked to problems with fetal development in pregnant women.

In October 2007, state officials set a maximum contaminant threshold level for perchlorate at no more than 6 micrograms of perchlorate for every liter of water.

In September 2017, the Saugus Aquifer Treatment Plant next to the Metrolink Train Station on Soledad Canyon Road went into full effect, cleaning about 150 gallons of groundwater per minute.

The cleaned water, according to the plan, has been discharged into the Santa Clara River watershed to recharge SCV’s groundwater. jholt@signalscv.com 661-287-5527 on Twitter @jamesarthurholt  Whittaker-Bermite site shows Entrance Valley that includes many old buildings – some from the old munitions factory, others just movie props. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

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J U LY 29, 2018

S C V F E AT U R E

Caltrans I-5 rehab on track for 2019

By Crystal Duan Signal Staff Writer

W

hen Santa Clarita Mayor Pro Tem Marsha McLean tried to use the freeway earlier this month, her experience, like many in the Santa Clarita Valley, was a bit tumultuous.

As McLean tried getting on the freeway at Lyons Avenue traveling northbound, blocked lanes made it difficult for her to dodge the trucks going by “pretty fast.”

That’s because the California Department of Transportation’s Interstate 5 Roadway Rehabilitation Project is well underway. The 15.8-mile stretch of I-5 under construction cuts through the Santa Clarita Valley, and has served daily traffic for 50 years.

Construction on the two-year, $171 million project is ongoing. The end result will be a smoother, safer drive for motorists and it will reduce time

required for future maintenance that would close lanes and lead to delays, Caltrans officials and project advocates say.

The temporary inconvenience will be worth it, McLean said.

“When everything is done and is completed, it’s going to really be wonderful,” she said. “Right now, the only advice I can give to people is to drive very carefully and very slowly because the construction changes the lanes constantly. So just be careful.“

What’s going on?

Without repair and maintenance, the roadways would become functionally obsolete, said Victor Lindenheim, executive director of the Golden State Gateway Coalition, a local organization that advocates for improvements to I-5 and other roadways in northern Los Angeles County.

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Thus, construction began last sum“For a driver seeing a bypass lane mer and is slated to end in 2019. In for the first time, it may come as a these two years, the stretch of I-5 from little bit of a surprise because it may one half-mile south of State Route 14 be an unusual experience to actually to 1.7 miles north of Lake Hughes cross over the median of the freeway Road will see significant repairs. and be on what is normally the inside Concrete paving must be continu- shoulder of the other side of the freeously upgraded in the outside lanes, way,” he said. “But there are concrete known as “No. 3” and “No. 4” lanes. barriers in place to assure that this is In lanes No. 1 and No. 2, broken a safe arrangement and it’s done unslabs are being reder careful speciplaced while “profications to ensure IN LANES NO. file grinding” ensafety.”

1 AND NO. 2, sures a smooth The bypass lanes surface for vehicles. are needed to enBROKEN SLABS Concrete pavement sure four lanes of ARE BEING will also be intraffic can still flow REPLACED stalled in portions smoothly during WHILE “PROFILE of the roadway with construction and asphalt, and the not disrupt comGRINDING” guardrails will also mutes, Comeaux ENSURES A be upgraded. said. The bypass SMOOTH SURFACE The project is on lane is not a carpool FOR VEHICLES. schedule and halfor HOV lane. way to completion On its website for 2019, said Cal(dot.ca.gov), Caltrans spokesman Michael Comeaux. trans also has a map of the area for What does this mean for traffic? residents to see when their commutes Caltrans has made efforts to keep at will be affected. It also puts out perileast two freeway lanes open for traf- odic bulletins to alert people to signiffic in the construction zone, while one icant delays due to construction. is kept open between midnight and 4 a.m.

Temporary bypass lanes are also All of this is to benefit the “Golden located on two separate portions of Transportation Triangle,” as Lindennorthbound and southbound I-5. heim calls the I-5, SR-14, and SR-138.

Some bypass lanes are already in efWith state, county and federal monfect, said Comeaux. However, drivers ey funding the project, he said, the I-5 who have never seen them before need will be significantly improved. not worry about safety.

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Lindenheim said that due to the half-cent statewide gas tax that pays for the project, the city of Santa Clarita is projected to get a return of $64.4 million over a decade.

The I-5 Roadway Rehabilitation Project is not to be confused with the separate project to build carpool lanes and high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes in both directions, said Comeaux. That project, with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority serving as the lead agency, is the second of two phases of the Interstate 5 North Los Angeles County Capacity Enhancement Project.

The Metro project will extend the HOV lanes on I-5 from the Route 14 interchange to just south of the Parker Road interchange, and incorporate two additional truck lanes. One would

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

be northbound and run from Route 14 to Calgrove Boulevard. Another would be southbound and go from Pico Canyon Road and Lyons Avenue to Route 14 with auxiliary lanes.

“Ideally, this rehab should have happened at the same time as a bridge widening and carpool lanes project, in a more immediate sequence,” Lindenheim said. “But money is not always there when you want it or need it.”

McLean, who is also the city’s representative and vice chair of the North County Transportation Coalition, said the inconveniences for motorists will be worth it when all of the projects are completed. “I know it’s a ways down the road until completion, but fixing the I-5 is an absolute necessity and I’m happy they’re working on it.” 

10 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U LY 29, 2018

LOCALNEWS

Pico fire burns old oil field in Stevenson Ranch 3 firefighters treated for heat-related injuries

By Jim Holt

Three firefighters who worked to contain a Stevenson Ranch brush fire in triple-digit temperatures Monday were taken to the hospital for heat-related injuries.

The Pico Fire, which was inside an oil field of both abandoned and operational oil rigs off of Pico Canyon Road in Stevenson Ranch, burned 90 acres in 90 minutes on Monday as temperatures reached 100 degrees.

At least three firefighters suffered heat-related injuries, said Art Marrujo, a supervisor with the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Firefighters first responded to reports of a 4- to 5-acre brush fire on Pico Canyon Road in Stevenson Ranch shortly before 1 p.m. Monday.

By 2 p.m., fire response had been escalated to a second-alarm fire for which

at least two tankers, four water-dumping helicopters and two bulldozers were allocated. Within 20 minutes, it was raised to a third-alarm fire.

At least one water-dumping helicopter from the City of Los Angeles Fire Department was also dispatched to the scene.

By 2:30 p.m., fire officials reported all forward progress of the fire had been stopped, with containment of the fire reported at 35 percent.

The fire — dubbed the “Pico Fire” — was first reported to be on the 26300 block of West Pico Canyon Road, at least a couple of miles from the road, said Fire Department spokeswoman Vanessa Lozano.

Firefighters arriving at the scene at 1:08 p.m. reported the fire was located on an old oil field.

“Oil rigs in the area of the fire are a mix of abandoned and operational,”

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said Steve Churm, spokesman for Newhall Ranch developer FivePoint.

Churm said the fire was not near grading being done for Newhall Ranch.

Although the fire shifted direction toward Poe Parkway, no structures were reported threatened.

Residents in Stevenson Ranch reported a pronounced smell of smoke and darkened skies over Poe Parkway.

“I see helicopters. I see lots of smoke, no fire,” said Hee Nun, who lives on Tennyson Lane near Poe Parkway.

The fire reportedly moved through medium to heavy brush at a moderate rate, Lozano said.

Fire officials voiced concern about

movement of the fire toward Poe Parkway and the homes along the road.

Officers with the California Highway Patrol shut down Pico Canyon Road near the intersection of Brooks Circle and Poe Parkway, CHP Officer Josh Greengard said. “We’re turning traffic around at that intersection,” he said.

Deputies with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station were dispatched to the fire scene.

“Some of our sheriff ’s deputies are out there just in case we have to evacuate,” said Sgt. Mark Caron, noting the deployment was simply a precautionary move.

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[Top] Los Angeles Fire Department Air Ops Fire 5 makes a drop of water on the Pico Fire in Stevenson Ranch on Monday. CORY RUBIN/The Signal [Above] Fire spreads in Stevenson Ranch. PHOTO BY RICK MCCLURE

J U LY 29, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 11

LOCALNEWS

Home inventory up, sales stale in SCV

Hillcrest residents to see increase in fees to maintain hillsides

Report indicates numbers remain ‘lackluster’; housing inventory is highest since 2016

Assessment rates are set to go up from $240 to $655 for next fiscal year

By Perry Smith

With inventory on the rise, now’s the time to buy, is the message from Santa Clarita Valley Realtors for August.

The number of SCV homes available hit the highest total since September 2016 — but sales remain “lackluster” and resale prices are rising, Realtors said Tuesday.

“Inventory in the Santa Clarita Valley has almost doubled from last year this time to this year,” said Mike Bjorkman, a broker for HomeSmart NCG and SCV Leasing, noting the four-month inventory currently available.

While resale prices continue to rise, according to a recent SRAR report, Bjorkman noted several factors that are influencing the residential real estate market.

“Interest rates are slowing people’s buying powers down,” Bjorkman said. “There are some indicators that our market is softening.”

Some things Bjorkman noticed include: Price reductions are up more in the last 30 days than they have been in the last three months; open house signs are appearing more frequently;

agents used to call and ask how many offers are on a house — now they tend to ask how much room there is to negotiate downward, he said.

Realtors also helped close escrow on 103 condominiums, according to the SRAR report. That number is down 13.4 percent from June 2017 and off 1.9 percent from May. “Owners see prices at or near record levels, they see interest rates rising, and they realize that this truly would be a great time to list their property for sale,” said M. Dean Vincent, chairman of the Santa Clarita Valley Division of the 10,300-member Southland Regional Association of Realtors. He also expressed potential concerns for the market. “Now we have higher interest rates, with more rate hikes on the way, heightening affordability concerns, which already limit the pool of prospective buyers.”

However, for those in the market, there’s opportunity to be had, based on the numbers, Bjorkman added.

“You’d get a much better deal this month than you would have 60 days ago — more to choose from and more negotiable prices,” he said. “We pray the economy stays strong so we have stabilization”.

Courtesy Photo

awareness to the issue. “The efforts of the Hillcrest neighbors to eduAfter almost 20 years of the same cate people really paid off this time. maintenance fees, residents of the I really look forward to seeing my Hillcrest area of Castaic will pay neighborhood be rejuvenated and $655 for the county to landscape beautiful.” their now-overgrown hillsides start“I had tears in my eyes when ing in September.

I heard we won,” resident Laura Ballots went out in early June to Laughlin said. determine whether the residents Previously, the residents had votwould allow Los ed “no” on the Angeles Counissue in 2007 ty to continue and 2014. maintaining and L.A. County landscaping the officials rec o m m u n i t y ’s duced the levlandscape mainel of service tenance district, after the last with the accomfailed attempt panying fees risto raise the ing to account for landscaping deferred mainfees in 2014, tenance, renovaas they could tion of the center not financially median at The maintain it.

Old Road and “We’ve been – R ES I D ENT L AU R A Hillcrest Parkway, working on L AU G H L I N and rehabilitation this for four of planted mateyears, ever rial and irrigation since the last systems. effort failed,” At a Los Angeles County Board Laughlin said. “The neighborhood of Supervisors hearing Tuesday, the really came together to make sure supervisors determined that, after everyone knew about it. We worked tabulating the ballots, “no majority so hard and went door to door twice protest exists against the increase to make sure everyone knew about it of existing landscape maintenance and how important it was. It was do assessment” for the area. They then or die for our neighborhood.” unanimously approved the increase.

Now, assessment rates are set to increase from $240 to $655 for the next fiscal year, which begins in September. The rise in the fee is to account for the fact that the fixed cost residents pay hasn’t been adjusted since the district was formed in 1990.

“We are extremely happy and grateful,” said resident Ingrid Riederer, who had started the group “Keep Hillcrest Green” to bring

By Crystal Duan

“ WE’ V E BE E N WOR KI NG ON THI S FOR FOUR YE A R S, E V E R S I NC E THE L A S T E FFOR T FA I LE D.”

Courtesy Photo

12 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U LY 29, 2018

LOCALNEWS

‘Fishers’ frustrate U.S. officials Thieves use sticky substances to get contents out of mailboxes in hopes of stealing checks, identity information

By Jim Holt

Whether it’s maple syrup, white glue or the sticky substance used in glue traps to catch rodents, mail thieves are stealing mail by coating the inside of mailboxes with a letter-catching adhesive rendering mail easy to grab.

“We call it ‘fishing,’” said Stacia L. Crane, spokeswoman for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the law enforcement arm of the U.S. Postal Service. “We call it that because it’s like those old carnival fishing games where you have to catch a fish in a box with a cord for a prize.”

In this case, the prize for mail thieves is money to be made by “washing” stolen checks, using stolen credit cards and exploiting stolen identity information.

The “sticky stolen mail” incidents were first reported to The Signal by a Castaic woman named Tracy, who refused to give her last name due to potential identity theft concerns.

This past weekend, she placed six checks totaling $3,000 in a streetside blue mailbox on Live Oak Road, not far from The Old Road.

On Friday, after fretting an entire week that they were stolen, not one of the checks had been cashed. Now, after talking to officials with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, her worst fears were confirmed.

“I got out of my car, went to put the mail in the mailbox, and I pulled the handle down to see that the mail went down. I saw what looked like syrup all on the (inside) wall of the mailbox,” she said.

“I could see mail stuck to the back of the mailbox,” she said.

The woman went back to her car, she said, grabbed a clothes hanger to “knock the mail down.”

She also called the Santa Clarita

Courtesy photo Valley Sheriff’s Station and the U.S. Postal Service. Deputies referred her, she said, to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

“They told me they know about and that people go (mail) fishing,” she said, referring to U.S. Postal officials. “I’m worried now that none of my bills have been cashed.”

Postal officials are in the process of modifying mailboxes to make it difficult for sticky mail retrieval, specifically, Crane said, by narrowing the mail slots.

What’s troubling to postal officials is that behind the sticky mail crime and other crimes of mail theft are drug addicts brazenly — even in the daylight — stealing mail to trade for drugs.

“The thief hopes (mail users) don’t look into the mailbox to see if the mail went down,” she said.

“They use a lot of things to get the mail to stick,” she said. “They use those rat-trap glue pads.”

Continued next page

J U LY 29, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 13

LOCALNEWS

New way to avoid lines DMV offering applications for licenses online

By Marilyn Chavez-Martinez

California’s Department of Motor Vehicles is offering applications online for driver’s licenses and identification cards.

The online option, which was first made available earlier this month, guides applicants through the process of filling out the required fields for a driver’s license or ID card, according to a DMV news release.

“This new electronic form is a significant game changer in our continued commitment to streamline processes at field offices statewide,” said DMV Director Jean Shiomoto, in a prepared statement. “Our goal is to use the electronic application to shorten the amount of time customers spend at our field offices. Scheduling an appointment can also reduce your wait time.”

The shift to online applications are also part of the DMV’s commitment to go green by reducing paper forms,

according to the DMV website.

At any time, Santa Clarita residents can visit the Newhall DMV office webpage and view the estimated wait times for the branch. As of midday, July 18, visitors with an appointment can expect a 15-minute wait.

Those without an appointment can expect to wait over an hour. Filling out an electronic application is one way to reduce the total time of one’s visit, according to DMV officials.

When customers fill out the electronic application, they will first need to create an account. Then, patrons can sign in and must complete a two-factor authentication to prove their digital identity. Customers will need to have access to their email inbox as well as a way to receive phone calls or text messages.

The electronic application also allows customers to choose to be an organ donor and begin the process to register to vote. Voter registration will not be completed until an applicant visits a field office and submits the application with the DMV technician.

More information on the new electronic application is available at www.eDLapp. dmv.ca.gov.

Courtesy photo

Castaic continued from previous page “The thieves doing this are druggies who trade the mail with their dealer for drugs and the dealer washes checks to cash them or uses the identity information,” Crane said, referring to methods of altering check information.

Asked about the practice of raiding residential roadside mailboxes, Crane said thieves no longer wait for the cover of night to drive up and down residential streets, stealing directly from

mailboxes.

“These people are doing it in broad daylight,” said Crane, noting that when U.S. Postal Inspectors obtain search warrants on suspects they often find drugs and drug paraphernalia.

“These are druggies who can sit there all day and night,” she said.

Crane’s advice: “Look around. If you see someone hanging around the mailbox, walk away.”

Boys & Girls Club off to races in competition Members participate in pinewood derby

[Above] Robert and Jordan from the Boys & Girls Club watch nervously as their pinewood derby cars face off in the finals. CORY RUBIN/The Signal

By Kelsey Kukaua

The gymnasium walls of the SCV Boys & Girls Club echoed with cheer as the first four pinewood derby race cars sped down the 28-foot track.

“The race itself is fun to watch,” club education coordinator Jeremy O’Brien said. “It gives the kids a chance to showcase their creativity and see the results of their work.”

This semi-annual pinewood derby event featured 16 racers broken up into two age groups: 6 to 9, and 9 to 14, O’Brien said.

The children in the club design and race their cars, which are made from small blocks of wood.

Bill Lyons, who’s been volunteering for the last five years, said he then takes the cars home to cut the wood, before returning them to the children for additional sanding, painting and designing, all in a week’s time.

As the car raced down the silver track Alex Kiamba, 7, was at the edge of his seat, hollering with the rest of the kids who filled the bleachers to watch their respective designs race by.

“It was really fun painting my car my favorite color, blue,” Kiamba said.

Before they race, a panel of judges examines the streamlining and front aerodynamics of the car on a 10-point system. Next, the cars are judged on the aesthetics and style for another 10 points. Then, the final test is the race. “The winner might not be the fastest,” Lyons said.

“They’re amazing cars,” he said, discussing the event that offers children lessons about engineering, friction, potential energy and aerodynamics. “It’s more than just fun — it’s a learning process.”

SCV Boys & Girls Club branch manager Abby Gutierrez has been emceeing this event for three years, and said she tries to motivate the children with her commentary. “The most rewarding thing is seeing them grow as positive learners and seeing how well they support one another,” Gutierrez said. “The adrenaline of learning who is going to win or not is what makes this most fun.”

Group 1 Winners (ages 6 to 9) included: 1st Place, Sebastian Fitzpatrick; 2nd Place, Emily Lajeunesse; 3rd Place, Julian Ybarra.

Group 2 Winners (ages 9 to 14) included: 1st Place, Jordan Jackson; 2nd Place, Robert Tejeda; 3rd Place, Moises Botello.

14 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U LY 29, 2018

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

What’s New in Old Town Newhall?

By Ken Striplin

Y

ou never know what new things await you in Old Town Newhall.

During Thursday nights on Main Street you might discover tons of sand covering the asphalt - turning the streetscape into a beach scape for the SENSES block party. You might find people dancing outside the library at JAM Sessions or visitors disembarking from the free Old Town Express Trolley to explore shops, restaurants, tasting rooms and theatres.

SENSES beach party. COURTESY PHOTO There is always a new experience to enjoy in Old Town Newhall. The Cityredevelopment block is taking shape. owned parking structure is now open Newhall Crossings, the mixed use on 9th Street, between Railroad Avenue development that will feature retail, and Main Street, and includes 372 park- restaurant and housing space, is now in ing spaces and an event space on the the vertical stage of construction. Once top deck, offering unparalleled views complete it will feature 47 residential of the Santa Clarita Valley. Around units with ground-level shops and eatthe parking structure, the rest of the eries, along with a public plaza. The much anticipated Laemmle Theatre, which will break ground later this year on the northeast corner of the block, will offer seven screens and approximately 500 seats. Both projects are expected to be complete in 2019.

to check out some of the up-and-coming, local musical talent, pop into The MAIN for Note by Note on the second Thursday of the month. You can check out the full line up of Thursdays@Newhall fun by visiting ThursdaysAtNewhall.com.

Arts and culture are flourishing in the neighborhood. Besides the theater and entertainment options, there are

Hot spot

Old Town Newhall is also earning a reputation for being the hot spot for a night out. Many new restaurants are joining longtime favorites, offering comfort food with a modern twist, tempting appetizers, decadent desserts and exotic eats. If you are looking to experience craft beer or local wine, several tasting rooms offer unique sips. Want to be entertained? Check out one of the many local theatres for comedy, music, plays and much more.

The City’s Thursdays@Newhall events, presented by the Valencia Auto Center, are also in full swing, making Thursdays the most anticipated day of the week in Santa Clarita. SENSES block parties continue to be a community favorite on the third Thursday of the month, from March through October. Offering a unique theme each month, they transform Main Street into a full sensory experience with something for the whole family. If you want

Ken Striplin several rotating art galleries, the ARTree Speaker Series and resources for artists. The New Heights Artist Development Series and the ARTree Speaker Series are held in The MAIN on the fourth Thursday of each month and offer unique insight for creative professionals looking to take the next step in their career. From panel discussions with studio executives to tips on building an online portfolio, these events See CITY MANAGER, page 42

J U LY 29, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 15

BUSINESS

1 Million Cups Entrepreneurs smell the aroma of success

By Martha Michael

I

f you walk through the doorway of Steamwork Center in Valencia on a Wednesday morning, you’ll be greeted by a passel of visionaries, some with robust business experience and others with a fledgling enterprise still in the germination phase. You’ll get a friendly nod from most, handshakes from some, and even a hug or two from someone you’ve met before.

That’s when you wake up and smell the optimism. And coffee – definitely coffee.

These local residents are there for 1 Million Cups, a weekly networking event based on the premise that “entrepreneurs discover solutions and engage with their communities over a million cups of coffee.” In fact, people gather in more than 180 cities across the U.S. every Wednesday from 8-10 a.m. for the program, which was begun by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation in 2012. Kauffman believed it was a fundamental right for anyone who had a big idea to be able to bring it to life.

It’s open to the community and free to attend – you simply step up to the Keurig, pick out a coffee or tea pod and brew yourself a mug of something hot.

After everyone takes a seat, you hear a booming voice from the front of the room. That’s emcee Kyle Duffy, co-owner of Optimus Computing and a member of the Steamwork Center’s team. He welcomes the crowd with the expertise of a College of the Canyons Speech Team national champion-turned-coach, which he is. He follows up his welcome with a requisite group selfie.

Each week attendees get to hear from two different presenters, who share their new businesses, which need to be less than five years old. One at a time, the individuals describe what they do, sometimes augmented by a power point presentation, for just six minutes, followed by 20 minutes of questions from the audience.

“The entrepreneurs who speak in front of us each week aren’t afraid to be vulnerable and open up to us about the tough situations they’ve gone through

as business owners and visionaries,” Duffy says. “They often don’t have the paycheck cushion of a 9-to-5 job to keep them stable.”

Run by volunteers

Run completely by volunteers like Duffy, the program is designed to educate, engage and inspire entrepreneurs around the country.

“I like 1 Million Cups because each week you get to walk in someone else’s shoes and experience their journey,” Duffy says. “Some exciting, some tragic, but all are magic.”

Rob Baldwin, who recently started a non-profit called First Stone Community Maker Labs, is not only a regular, he fills in as emcee when Duffy’s on vacation.

“1 Million Cups is a place I come to hear the story of how other entrepreneurs have overcome obstacles in growing/launching their business,” Rob says.

“There have been times when I have had the opportunity to recommend a different strategy for others in attendance, as they have done for me. I always say, it’s the highlight of my week!”

The Kauffman Foundation’s program aims to empower entrepreneurs with the tools and resources to break down barriers that stand in the way of starting and growing their businesses.

It dovetails perfectly with the mission of Steamwork Center’s founder Tania Mulry.

“As soon as I heard about 1 Million Cups and its connection to the Kauffman Foundation, which has a long history and deep well of resources supporting entrepreneurship, I knew it would be a fit for Steamwork Center,” Mulry says. “Our mission is to provide resources to help entrepreneurs start, launch and scale businesses successfully. Linking them to other entrepreneurs and resources on a weekly basis through an interactive, inclusive Q&A format was a perfect fit.”

Supportive atmosphere

Both the Foundation and Mulry’s shared workspace/training center foster a strongly supportive atmosphere, downplaying the competitive nature of some networking programs. Steamwork

[Above] Stephene Buchanan of Bone 2B Wild Dog Daycare joked with emcee Kyle Duffy when she presented at 1 Million Cups in January. [Right] Emily Iland and her son, Tom Iland, were presenters at 1 Million Cups in March. Their company provides resources and presentations to help individuals support youth with autism.

Center’s mission statement includes words like “nurture,” “build,” and “partnership,” while the 1 Million Cups culture is described with terms such as “diversity,” “equity” and “inclusion.”

The range of experience is diverse, which enables experienced professionals to sharpen startup entrepreneurs and the other way around.

“As business owners we need to keep learning about our industry, ever-changing technology, etc.,” says Carolyn Nelson, owner of Capital Office Products in Santa Clarita. “1 Million Cups is a place to meet other business owners in various stages … and share information and ideas. I have been in business 24 years, I have a lot of experience, but I always know there is something new for me to learn, whether it is from a seasoned business owner or a new one.”

Presenters run the gamut, as well.

Some of the local individuals who have shared their business trials and successes include: Samantha Innes of Jigsaw Wealth Management; corporate coach and author Roger Doumanian; Byron Davis of Authority Labs; Aazam

Irilian of Heal the Heart; JC Burnett of Loadchief; Cynthia Szamborski of Purrfect Paw Prints; and YouTube chemistry tutor Melissa Maribel, whose brother, Ryan Rodriquez, live streams 1 Million Cups each week.

1 Million Cups is temporarily being hosted by The Rebeccas & Co. at Keller Williams Realty, 25124 Springfield Court, Suite 100 in Valencia, due to construction at Steamwork Center, which is located at 28368 Constellation Road, Suite 360 in Valencia. For details, visit 1MillionCups.com/ santaclarita or Facebook.com/steamworkcenter.  CORRECTION In the story “Chi-Chi’s turns 60” published in the Business section of the July 22, 2018 Sunday Signal, Paul Miccolis was misidentified. He is the owner of Chi-Chi’s Pizza which is located at 23043 Soledad Canyon Rd. in Saugus and at 27117 Sierra Hwy. in Canyon Country.

16 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U LY 29, 2018

One Community

FROM THE SIGNAL ARCHIVES July 29, 1988 The top story thirty years ago today in The Newhall Signal probably could also be written today. Regarding a city survey that was

done at the time, respondents said that their top issues of concern locally were too much development and traffic congestion. As the saying goes, the more things change, the more they stay the same. ď‚›

J U LY 29, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 17

SPORTSCORNER

In the icy fast lane Champion speed skaters Joel Isidro and Saryn Kwon This is one installment in an occasional series about unique Santa Clarita Valley residents, from those who enjoy the quirky side of life to those who are at the top of their field.

By Cheri Jensen

S

peedskating. It looks like track, but the surface is ice. Instead of running shoes, competitors are on skates.

Exposure in the Olympic Games has given speedskating a boost in popularity the last 25 years or so.

Speedskaters are easy to spot at ice rinks as well. These athletes use funny-looking skate blades and are often in the ice rink donning helmets, gloves and skin-tight uniforms.

The Santa Clarita Speed Skating Club has had great success with its member athletes, with several skaters winning numerous championships.

Two current club standouts are making the most from their sport: Saryn Kwon and Joel Isidro.

Saryn Kwon: Her eye is on the prize

Don’t be fooled by her age. Saryn Kwon is tough and talented at 13. The eighth grader is a champion athlete from the Santa Clarita Speed Skating Club. She is currently a Junior C competitor for 13-and-14-year-olds.

Her hard work is paying off. The Rio Norte eighth grader is a three-time state champion (2016 to 2018). Earlier this year, she competed in the National Championships in New York and got fifth place. “With more efforts, I hope to join the Junior World team, youth Olympics and hopefully the Olympics.”

Kwon became interested in skating after watching the Winter Olympics.

But she got involved in speedskating through another sport on ice, figure skating. In order to build her muscles, a friend recommended she try speedskating. She did both for about six months before becoming hooked on the speed involved in this fast-moving sport.

Her favorite speedskaters are Katherine Reutter and Choi Min-jeong. “These

athletes are mentally and physically strong with on-point racing strategies and techniques.” She says Olympian Choi Min-jeong’s technique is “flawless and she has incredible racing strategies.”

As a speedskater, Kwon likes “feeling the speed and racing against one another. When I skate short laps, my goal is to go faster and faster with each lap.

I can feel the ice as I push off and dive into the corner. While racing, everyone competes to cross the finish line first.

Sometimes the race can be so close that someone loses by 1/100 of a second. I love the competitive feeling when racing against other people.”

Kwon not only excels on the ice but in the classroom as well. She is currently a member of the California Junior Scholarship Federation (CJSF). She was a newspaper editor in sixth grade and will be a yearbook editor as an eighth grader in the fall.

A lot of skills and techniques she has learned in speedskating transfer over to her life off the ice, including multitasking.

“One of the most important (skills) to me is time management. Because we don’t have enough ice time, you still need to do training on your own such as off ice. With all the school work and other activities, this is when time management is very crucial. Additionally, being a better athlete provides me a lot of confidence and faith in myself.”

Her training schedule is year-round.

She skates twice a week and does office training every day. During the off season, she does long laps on the ice and works on strength and technique.

During competition season, she focuses more time on short laps and works on speed. Off-the-ice conditioning includes cushion (squats), corner belt, straightaway, and abs. The local club also has local races monthly to check times during competition season.

Kwon receives a lot of support from her family. Her future goals include continuing to train with the goal of making the US Olympic team and attend college. She wants to eventually become a volunteer coach and graduate with a degree in sports medicine. “I want to

Joel Isidro and Saryn Kwon practicing at Ice Station Valencia.. COURTESY PHOTO

be successful, so I can return what I received back to our community.”

Although summer is coming to an end and most local students are back in school, the temperature is still hot outside. Kwon invites the public to check out her sport and the Santa Clarita Speed Skating Club. “Although an ice cream sounds like your summer friend, how about coming to the ice station on Thursday from 6 to 7:30 and try speedskating? It is much

cooler than ice cream.”

Joel Isidro: The comeback kid

The Olympic Games also had a big impact on 16-year-old Joel Isidro.

He was first introduced to speedskating watching the 2010 Games in Vancouver.

“Out of all the sports, See SPEED, page 40

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1 8 · S U N D AY S IIG 18 AYS GN NAALL

Opinion

LY 29, 29, 2018 2018 JJUULY

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

OURVIEW

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

Citizen Journalism in a Changing Landscape

Why We Lie, and How the Truth Helps Our Hearts

By The Signal Editorial Board

By David Hegg

L

et us demonstrate our command of the obvious for a moment: Journalism is changing.

We know. That’s not exactly Earth-shattering news. The modern multimedia environment is in a constant state of flux, and many news organizations, ours included, are working hard to deliver the news to readers wherever and whenever they want it, in whatever form they want, while still maintaining journalistic values that may seem old-fashioned to some.

And, of course, now more than ever, readers have many options to provide us feedback and input on our news coverage. As they should — we welcome and encourage reader input.

We bring this up now because one of our own regular columnists, Joshua Heath, wrote his most recent commentary (signalscv.com/2018/07/joshuaheath-suggestions-for-the-signal/) as a letter offering his own suggestions on the question, “Where should The Signal go from here?”

It was a thoughtful piece. Josh, one of three local Democrats who share a

rotating weekly opinion column in The Signal (we also have a rotating Republicans column), clearly spent a good bit of time pondering that question, and developing his answers. We appreciate his input, and we wanted to respond with a few thoughts of our own.

Josh makes some great suggestions, including a call for more human interest stories, and proactive reporting that goes beyond meeting agendas and covers stories people really care about.

We agree, but it bears pointing out that we are already doing those things.

In fact, we have been pursuing those initiatives since the current Signal ownership and editorial management team took over in June. We are significantly expanding our newsroom staff and applying those resources to the pursuit of not only improved news coverage, but also a heavy emphasis See OUR VIEW, page 20

H

ave you ever noticed no one has to teach a child to lie? Lies seem to be part of the natural expression of the human heart, and as we age, we become more and more adept at lying.

“Are you almost done with that project?”

“Uh, yes, uh I’m just putting the finishing touches on it.”

But the truth is you’ve forgotten all about it, and now need to hustle to bring your reality into alignment with your lie. We all do it, and we all do it for reasons whose ugliness is only surpassed by the ethical necessity to look at them, and learn how to push them out of our lives.

It seems lying is a common practice in our society. We’re told 95 percent of all Americans lie at least twice a day, and the other 5 percent — you guessed it! — lie about it!

We lie about inconsequential things, but they are still lies. When asked if

we’ve read that new book, or heard the latest business news, we want to be considered “in the know” and so we respond with a slightly nuanced “yes.”

But the nuance is just the coat our lie wears to go undetected. We lie by exaggerating, we lie when we make up statistics (like the spurious one in the previous paragraph) and we lie by selling half-truths as whole truths.

If you doubt it, try keeping track of all the times you are tempted to lie tomorrow, and all the times you actually give in to temptation.

But my intent here is not to talk about whether we lie, or even what constitutes a lie. I want to explore the “why” behind the lie. I can’t speak for everyone, so I’ll speak for myself. When I find I have intentionally shaved the edges off the truth, it is mostly because I don’t want to look bad. If fact, I want to look good and escape whatever embarrassment I would See HEGG, page 20

READERLETTERS

Thrilled with Sunday Signal I am thrilled with the new Sunday Signal. It really does feel like The Mighty Signal has returned!

It was also nice hearing from Tim Whyte.

Any hope of a John Boston return?

Kim Escamillo, Canyon Country

Abortion: Respectful Discussion In response to Terri Lovell’s writing concerning abortion (July 14), I would like to make two points. First, we must all realize abortion is here to stay. No matter how much the religious right rants against abortion, women will ALWAYS be seeking

the right to have one if they choose. An abortion can be safe or unsafe. Will a woman go to a clinic, a hospital or have it performed in not-so-sanitary conditions? The old term of “back alley abortion” comes to mind. That all depends on our laws. The pro-life people must be aware and accept the fact that a large percentage of our citizens do not think abortion is wrong. According to the Pew Research Center, 57 percent of the population think abortion should be legal and Roe vs. Wade must stay in place. Pro-choice folks think differently than prolife people. And this is America, so it’s all right. The debate on abortion will NEVER end.

Therefore, since our abortion issues can never be totally resolved, I suggest that our discussion on the

subject be carried out in a respectful, polite manner.

Calling names, belittling, demeaning your opposite viewpoint, does no good whatsoever. So, Ms. Lovell, let’s have a debate on abortion. I respect your viewpoint and I understand where you’re coming from, and for you, your ideas are correct. Please offer the same understanding and courtesy to the pro-choice group. They also have reasonable arguments.

Lois Linnert, Santa Clarita Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include your name, address and phone number; Anonymous letters are not printed; Email: letters@signalscv. com; Mail to: Letters to the Editor, The Signal, 26330 Diamond Place, Ste. 100, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.

J1U9 LY· 29, S U N2018 D AY S I G N A L

S U N D AYSJI UGLY N A29, L ·2018 19

Opinion

Contact: Tim Whyte, Signal Editor Phone: 661-287-5591 | Email: letters@signalscv.com Mail: 26330 Diamond Place, Suite 100, Santa Clarita, CA 91350

BLACK&WHYTE

L E G I S L AT I V E A C T I O N

Dwight Jurgens and the Big Stinkin’ Mess

Our Homelessness Crisis and Proposition 13

By Tim Whyte Signal Editor

I

was working late one night in 1992, in The Signal’s old newsroom on Creekside Road. It was just me, a couple of sports guys and the copy desk.

I felt a bony finger poke me on the shoulder.

Standing there was a bald guy with a scraggly beard, wearing a plain white T-shirt and holding a pack of smokes.

“I’m your new columnist,” he said. “I need a place to stay for the night.”

That’s how I met Dwight Jurgens, who would become one of the most colorful characters in The Signal’s history during his three-year run as a Signal columnist from 1992 to 1995.

I was thinking of Dwight the other day as I pondered The Mighty Signal’s 100th anniversary next February. In the coming months, we will celebrate the rich history of your community newspaper, which has reported on everything from school carnivals to parades to government malfeasance and assorted scalawags and scoundrels.

Thankfully, only a few of them worked for us.

When I told the Dwight Jurgens story to Signal Publisher Richard Budman the other day, he lamented, “Well, that’s not very flattering to The Signal.”

Surely, it was a different time.

When Dwight tapped me on the shoulder that night, I had no idea he was coming. Our publisher at the time, Darell Phillips, had met Dwight in Las Vegas, and he liked the cut of his jib.

So he offered Dwight a daily column.

Dwight had an eventful stay at The Signal. His columns irritated just about everyone at one point or another, and he took particularly salty aim at local Republican politicians.

I can honestly say I only learned one journalism lesson from Dwight.

I was arguing with him about one of

his columns, and I said, “Dwight, you can’t run that. It’s not fair.”

“It doesn’t HAVE to be fair,” he replied. “It’s an OPINION column.”

Dwight gave out plenty of bad advice, too, and he also liked to “borrow” things.

“My car’s in the shop,” he told me one day, referring to the beast he called the “Big Stinkin’ Mess,” his ‘76 Chrysler New Yorker. “Give me your keys. I need to borrow your car.”

“Uh, no thanks, Dwight.”

Later: “I gotta get my car out of the shop. I need to borrow your credit card.” Uh, again, no.

Dwight’s stay at The Signal came to a head in 1995. The cops informed us they were investigating charges that Dwight was writing bad checks.

There were rumblings around town — and in the newsroom — that he was borrowing money and not paying it back. (He eventually would plead no contest to a single charge, and he got two years’ probation.)

Then, one night, after a local rubber chicken dinner, Dwight decided not to drive all the way home to Lake Hughes. So, he got a hotel room. But, he didn’t stay put. He drove down the road to get something to eat. That’s when he got stopped by one of Santa Clarita’s finest. When they asked him to take a field sobriety test, he played the, “Don’t you know who I am???” card. It went over like a ton of bricks.

That was just about the end of the line for Dwight at The Signal. He went back to his former hometown of Hutchinson, Kansas. He wrote columns there for a while, then somehow, he became a bail bondsman — a logical career path for a columnist? — which led to him being convicted for human trafficking and rape.

See WHYTE, page 20

By Dante Acosta 38th Assembly District

W

e are living through a crisis of homelessness and housing affordability, but one policy change out of Sacramento could turn it overnight from a growing problem into an avalanche of tragic stories.

In our backyard of L.A. County, we are seeing a huge spike in older Californians becoming homeless. It’s difficult to define exactly why. Many feel it is a deadly cocktail of rising health care costs, transportation costs, changing job markets, and more. What is clear is the cost of housing is a driving factor in the growth of homelessness. The lucky seniors who have paid off their homes or are in an affordable fixed rate mortgage are protected from huge swings in cost, and the threat of homelessness, by Proposition 13.

Forty years ago this June, Californians passed Prop. 13, right away lowering property tax rates on homes and businesses by about 57 percent.

Prior to passage, the average property tax rate hovered around 3 percent of the current market value of a home, and there were no limits on how much local governments or the state could increase the rates or the value of the home upon which the rate is charged.

Until Prop. 13 was passed, horror stories of homeowners’ assessed values being increased by 50 to 100 percent in a single year were commonplace.

Imagine fighting your whole life to afford retirement, paying off your home, scrimping and saving, and managing a modest but fixed income. Now, imagine your costs increase by thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of dollars in property tax rates. For many, the outcome would be homelessness.

Without an adequate support system

of family and friends, many people could end up on the streets.

If the past is any lesson, the housing bubble that imploded in 2007 was made much worse for many because loan products that included variable rates and periods of interest-only payments led to historic numbers of Californians losing their homes. Stability matters. This is why the Legislature’s recent refusal to protect Prop. 13 and the safeguards it provides to homeowners, particularly seniors, is so disturbing.

Last month I authored a resolution proclaiming the Legislature’s commitment to protect Prop. 13. The resolution was rejected on a purely party line vote. The partisanship was saddening.

I have seen some interesting things since taking office in 2016 representing the 38th Assembly district. Some of those things are eye opening, some are silly, and some make me shake my head at the way life-changing decisions are made for all of us out of a small Sacramento political bubble. But none shocked me quite as much as my colleagues from across the aisle rejecting the idea that Californians deserve the stability Prop. 13 offers.

This is in no way just about protecting wealthy homeowners or corporations. The people who continue to benefit most from Prop. 13 are middle-class homeowners, senior citizens, veterans, small businesses with no margin for cost increases, and renters who would see the cost of growing taxes and property values passed along to them in dangerous rent spikes.

An overwhelming percentage of Californians agree Prop. 13 is a good thing, yet in the Sacramento bubble some would like it to go away. If those politicians have their way, the result See ACOSTA, page 20

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Opinion

HEGG

Continued from page 18

feel if the truth were known.

There are lots of other reasons we lie. Some of the sweetest folks I know will lie, not to save themselves, but to save others from embarrassment. Of course, most lies derive from a desire to get ahead, to get something unearned through deceit, or to escape judgment for a mistake, or an intentional bad act.

But in the end, all lies are sourced from the human characteristic of self-interest. Lies in all their forms are the fruit of pride.

Pride lies at the root of so many hurtful attitudes and actions. But pride is not a self-existent source. Rather, pride takes constant nourishment, and the nutrients that feed and grow it are to be found all around us.

Our society is a pride-enhancing society. We have become dependent on adulation, recognition, and the compliments we believe we deserve.

And they all become ingredients in the care and feeding of our pride.

Labeled self-esteem, or confidence, or whatever you want, pride continues to permeate our lives, often to our detriment. Pride keeps us from admitting weaknesses, shortcomings, failures and fears. It keeps us from asking for help, seeking the best of others, and championing another’s success. Most of all, pride is constantly singing in our souls a siren song that addicts us to our own significance, to a relentless pursuit of reputation, even at the expense of character.

ACOSTA

Continued from page 19

would be tragic. We would see skyrocketing elderly homelessness rates, and for many young folks the dream of owning a home would be lost.

This isn’t about “revenues” or some other clinical term to make tax policy look only like a technical detail of governance. Rather, protecting Prop. 13 is about real people’s lives and the real impacts of pulling the rug out from under them.

WHYTE

Continued from page 19

I am not making this up. Google it.

Dwight apparently was telling female clients that if they didn’t have sex with him, he would send them back to jail. In 2014 he was sentenced to more than 21 years in prison for convictions on six separate counts.

There you have it: Dwight Jurgens, the colum-

And more to the point here, pride is deceit’s public relations agent that tells us lying is in our best interest, and a useful tool in the battle for success and personal wellbeing.

A good friend — Alistair Begg — once told me after a public speaking engagement, “Compliments are like perfume; a little is nice, but you don’t want to drink it.” I’ve never forgotten that, and have taken it to heart many times.

It comes down to this: If you want to fight pride, you have to speak the truth about yourself, to yourself, consistently. Pride will tell you you’re something you’re not, and pride will move you to believe it. But honest self-talk can short-circuit the process. We have to talk truth to ourselves to be the authentic people our world so desperately needs.

An ancient document speaks powerfully to this issue. David, the King of Israel, posed an eternally relevant question in Psalm 15: Who gets to live in the presence of God? He gave several answers, but chief among them was this: He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart. Notice it doesn’t say “speaks truth from his heart” but “to his heart.”

Ethical living is dependent on real virtue taking control of the life from within. When we speak truth to ourselves, we prefer authenticity over hypocrisy, life’s reality over pride’s facade. And speaking truth to our hearts will make it easier to do so everywhere else.

David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church and a Santa Clarita resident.“Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.  We must all remain vigilant against the threats to our region’s future by bad policy from Sacramento. Now is the time for the large majority of Republicans, Democrats and independents who agree to unite and demand Sacramento politicians hear what we are saying: Prop. 13 is a good thing for our state and it deserves to be protected.

Dante Acosta represents the 38th Assembly District, which includes most of the Santa Clarita Valley.  nist, bad check writer, driver of the Big Stinkin’ Mess, and as far as I know the only former Signal staffer who’s doing hard time in the pokey.

But please. Judge us not just on Dwight, but on the rest of our rich 100-year history, which is more often marked by excellence than by scalawags and scoundrels. More to come on that...

Tim Whyte is editor of The Signal. His column appears Sundays. He can be reached at twhyte@ signalscv.com. On Twitter: @TimWhyte. 

OUR VIEW

Continued from page 18

on the human interest stories that will best connect with readers.

Josh also suggests that we make citizen journalism a bigger part of The Signal, and it’s a good idea — to a point.

We already do feature citizen journalism regularly.

Josh’s own column is an example of it. (Most of the columnists who appear on our opinion pages are not Signal employees.) We also feature a full page of weekly news, called “Our Community,” in which all of the content is submitted by local residents. It’s a feature we may expand, but if we do, it will be for similar kinds of community-oriented content: Updates on local nonprofits, stories about youth achievements, and so on.

We’re not likely, however, to use citizen journalism in one of the other ways Josh suggested: as a means of covering tough stories. The example he gave was, if we heard from a local teacher who witnessed abusive behavior by a school principal, we should just have the teacher write the story.

That’s where we need to draw a line.

It’s one thing to utilize a citizen journalist to write a feelgood story about a school event or a charity fundraiser.

It’s another altogether to entrust a non-staffer — a person connected to the story, and who has no formal journalism training or experience — to report and write a news story that needs to be investigated and vetted, must be written to fairly represent all sides, and may even have legal ramifications.

Citizen journalism has arisen both out of necessity — the economics of journalism aren’t what they used to be — and out of the fact that, unlike the “old days” when you needed a broadcast transmitter or a printing press to distribute the news, these days pretty much anyone with internet access can hang up a virtual shingle and call themselves a journalist. The results vary wildly in quality and credibility.

As First Amendment advocates we applaud this level of access and interactivity. But, we also believe in the value of quality journalism, produced by people who are trained in the nuances of the profession and have the skills and experience to cover the news in a fair, responsible manner while avoiding legal pitfalls.

Like many other professions, this one isn’t as simple as it may look from the outside. There used to be a joke running around City Hall (maybe it still does?) that anyone who drives a car in Santa Clarita thinks they are qualified to be a traffic engineer.

That, of course, is not true. It’s not any more true than suggesting it’s safe to ask someone to extract your aching tooth based on the fact that they have a nice smile, so they must be doing something right. “Here, just take these pliers...”

Again, we thank Josh for his input, and for caring enough to provide it. We’re looking forward to finding more new ways to get the community more involved, and telling the stories readers care about most. We welcome all readers’ ideas on how we can continue to improve the community news coverage — but we’re leaving the “hard news” stories to the professionals on our news team. 

J U LY 29, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 21

THIS WEEK’S CALENDAR

ONGOING History Saturdays and Sundays 1-4 p.m. The Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society invites guests to visit Heritage Junction Historic Park inside William S. Hart Park in Newhall. Tours are held every Saturday and Sunday, 1-4 p.m. 24101 Newhall Ave, Newhall. Info: https://scvhs.org.

Music

adjacent to the Hyatt Regency Valencia. Info: https://valenciajazzandblues.com.

Benefit Saturday, Aug. 4 6 p.m. Casino Night to benefit Guide Dogs of America. 21 and older event.

William S. Hart Regional Park, 24151 Newhall Avenue, Newhall. Info: www.guidedogsofamerica.org/event/guide-dogs-of-america-casinonight.

Tuesdays 7:30-8:30 p.m. Remo Community Drumming Experience is an hour of fun entry-level experiential music making with drums and percussion that is accessible to everyone. Family-friendly environment with facilitator. All ages and levels of ability are welcome and no prior musical experience is necessary. Drums and percussion instruments provided at no cost. Free. Info: santaclaritaarts.com.

Art

Nature

Comedy-Music Saturday, Aug. 4 8 p.m. The Society Improv - A Night of Laughter.

Improvised music, comedy, scenes, the works. This is a clean show and is appropriate for all ages. Tickets: $15. The MAIN, 24266 Main Street., Newhall. Info: https://www.eventbrite. com/e/the-society-improv-a-night-of-laughtertickets-45488136240 or www.santaclaritaarts. com.

Saturdays 11 a.m. Family Nature Walk and a Native Live Animal Presentation at 1 p.m. Free. Placerita Nature Center, 19152 Placerita Canyon Road, Newhall. Info: www.placerita.org.

Animals Saturdays and Sundays (except rainy days and holidays) 9:30 a.m.-noon. The Gibbon Conservation Center is open to the public. A tour is given at 10 a.m. and self-guided tours are available at all times. Admission: $15 (adults); $12 (teens and students); $10 (seniors); $5 (children 6-12); $0 (Children under 5). Gibbon Conservation Center, 19100 Esguerra Road Saugus. Info: http://www. gibboncenter.org

EVENTS BY DATE Movies

Friday, Aug. 3 8 p.m. Summer Movies in the Park Series starting at dusk. “Jumanji - Welcome to the Jungle.” Family friendly movies at the Hart Picnic Grounds area. Admission is free. 8 p.m. William S. Hart Park 24151 Newhall Ave., Newhall. Info: (661) 259-1750 or http://friendsofhartpark.org.

Music

Friday, Aug. 3 7 p.m. Valencia Jazz and Blues Concert Series featuring the Delgado Brothers. Family friendly music event, food and beverages. Free.

Downtown Valencia on Town Center Drive,

Saturday, Aug. 4 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Flutterby Open Art Studio is a no-charge open art studio held on the first Saturday of each month for kids and their parents to come in and make art. All art materials are provided. Free. ARTree Community Arts Center, Studios One and Two, 22508 6th St., Newhall. Info: santaclaritaarts.com or theartree. org.

Groups Tuesday, Aug. 9 7 a.m. Toastmasters Meeting for Newcomers. Learn public speaking skills.

College of the Canyons, University Center Room 315, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Valencia. Info: email vpm-9641@toastmastersclubs.org Art

Saturday, Aug. 11 5-8 p.m. SCAA Summer Art Festival. Artists reception The Oaks Club at Valencia 26550 Heritage View Lane, Valencia. Info: http://www. santaclaritaartists.org.

= Family Friendly Event Gardening Saturday, Aug. 11 9 a.m.-noon. Proper Turf Care and Turf Substitutes Do you want your lawn to look its best? Come learn about techniques to maintain your turf that will keep it thriving and may improve water efficiency. Or, if you’re looking for some ideas for turf substitutes, we’ve got that covered too, with plants that work well instead of turf in your landscape. All classes are held at SCV Water, 27234 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus. RSVP or info: http://yourscvwater.com/index.php/event/ basics-of-a-sustainable-landscape.

Benefit Saturday, Aug. 11 Circle of Hope’s 17th Annual Vine2Wine 6-10 p.m.

Vine2Wine: An Evening of Wine, Brews & Food.

Experience fine wines, craft brews, gourmet food, live music and silent auction to benefit Circle of Hope. $120 VIP ticket entry 6 p.m. $90 General admission 7 p.m.

Tickets may also be purchased at the door for $100 for General and $130 for VIP. Alcohol free tickets $55. Guests must be 21 or older.

California Institute of the Arts, Main Gallery 24700

Benefit Saturday, Aug. 11 Silents Under the Stars 6 p.m. Friends of Hart Park fundraiser. Live music

by The Grateful Dudes Cowboy Band, and classic silent Western “The Toll Gate,”with live keyboard accompaniment and a BBQ dinner from Rattler’s.

Twilight tours of the Hart Mansion and silent auction. William S. Hart Hall 24151 Newhall Avenue, Newhall. Event sells out fast, purchase tickets in advance. Tickets: $50 each. Info: www. friendsofhartpark.org, (661) 222-9542.

Music

Saturday, Aug. 11 7 p.m. City of Santa Clarita’s Concerts in the Park presents Fooz Fighters, one of the nation’s top tribute bands. Since forming in 2014, the band has played Foo Fighters music for packed crowds around the country. Free. Family-friendly atmosphere. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring beach chairs and blankets, and food vendors will be on site selling a variety of concessions and snacks. Central Park, 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus. Info: Santa-Clarita.com/Concerts.

N!IN! IN! WIW W Identify this piece of artwork and the page number that it is on in one of the advertisements in this week’s issue, and you will be entered to win $100. One game and one winner each week.

Mail your entry to: The Signal - Contest 26330 Diamond Place Santa Clarita, CA 91350 Or email to: contest@signalscv.com

Music

Saturday, Aug. 11 7 p.m. City of Santa Clarita’s Concerts in the Park presents Matchbox Twenty Too tribute band, based in San Diego, with powerful shows that recreate the signature sound and style that defined the ‘90s. Free. Family-friendly atmosphere. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring beach chairs and blankets, and food vendors will be on site selling a variety of concessions and snacks. Central Park, 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus. Info: Santa-Clarita.com/Concerts.

McBean Parkway, Valencia. Tickets: www. circleofhopeinc.org/vine2wine.

Advertiser:

Page #

Name: Address:

Phone:

This week’s entries are due Wed. Aug 8th.

Winner to be announced in 2 weeks.

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Learn more about all events at scmarathon.org

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J U LY 29, 2018

THINGSTO DO

Summer guide to Ventura and Oxnard

a r u eV nt

Laid back atmosphere and no large crowds

By Martha Garcia

O

nly 48 miles from Santa Clarita and roughly an hour drive, the relaxed beach community of Ventura awaits. Ventura is a truly laid back California beach town, but with the nostalgia of a time nearly forgotten.

This beach community, which is rarely overrun with large crowds, offers a wide range of land and sea activities, restaurants, and night life. With myriad choices of things to explore, on and off the beach, Ventura is the perfect day trip from the SCV.

THE BEACH

The main draw of Ventura is its location to the obvious attraction–the ocean. Ventura is home to many beautiful beaches which lure beachgoers and those looking to escape the hot Santa Clarita temperatures during the summer.

Harbor Cove Beach is a local favorite. Located at the West end of Spinnaker Drive in front of Harbor Cove, it is one of the best beaches in Ventura for swimming. The cove is protected by jetties and a breakwater, reducing rip currents and

Harbor Village

Main Street

creating gentle waves perfect for an easy swim.

Harbor Cove Beach, located on Spinnaker Drive.

Surfer’s Knoll is a favorite among, unsurprisingly, surfers. Also located on Spinnaker Drive, it is a popular spot for premium waves. The riptides make it less ideal for swimming. The beach also features a long stretch of sandy rolling dunes and tall elephant grass, making it a great spot for activities out of the ocean, like sun bathing, people watching, and kite flying. Surfer’s Knoll, 1596 Spinnaker Drive.

For a different experience at the beach, head over to Wheel Fun Rentals, located near the pier. You can rent a bike, double surrey for the whole family, or even a deuce coupe if you are feeling sporty, and take a self-guided bike tour of Ventura. Head along the coastline to Carpinteria or inland on the Ventura River Trail to tour Ojai. Wheel Fun Rentals, 850 Harbor Blvd., wheelfunrentals.com.

THE NOSTALGIA

Experience Ventura’s relaxed beach atmosphere and old-time vibes at multiple spots in the area.

Ventura’s wooden Boardwalk Pier is a symbol from the past. Built in 1872, the 1,600 foot wooden pier once served steamships. It is the 8th longest pier in California and perfect for a sunrise or sunset stroll. Ventura Boardwalk Pier, 750 Harbor Blvd.

Next, head over to Main Street where the 1920s storefront shops and palm-tree lined boulevard evoke a sense of nostalgia from a simpler time.

There’s something for everyone on Main Street, from thrift stores, surf shops and a wide range of craft eateries.

THE CHANNEL ISLANDS

Ventura offers easy access to the Channel Islands, which are often referred to as “The American Galapagos.” The Channel Islands are a chain of eight islands off the coast of Southern California. Five of the islands are part of the designated Channel Islands National Park, with the water surrounding the islands serving as the Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary. National Park Service, Channel Islands Visitor Center, 1901 Spinnaker Drive, NPS.gov/chis.

Access to the islands is done via the island’s official concessionaire, Island Packers, or via chartered tours or private boat. The islands offer a variety of activities including sport fishing trips, SCUBA diving in the marine sanctuary reserves and at protected shipwrecks, as well as camping and hiking.

Island Packers operates a wide range of tours, including whale watching, wildlife cruises providing rare glimpses of marine life, like bat rays and leopard sharks, and wells as transportation to and from the islands for hiking and overnight camping. There are many experiences to choose from and dolphin sightings are almost guaranteed. Island Packers, 1691 Spinnaker Drive #105B, islandpackers.com.

THE HISTORICAL

A visit to Ventura wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Old Mission San Buenaventura. The mission was founded in 1782 by Father Junipero Serra, the founder of 21 other missions along California’s coast. Immerse yourself in the historic buildings, beautiful gardens, and restored artifacts. The Old Mission San Buenaventura, 225 E. Main Street, sanbuenaventuramission.org The Olivas Adobe is another historic Ventura site. Built between 1847 and 1849, it is the only remaining Monterey-style adobe from the Rancho era. A designated historical landmark nestled on 4,700 acres at Rancho San Miguel, the adobe presents a piece of history as well as a modern event venue.

During the summer, the adobe is transformed and becomes a magical Ventura night spot with the Olivas Adobe Music Under the Stars program.

Bands in a wide range of styles perform concerts at the adobe courtyard on Saturdays. Attendees are welcomed to bring a picnic meal, lawn chairs, and dance the night away under the stars. Olivas Adobe, 4200 Olives Park Drive, cityofventura. ca.gov/957/music-under-the-stars.

NAVIGATING

What better way to navigate Ventura from the beach to downtown than using the Downtown-Harbor Trolley. Offering a fun and free ride to many stops around Ventura, it is the perfect way to see all the sights.

Trolley stops include San Buenaventura Mission, Ventura Harbor Village, Main Street, Downtown Ventura, Ventura Fairgrounds, and other hotel locations within walking distance of the pier and other attractions. Downtown Ventura Harbor Trolley, venturatrolley.com.

Whether you are looking for an ocean adventure or want a piece of history, the city of Ventura is an ideal location for a day visit or a weekend getaway. 

: d r a n x O

J U LY 29, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 25

History, beautiful beaches, flavorful events

By Martha Garcia

A

n easy hour drive east of Santa Clarita lies a beautiful beach town with as much to see and do as it possesses in character and charm. Oxnard is a relaxed beach community with a wide array of activities and community events.

Originally settled in the mid 1800s, the city was officially incorporated in 1903 after the Oxnard brothers established a factory to process 18,000 acres of sugar beets. A town square quickly sprang up and the farming-beach community was born.

EVERYDAY OXNARD

Originally settled by pioneer families, Heritage Square is home to Victorian and Craftsman-style houses turned into retail shops. The historic Heritage Square offers guided tours detailing the area’s history, unique presentations recounting the settlement, and wine tasting.

Come for the history and stay for the music. Heritage Square hosts the Oxnard Summer Concert Series, held on Friday nights all summer. The series runs through September 14 and offers live musical performances from different genres, including classic rock and Latin jazz. Heritage Square, 715 S. A Street, heritagesquareoxnard.com.

visit this Oxnard area beach.

Stretching for more than a mile, Silver Strand Beach is home to beautiful white sand perfect for a beach outing.

It is also know for “The Jetty,” “The Bowl,” and “La Janelle,” three breaks offering gnarly waves for surfers of different skill levels. Located at the end of Victoria Avenue.

OCEAN SIGHTS

Channel Islands Harbor is not only the Oxnard gateway to stunning cruises to Channel Islands National Park, located 11 miles off the coast of Oxnard, but is also home base for a range of fun activities.

The harbor is a beautiful place to take a leisurely stroll and try a few of the eateries which are dotted around the harbor itself. If action is more your style, head over to Hobie Beach, tucked into the Southeast section of the harbor, and launch a paddle board from the designated area. Linger into the evening for Concerts by the Sea Summer Concert Series at Peninsula Park, held Saturdays through the end of August.

The truly adventurous can take a sea cave kayaking tour at Channel Islands National Park through Blue Ocean Kayaking.

OXNARD FLAVOR

Salty ocean waves crash against both rock and rusting metal at the South end of Silver Strand Beach. What was once a 467-foot luxury ocean liner now is part of Port Hueneme breakwater extension.

The wreckage of La Janelle in the Silver Strand jetty is only one of the reasons to

Oxnard is also home to many unique festivals not found in other areas of Southern California. The most famous is the annual Strawberry festival held in May, which features fresh locally grown strawberries, as well as a wide range of unique strawberry foods, including strawberry pizza and strawberry nachos. 

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26 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U LY 29, 2018

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

End of Summer Film Calendar Wide variety of genres round out late season offerings

By Michele E. Buttelman

T

Christopher Robin This CGI/live-action fantasy comedy-drama family film stars Ewan McGregor as the grown-up Christopher Robin who returns to the Hundred Acre Wood to spend time with Pooh and his childhood friends.

Stars: Ewan McGregor, Jim Cummings, Chris O’Dowd, Hayley Atwell

he summer film blockbusters have mostly come and gone but there are still a few highly anticipated summer films that are being released before back-to-school marks the end of official summer fun. There’s many familiar names to welcome back to the silver screen, Tom Cruise, Ewan McGregor, Debra Messing, Mila Kunis, Kate McKinnon, Gillian Anderson, Mark Wahlberg and John Goodman, to name just a few.

Friday, July 27

Mission: Impossible – Fallout Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt with his team of M.I. spies. It is encouraging that Christopher McQuarrie, who also helmed Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation in 2015, has returned to lend his directorial touch to this outing of the classic franchise. This is the sixth installment in the Mission: Impossible film series. The film was shot in Paris as well as Britain, India, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates and Norway. Cruise reportedly broke his ankle on the London set during filming which set back the film production for weeks.

Stars: Tom Cruise, Henry Cavill, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson.

(661) 255-7464 VIBEscv.com

Teen Titans Go! To the Movies The animated superhero comedy film “Teen Titans Go! To the Movies” is based on the television series “Teen Titans Go!” This is the second theatrical film to be based on an animated Warner Bros. television series. The plot of the film finds the Teen Titans searching for a director to helm their own movie after learning that nearly every hero in the DC Universe has their own films including Batman and Superman. However, their nemesis Slade has plans to take over the world with his mind control of the entire Justice League.

Stars: Greg Cipes, Scott Menville, Khary Payton, Tara Strong.

Friday, Aug. 3 The Darkest Minds After a plague kills nearly all of America’s children, the ones left acquire special abilities in this sci-fi fantasy film based on the young adult novel of the same name.

Stars: Amandla Stenberg, Mandy Moore, Bradley Whitford, Harris Dickinson

• Singing • Magic

• Dance • Acting

24460 1/4 Lyons Ave., Santa Clarita (in Valencia Plaza)

• Instruments • Private Lessons • Group Classes

Searching John Cho and Debra Messing star in this psychological mystery-thriller about a desperate father trying to locate his missing daughter by following clues discovered in her laptop with the help of a local detective.

The film is shot from the point-ofview of smartphones and computer screens. The film premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival.

Stars: John Cho, Debra Messing, Joseph Lee, Michelle La The Spy Who Dumped Me Mila Kunis and Kate McKinnon star in this action-comedy about a pair of best friends who find themselves in the middle of a life-ordeath conspiracy when one of their exes suddenly appears with assassins on his trail.

Stars: Mila Kunis, Kate McKinnon, Justin Theroux, Gillian Anderson

Friday, Aug. 10 Dog Days This family comedy follows several Los Angeles dog owners whose lives begin to intertwine and impact each other in unexpected ways.

Stars: Nina Dobrev, Vanessa Hudgens, Adam Pally, Eva Longoria

The Meg This action horror film directed by Jon Turteltaub stars Jason Statham and a giant shark. Its tagline is “Pleased to eat you.”

Stars: Jason Statham, Bingbing Li Wednesday, Aug. 15 Crazy Rich Asians John M. Chu directs Constance Wu and Michelle Yeoh in this romantic comedy-drama film based on Kevin Kwan’s novel of the same name about a woman who accompanies her boyfriend back to Singapore, only to discover he comes from an ultra-wealthy family and he’s one of the country’s most eligible bachelors.

Stars: Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Gemma Chan, Harry Shum Jr. Friday, Aug. 17 Mile 22 Mark Wahlberg and director Peter Berg are hoping that Mile 22 will be a lucrative starting point to a franchise.

The plot centers around an intelligence operative attempting to smuggle a high-value target out of his home country in Southeast Asia.

Stars: Mark Wahlberg, Lauren Cohan, Iko Uwais, Ronda Rousey Captive State John Goodman and Vera Farmiga star in this science fiction crime thriller that explores the impact on the lives of people living in a Chicago neighborhood that was occupied by alien forces a decade earlier.

Stars: John Goodman, Ashton Sanders, Jonathan Majors, Vera Farmiga Three Seconds This British action crime thriller film is based on the novel of the same name by Roslund Hellström about a former soldier and criminal who re-enters prison undercover for the FBI and risks being outed when a drug deal goes wrong.

Starring: Joel Kinnaman, Rosamund Pike, Clive Owen, Common

See MOVIES, page 28

J U LY 22, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 27

Classic hits, deep tracks, choice covers, new songs

By Stephen K. Peeples

S

elf-described “rock chick” Patty Smyth of “Goodbye to You,” “Love’s Got a Line on You” and “The Warrior” renown and her band Scandal are set to headline the Canyon Santa Clarita tonight.

Backed by original Scandal member Keith Mack (guitar) and current bandmates Cliff Hillis (guitar), Tom Welsch (bass), Eran Asias (drums) and Dave “Moose” Sherman (keyboards), the New York City-based singer has put together a setlist that spans her four-decade career.

The tunes include the above-mentioned 1982 and 1984 radio and MTV classics plus later hits like “Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough,” her chart-topping 1992 solo hit, and “Look What Love Has Done,” the Oscar, Golden Globe and Grammy-nominated theme from the 1995 movie “Junior.” She’s also promising some surprises.

“I like to give the people what they want, but I’m also doing some album sides I haven’t done before, so they’re like new old songs,” she said on the phone this week. “And we do a couple of cover songs and new songs to mix it up.”

Smyth was calling from France; she and John McEnroe had been in London attending Wimbledon and were taking the scenic route home to NYC. The bi-coastal couple also has a home in Malibu, but Smyth said Scandal hasn’t played a concert in the L.A. area since the ’90s, sharing a bill with Rod Stewart at the Greek. Tonight’s concert wraps up a Southern California mini-tour.

“I’m super excited to be playing these shows,” said Smyth, who is not jiving when she calls herself a “rock chick,” as she does on her website [http://pattysmythandscandal.com].

The rock part: Her mom was a trapeze artist and later an artist and club manager in NYC, so Patty spent her formative teenage years living the big-city rock ’n’ roll life. One of her mom’s management clients, rock guitar legend Link Wray, was one of the first to tell Patty she could sing.

“I was 12 or 13,” she said. “That was a pivotal moment in my life.”

The chick part: Smyth later married punk-rocker Richard Hell, front man of The Voidoids, and the couple had a kid. After they split, Smyth eventually married “bad boy” tennis star John McEnroe, who had three kids. She and McEnroe have had another two kids together.

Meanwhile, Scandal was basically on hiatus, save a brief reunion in 2004 and a few other one-off gigs, while Smyth raised their Brady Bunch, who now range in age from 19-32.

“So now that they’re outta the house, it’s time for me to go back to work,” she said. It’s just these four guys and me, out there kicking some a—. It’s a real joyful experience being onstage with them – the most fun I ever have.

“Even standing on a yacht in the south of France isn’t as much fun.” ***** Canyon Santa Clarita doors open at 6 p.m., music starts at 7 p.m. and the headliner takes the stage at 9.

Tickets are $24-$48 plus applicable fees. If you purchase a ticket at a table, you must also purchase dinner and arrive by 7. Minimum is $25 per person. Juniors younger than 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Tickets available through TicketMaster and through the Canyon Santa Clarita’s box office. Walk-up hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Telephone hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; call 888-645-5006. TicketMaster is open 24/7 at 866-448-7849 or online at TicketMaster.com.

You can Enjoy Sunday Brunch with live music every week from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Lobby Bar and CaliBurger are open seven days a week.

You’ll find the Canyon Santa Clarita on the ground floor at the Westfield Valencia Town Center mall, 24201 Valencia Blvd., #1351, Santa Clarita 91355.

Find out more about the club at www.WhereMusicMeetsTheSoul. com.

Stephen K. Peeples is an award-winning journalist based in the Santa Clarita Valley who has covered the SCV music scene for local media since 2004. Contact him via stephenkpeeples.com.  [Left] Patty Smyth, whose songs include “Goodbye to You,” “Love’s Got a Line on You” and “The Warrior,” started making hits in the early ‘80s. COURTESY PHOTO

ENTERTAINMENT

‘Rock Chick’ Patty Smyth brings Scandal to Canyon Santa Clarita Tonight

28 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U LY 29, 2018

MOVIES

Continued from page 26

Friday, Aug. 24 A.X.L. This sci-fi adventure film in the vein of E.T., D.A.R.Y.L., and Short Circuit centers on a teenager who discovers and befriends a state-of-the-art A.I. in the form of a dog and attempts to keep it safe from the evil scientists who want it back.

Stars: Becky G, Alex Neustaedter, Patricia De Leon, Dorian Kingi

The Happytime Murders This puppet crime-comedy noir-ish film directed by Brian Henson is about a human cop and a puppet detective who must work together to solve the serial murders of the cast of a popular 1980s children’s show.

Stars: Melissa McCarthy, Maya Rudolph, Joel McHale, Elizabeth Banks Replicas Science fiction thriller film about a

man who becomes obsessed with bringing his family back after they are killed in a car accident.

Starring: Alice Eve, Keanu Reeves, Emily Alyn Lind, John Ortiz Slender Man Based on the meme-inspired legends, this supernatural horror film follows a group of girls who attempt to debunk the existence of said specter but suspect they might be wrong when one of them

goes missing.

Stars: Joey King, Jaz Sinclair, Annalise Basso, Javier Botet Friday, Aug. 31 Kin A sci-fi action film about a pair of brothers who are forced to go on the run by a vengeful criminal, with only a mysterious weapon of unknown origins.

Stars: James Franco, Zoë Kravitz, Carrie Coon, Dennis Quaid 

J U LY 29, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 29

Adding curb appeal to your property Projects that improve curb appeal can be vast undertakings or simpler projects

M

any people are familiar with the idea that a strong first impression can go a long way. While that idea is most often referenced in regard to personal interactions, it’s also applicable to real estate.

When selling a home, homeowners who emphasize curb appeal may find it far easier to sell their homes. Curb appeal refers to the impression a home’s exterior makes on people seeing the home for the first time. In 2014, the online real estate database Zillow® surveyed real estate agents and found that curb appeal was one of the five most important factors when selling a home.

Projects that improve curb appeal can be vast undertakings or simpler projects, and the following are a handful of projects to improve a home’s curb appeal that run the gamut from simple to complex. · Clean up the yard. Cleaning up the yard is among the simpler yet most effective projects to improve a home’s curb appeal. When selling their homes, homeowners should clear the yard of any clutter, including kids’ toys, grass clippings or items that might be scattered throughout the yard. A cluttered yard suggests homeowners do not care much about their home’s appearance, and that may lead buyers to think that indifference extended to maintaining the home’s interior as well. Many buyers will ignore properties without any external aesthetic appeal, but cleaning up the yard does not require much effort or expense on the part of sellers. · Make the main entryway more inviting. Creating a more inviting entryway won’t be as simple as cleaning up the yard, but it can help create a strong first impression without breaking the bank.

To begin, remove plants and furniture from the front porch or area surrounding the doorway, as such items can create a cluttered feel. If the front door is old, replace it. Custom doors may be expensive, but they might add the wow factor buyers are looking for. If a new door is beyond your means or just unnecessary, repaint the door, ideally in a color that complements the color of your home and the surrounding landscape. · Address pavement problems. Paving

An inviting entryway free of clutter can add substantial curb appeal to a property. METRO CREATIVE

problems are not necessarily an expensive fix, but the cost of repairing driveways and walkways can add up if it’s been awhile since these areas were refurbished. Still, one of the first things buyers will notice when getting out of their cars is the ground they’re walking on, so patch and repair or even replace driveways and walkways that have fallen into disrepair. · Add or upgrade outdoor living spaces. Outdoor living spaces also can set a property apart from others on the market. A recent study from the National Association of Realtors found that buyers would not hesitate to pay asking price for homes with outdoor living spaces. When adding or upgrading outdoor living spaces, try to depersonalize the spaces as much as possible, as buyers want to picture themselves, and not the sellers, enjoying these areas. Include some comfortable furniture, adequate lighting and a dining area in your outdoor living space as well.

Curb appeal can add a lot to a home, while lack of such appeal can make a home difficult to sell. Homeowners who want to sell their properties for asking price or more should address curb appeal before putting their homes on the market.  Metro Connection

YOURHOME

Make the most of your home improvement dollars Home improvement projects provide homeowners with a chance to put their own stamp on their homes. In addition, many such projects make homes safer and, in some instances, more eco-friendly.

The opportunity to make a home more comfortable, safer and/or more eco-friendly entices many homeowners to open their wallets. In fact, the Home Improvement Research Institute estimates that the home improvement products market will grow by more than 5 percent in 2018.

Homeowners might experience some sticker shock when researching home improvement projects or receiving estimates from contractors. But there are ways for budget-conscious homeowners to transform their homes and still make the most of their home improvement dollars. · Do your homework. Each year, Remodeling magazine publishes its "Cost vs. Value Report," a comprehensive study of 21 popular remodeling projects in 149 United States markets. The report notes the value each project retains at resale in 100 markets across the country. Homeowners who want to get the strongest return on investment can access the "Cost vs. Value Report" (www.remodeling.how.net) to see which home improvement projects are best suited for them. · Do some of the labor yourself. Homeowners willing to swing a hammer also can stretch their home improvement dollars. For example, the home improvement resource This Old House® notes

that homeowners willing to do their own demolition before the contractors arrive can save substantial amounts of money. A professional contractor may charge $1,000 to demo a 200-square-foot deck, but This Old House estimates that homeowners who demo their own decks may spend only $450 (for the dumpster rental and parking permit). · Hire a consultant. The DIY movement is incredibly popular, no doubt thanks to television channels such as HGTV and the DIY Network. Homeowners with DIY experience may be able to complete projects on their own with little consultation from professional contractors. Some contractors may not offer consulting services, however. The consultation route, which typically requires paying licensed contractors hourly fees to offer guidance, should only be considered by homeowners with legitimate DIY skills, for whom this option can be a great way to save money. · Schedule renovations during homeowner-friendly times of year. Summer and fall tend to be contractors' busy seasons, and homeowners will likely pay more for projects during this time of year. If possible, delay starting projects until right after the new year, when contractors aren't so busy and might be more flexible with pricing.  Metro Connection

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30 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U LY 29, 2018

K I D S & FA M I LY

STROKE: Know the warning signs to SAVE A LIFE

JOIN US | FREE COMMUNITY EVENT Learn about stroke risks and prevention at our FREE EVENT in August. You’ll also learn how to care for those who have had a stroke, and how to support survivors and caregivers.

TO REGISTER: 888-HEALING (432-5464) or visit ProvidenceClasses.org/Stroke Wednesday, August 15, 2018 5 - 6 p.m. Screenings 6 - 7 p.m. Lecture Providence Holy Cross Medical Center 15031 Rinaldi Street Mission Hills [North Building] Speaker: Neha Mirchandani, MD Includes light refreshments and validated parking

Summertime can also be learning time

By Michele E. Buttelman

S

ummer is a great time for children to have fun while still learning, said Wendy Poore, a retired Sulphur Springs School District elementary school teacher.

Poore said it is very important to involve kids in educational summer activities to prevent students from forgetting skills they learned during the school year.

“Summer is a perfect opportunity to experience ‘real’ life and apply the knowledge students have learned in their school life,” she said.

Poore, of Canyon Country, is a teacher with three decades of teaching experience, nearly two decades spent teaching in the Santa Clarita Valley.

There are many fun activities available to help your child keep the knowledge they’ve learned during the school year fresh.

Children can lose up to two months of learning during the summer, estimates the National Summer Learning Association.

“There are so many things you can do to reinforce what your child has learned during the school year, open a bank account, read a newspaper, devise a ‘make-believe’ stock portfolio and watch for trends,” Poore said.

Find ways to keep kids excited about learning is an easy way to keep them active and engaged, instead of zoned out on screen time.

“Screen time is a huge hazard,” said Poore. “It is addicting. I would steer kids clear, or limit screen time for activities like gaming. Use screen time for information seeking.”

Poore said SCV students are lucky to live in an area where they can visit “the beach, the desert and the mountains” on different days.

Educational activities can include:

Cooking California.Providence.org 888-HEALING (432-5464)

“Cooking is amazing, I cook with my 1-year-old grandson. It is a great way to develop and use math skills,” said Poore. “There is pouring and measuring and the use of fine and gross motor skills.”

Vasquez Rocks

In addition to teaching children the fine points of family recipes, as well as passing down a family’s culinary heritage, a variety of kid-friendly cookbooks for all ages are available in print and as e-books.

Visit a museum

Once you get home, talk about favorite exhibits and have children write a journal entry, or draw or paint a picture of what they saw and experienced.

There are several opportunities for museum experiences in the SCV including the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society and the William S. Hart Mansion and Museum, both in Newhall.

SCV Historical Society, 24101 Newhall Ave., Newhall. Heritage Junction Historic Park inside William S. Hart Park. Saugus Train Station Museum is open Saturdays and Sundays (except holidays) 1-4 p.m.

The Kingsbury House is open for tours the first Sunday of each month from 1-4 p.m. In addition to the historically important buildings also on display: The Mogul Steam Engine 1629, previously located at Melody Ranch and the Mitchell Schoolhouse Adobe, the second oldest school in Los Angeles County. Exhibits include See LEARNING, page 40

J U LY 29, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 31

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun Make this summer the craftiest ever

By Donna Erickson

S

ummertime invites all ages to experience a big dose of creativity, because you can enjoy so many artful, and sometimes messy, activities outdoors.

If you have a block party coming up in your neighborhood, a family reunion or a birthday party, here are classic ideas with clever twists to engage kids’ imaginations and show off their creative side.

The basics? A long portable table covered with newspaper and the supplies to draw everyone in.

1 FACE PAINTING

Set out hand mirrors for “selfie” face painting using watercolor pencils dipped in water or use this face-paint recipe. Hold a mirror in one hand while drawing with the other. Kids and adults also will have fun painting one another’s faces.

Face Paint Recipe: 1 teaspoon cornstarch 1/2 teaspoon water 1/2 teaspoon cold cream Liquid food coloring in a variety

of colors Small paintbrush Small recycled yogurt-style

container for each color 1. Stir together cornstarch and cold cream in a container until blended. Add water and stir. Add coloring, one drop at a time, until you get desired color.

2. Paint on faces with a small paintbrush or use a cotton swab.

1 GOOEY GOOP

Kids enjoy just about anything that’s gooey, slithery and slimy. Here’s a crowd-pleasing concoction.

2. In small bowl, mix warm water and borax. Slowly pour the borax mixture into the glue mixture. Swirl mixture with your hands, and in seconds goop will form into gooey glops as it oozes from your grasp.

3. Pick it up, squeeze it, and play.

NOTE: If it gets on clothing, wash out quickly with soap and water.

1 SALAD SPINNER ART

1. Remove the lid of an old salad spinner that you use for crafts and set a round paper plate in the middle. Fix it to the nodule at the center of the bottom of the spinner with a piece of clay.

2. Pick three liquid poster paints and drop puddles near the center of the plate.

3. Pop the top of the spinner back on and give the crank a whirl for 5-8 seconds. Let it wind down and remove the top. See the explosion of color spread in all directions. If you wish, add more paint and a pinch of glitter, and spin again.

4. Remove plate, let it dry, and display spin art when you get back home.

8-ounce bottle of white household

glue, such as Elmer’s 8 ounces water Liquid poster paint (optional) Small and large mixing bowls 1 cup warm water 1 1/2 teaspoons borax powder

Donna Erickson’s award-winning series “Donna’s Day” is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit www.donnasday.com and link to the NEW Donna’s Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.”

1. Stir together glue, 8 ounces water and a few drops of paint (optional) in large bowl.

© 2018 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd. 

TEMPLE BETH AMI OPEN HOUSE DATES SUNDAY, AUGUST 5, 10:00 AM-1:00 PM SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 10:00 AM-1:00 PM

Come and meet Rabbi Blazer, Cantorial Student Alyssa Rosenbaum, our Judaica instructors and members of our dynamic congregation. Learn more about the new and exciting programs that make TBA 'the place to be in scv'. Refreshments will be served.

Please join Temple Beth Ami for the High Holidays

ROSH HASHANAH

At Santa Clarita United Methodist Sunday, Sept. 9 8:00 PM Monday, Sept. 10 9:00 AM Children’s Program 9:00 AM Teen Service 9:00 AM At Santa Clara River Tashlich, Sept. 10

4:00 PM

Join Temple Beth Ami and Congregation Beth Shalom as we “cast away” and begin again. We meet behind the ARCO gas station at the corner of Bouquet Canyon and Valencia.

At Temple Beth Ami Tuesday, Sept. 11

9:00 AM

YOM KIPPUR

At Santa Clarita United Methodist Tuesday, Sept. 18 7:30 PM Kol Nidre Wednesday, Sept. 19 Morning Service Children’s Program Teen Service Yizkor

9:00 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 11:30 AM

At Santa Clarita United Methodist Wednesday, September 19 Jonah & Closing Service 5:00 PM

SERVICES CONDUCTED BY RABBI MARK BLAZER & ALYSSA ROSENBAUM Santa Clarita United Methodist: 26640 Bouquet Canyon Road

(661) 255-6410 FOR RESERVATIONS & INFORMATION CALL:

www.templebethami.org

TEMPLE BETH AMI

23023 Hilse Lane Santa Clarita, CA 91321

32 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U LY 29, 2018

FOODSTUFF

All fired up: What’s hot in BBQs

By Michelle Sathe

Barbecuing is almost synonymous with summer and with good reason.

Cooking outside keeps the house cooler and it’s a great way to get full flavor without a lot of fuss or fat.

And boy, do Americans love to barbecue. According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, 7 out of 10 American adults own a grill or smoker.

To find out what’s hot for 2018, we turned to Barbeques Galore, the nation’s largest retailer of grills and outdoor living products.

Low and slow

While grilling is always popular, low and slow is quickly becoming the coolest barbeque trend. In particular, pellet barbeques such as those made by Green Mountain Grill.

“For many years, people have been intimidated to do what smokehouses do, which is slowly smoke and cook your food,” said Saul Figueroa, manager of the Barbeques Galore in Valencia.

“What this barbeque does is make it super easy.”

Before pellet barbeques were available, Figueroa noted, people would have to buy a huge smoker, throw in wood, calibrate the temperature, and stay close to the smoker to make sure the temperature didn’t get too hot or cool.

Fast forward to now. With pellet barbeques, you just plug in the unit, add pellets, and set the time/temperature.

The grill will do the rest.

“It feeds itself pellets from an auger, lights them on fire, fans them down, and maintains a stable temperature for as long as you need it to,” Figueroa said.

“It takes all the guesswork out of it.”

High Tech Touches

Many pellet barbeques feature high tech options, such as being able to monitor the cooking process from a phone

app that allows users to lower the temperature or turn off the unit remotely.

Once the recipe is perfect, it can be programmed into the barbeque directly for repeat performances.

“Pellet barbeques are really changing way people barbeque. They’re doing the pork shoulders, the brisket, those tougher meats that used to be difficult to BBQ. They’re just going for it now,” Figueroa said. “It used to be something reserved for pitmasters only, but now Jenny down the street is doing it and doing it right.”

Prices for the pellet barbeques start at $350 and range up to $1,200. There’s even a portable unit that can be plugged into a car charger for camping trips.

And almost all of today’s barbeques now come equipped with halogen lighting, so it’s easy to see while cooking at night.

Egg magic

Looking for a super versatile option? The Big Green Egg, which looks just like its name and ranges from $399 to $2,999, can be used as a smoker, an oven, a grill, for high temperature searing, and even a pizza oven.

“It’s made of ceramic, so it does an amazing job at heat

and moisture retention. Foods come out plump and juicy. Even hot dogs taste better,” Figueroa said.

There is a learning curve to master temperature control, but once you have it down, it becomes as simple as operating an oven, according to Figueroa.

“I use mine for meal preps on Sunday,” he said.

Classic grilling

For quick, delicious, flame-kissed food, nothing beats a gas barbeque.

Most now come with a digital thermostat to help monitor the temperature of meats, which can especially help barbeque novices.

“You have to poke the meat with a probe that’s connected,” Figueroa said.

“Technology is awesome, but still relies on the user a little bit.”

Fire Magic is one of the oldest and most reliable brands of gas grills, which

[Above] The hottest trend in outdoor cooking is the pellet barbeque, which creates mouthwatering, slowly cooked smoked meats. Just plug it in, add pellets and your favorite meat, set the temperature, and the barbeque does all the rest automatically. [Right] For the most versatile cooking, The Big Green Egg is a must. It can be used as a pizza oven, grill, smoker, and much more. PHOTOS BY MICHELLE SATHE

can be customized to each client’s particular needs.

“You can get it with a sear burner, a charcoal basket, or get a griddle and do teppan grilling,” Figueroa said. “If you want to stare at your food, you can get a barbeque with window on the hood instead of traditional top.”

A small barbeque island at Barbeques galore starts at around $1,800. The only limit is your budget, space, and imagination.

“We have good, better, and best choices,” Figueroa said. “The thing that makes an outdoor kitchen expensive is the appliance you put in it. You can put in a $700 model or a $5,000 model.”

If you’re not quite ready to invest in a barbeque island at the moment, but may be in three years or so, Figueroa suggested buying a model that’s on a stand that can be easily converted.

Or, if you just want a good old-fashioned grill that’s ready to roll, Figueroa recommends a Weber, with models ranging from $300 to $4,000.

“We have the whole Weber line up. It’s probably the most popular brand nationwide and you can find parts for it anywhere,” he said.

Whatever you choose, make sure to get a thermometer if one’s not included with your barbeque.

“It’s the best accessory you can have,” Figueroa said. “You don’t want to serve anyone undercooked chicken.” 

J U LY 29, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 33

RECIPE

R E S TA U R A N T P R O F I L E

Valencia Smoked Chicken Breast Courtesy of Barbeques Galore

‘Mom’ sure can cook Family owned restaurant a friendly, flavorful place

Meat Chicken breast Products Big Green Egg SuckleBusters Clucker Dust BBQ Rub SuckleBusters Honey BBQ Glaze Sauce Mustard Instructions ~ Step 1 ~ Slap some mustard on the chicken breasts. It will act as a sealant on top of the rub, which will help force the rub down into the pores; the rub also contains vinegar, which will help the chicken tenderize. ~ Step 2 ~ Apply your favorite chicken rub. We used SuckleBusters Clucker Dust. Allow it to set for at least an hour. ~ Step 3 ~ While your rub sets, start your fire, throw in a few chunks of wood and set your smoking temperature to 225°F. ~ Step 4 ~ Place the chicken breast on the grill and insert your temperature probe into the thickest part of the chicken. We are cooking to temperature, not time; the target temperature is 165°F. Pop open a beer, the hard part is done! ~ Step 5 ~ When the chicken reaches a temperature of 150°F, apply your BBQ sauce or glaze. We used SuckleBusters Honey BBQ Glaze. ~ Step 6 ~ Pull the chicken from your smoker when it reaches 165°F. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes. ~ Step 7 ~ The chicken is ready to eat. We prefer to slice it, which makes it perfect for sandwiches, meal preps, salads, and tacos. Today we served ourselves chicken sandwiches on Hawaiian buns!

Chris, Betty (aka “Mom”), and Matt Roong of Mom Can Cook Thai Kitchen in Canyon Country have been welcoming customers for 15 years and will make you feel right at home..

PHOTO BY MICHELLE SATHE

By Michelle Sathe

From the outside it’s just part of a modest strip mall, but step into Mom Can Cook Thai Kitchen in Canyon Country and you’re immediately transported to another world. A more beautiful, Bangkok-themed universe, replete with rich teak, soft music, tantalizing aromas, and a warm welcome from the Roong family.

Named for Betty, the matriarch who still rules the kitchen at age 78, Mom Can Cook’s standout quality, besides delicious, authentic Thai food, is making customers feel right at home.

“We know about 85 percent of our customer’s names and what they want by heart,” said Chris Roong, Betty’s daughter. Chris helps Betty cook while her husband Matt mans the front of the house, though Chris is known to come into the dining room to mingle with guests. “We have a lot of loyal customers, most of whom found out about us through word of mouth.”

Dive into Mom Can Cook’s food and you’ll see what the buzz is about.

Where to start? The steamed or fried Thai dumplings ($7.50 for six) are a fabulous choice. “We have customers that will drive

from Los Angeles to eat our dumplings,” Chris said proudly.

I can see why. Within these plump little golden pillows lies succulent, spiced juicy ground chicken and crunchy water chestnuts, with a shower of fried garlic on top and a slightly sweet soy sauce on the side.

These are some seriously legit dumplings, on par with those I’ve had in L.A., as well as Shanghai.

Noodles are equally special. The pad kee mow ($8.50 with your choice of meat or tofu; shrimp is $2 extra) is a silky tangle of wide, flat rice noodles tossed in a sauce that is the hallmark of Thai cuisine, balancing sweet, salty, bitter, spicy, and sour, plus crunchy veggies, lots of vibrant basil, and more of that addictive fried garlic on top. It’s an explosion of flavors and textures that can be customized to your heat preference.

“Our spice scale goes from zero to 10,” Chris said. “We have a few people that ask us to make it 15.”

On the mellower side, the Massamun or yellow curry ($8.95 with your choice of meat or tofu; shrimp is $2 extra) is lush, creamy, stocked with potatoes, carrots, onions, and a generous amount of tender white meat chicken. Spoon over a side of rice (your choice See MOM, page 42

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J U LY 29, 2018

PERSONALITYPROFILE

Janet Basmajian-Yessayan : After three decades in the classroom Valencia resident finds a new career in the clouds

By Michele E. Buttelman

W

hen Janet Basmajian-Yessayan was a little girl she remembers vividly the few times her parents took her on an airplane trip.

“We went to Hawaii and Detroit. We didn’t really travel much, but when we did, I remembered it,” she said.

Yessayan said she was captivated by watching the flight attendants walking down the aisles of the plane and asking everyone “Chicken or beef?”

“That was in the days when the airlines served everyone onboard a meal,” she said.

The memories of those flights stuck with Yessayan as she grew up in Reseda with her parents

Yessayan at work during a flight.

COURTESY PHOTO

and younger brother and sister. She was born in the San Fernando Valley and is a graduate of St. Genevieve High School in Panorama City.

“I know it sounds silly, but I remember seeing the flight attendants pull out the drawers of their carts and pop open the soda cans. I still think of those memories now, when I’m serving drinks on the plane,” she said.

After she graduated high school she applied to several airlines, but never heard back.

“I wasn’t tall enough, I didn’t meet the height requirements,” she said. Yessayan is a petite 5’2”.

“Back at that time the airlines had very strict height and weight requirements,” she said.

Yessayan said today airlines have loosened many of those requirements. However, as part of her interview process she did have to remove her shoes and be able to reach up to a tape on the wall that was 6-and-a-half feet high.

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J U LY 29, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 35

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California State University, Northridge

Yessayan attended California State University, Northridge where she earned her teaching credential.

It was at Cal State Northridge that Yessayan met her future husband, Apo Yessayan, owner of Classic Designs Jewelry in Valencia.

“I was very active during my college years at Cal State Northridge,” she said.

“There was an Armenian student association and we were always having events.”

At one event, held at a disco on Ventura Boulevard in the San Fernando Valley, she was introduced to her future husband by a “friend of a friend.”

Apo asked her out and five years later the couple were married.

“We will have been married 35 years on Aug. 13,” Yessayan said.

The couple have two daughters, Sabrina and Deanna. As a former teacher Yessayan is proud of her two accomplished daughters, Sabrina graduated with an MBA from Harvard University and now works for General Mills in Minneapolis. Deanna graduated from the University of Las Vegas with a hospitality degree.

First job

After she graduated college in January, the middle of the school year, Yessayan didn’t think she would be able to find a full-time teaching job.

Of Armenian heritage Yessayan applied at a private Armenian school in Encino.

“I wanted to start work right away and I thought they might have a substitute teaching job,” she said.

As luck would have it, Yessayan was in the right place at the right time.

“The principal looked at me and said, ‘Our 4th grade teacher is leaving next week. How would you like to teach 4th grade?’ I just walked into that,” she said.

“I was there for three-and-a-half years, 1981 to 1984.”

Yessayan knew her career path should include a move from a private school to a public school.

“I spent a year being a substitute

teacher in the Burbank school system and working at Nordstrom,” she said.

Moving to the SCV

In 1986 her friend Tommye Warner, a school psychologist with the Sulphur Springs School District in Canyon Country, contacted Yessayan about openings in the district.

Sulphur Springs School District hired Yessayan and she began her Santa Clarita Valley teaching career “I started teaching 2nd grade at Valley View Elementary School. I was there 14 or 15 years then I transferred to Sulphur Springs Elementary School in Sand Canyon where I taught 1st grade until I retired in 2015,” she said.

The Yessayans moved to Valencia in 1986 to be closer to her teaching job.

“We also decided to move the jewelry store from Panorama City to Santa Clarita,” she said. “That area was beginning to change in the San Fernando Valley, so Apo decided to relocate the store closer to our new home.”

A passion for children

“I loved working with children,” Yessayan said. “I’ve always had that passion, even when I was in grammar school I would volunteer in the classrooms.”

Yessayan said teaching 1st grade was a particular challenge because of how much children change during the school year.

“Teaching 1st grade was always fun,” she said. “You would see children come in on the first day of school and hardly know their alphabet and not be able

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Left to right: Apo, Deanna, Janet and Sabrina Yessayan at Janet’s graduation from flight attendant training. COURTESY PHOTO

to write a word, or sentence, and by the end of 1st grade they would be writing descriptive paragraphs.”

Yessayan said to watch her students grow in academics “made me feel good inside.”

Making a change

As much as Yessayan enjoyed teaching she always thought about flying.

“It has always been in the back of my mind,” she said. “In the last few years of teaching I still loved the children, but I

wanted a change. I had been teaching for more than 30 years and I wanted to do something different.”

She put together a resume with the help from one her daughters and sent it to a few airlines.

“Then a friend asked if I had considered Alaska Airlines,” Yessayan said.

She earned a phone interview and was invited to an open interview held in San Diego on Veteran’s Day, 2014.

See JANET, page 43

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36 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U LY 29, 2018

SENIORLIVING

What is a senior?

Serving such a broad range of ages can be a challenge for organizations

By Martha Michael

I

f you’re younger than 60, you may not have thought about it before: The differences between a 10-year-old and a 30-year-old are obvious, but what about the same age gap among the senior population?

For example, if you’re 90 years old, that means you were born in 1928, when only about 40 percent of Americans had a telephone and there was no such thing as an automatic transmission, a ballpoint pen, or a computer. But if you’re 70, you heard rock ‘n’ roll as a teen, used a microwave oven to cook for your family, and now probably have Facebook and an email account.

It’s the challenge facing organizations serving an older population

– how do they appeal to a client base with such a broad span of ages?

“The age spectrum of seniors has grown and therefore so do the needs and interests we address,” said Robin Clough, volunteers and recreation coordinator at the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center. “We have a lot of participants who are younger baby boomers all the way up to a home-delivered meal recipient who is 103 years old and still living independently in her home.”

Local seniors show a real diversity of interests, sometimes unrelated to age.

“Fitness classes are very popular and there is a good mix of ages,” Clough said. “They are quite a workout, and even those on the older senior side are committed and undaunted.”

Individuals with mobility issues have fitness opportunities too – they

get a cardio workout and stretching through chair exercise classes at the Senior Center. And there are many activities that don’t require physical capabilities.

“The room is filled for duplicate bridge and for scholar series lectures,” she added. “They love the challenges and enhancing their knowledge.”

The Senior Center’s weekly wellness lectures draw a crowd because a lot of seniors today are interested in cutting-edge information about wellness, according to Clough. “The most popular classes are those that promote health, brain challenges, and lifelong learning,” she said. “Of course, the added benefit is opportunity for socialization and lots of fun!”

Active lifestyle Making friends is one of the reasons Beverly Larkin, 74, chooses the active Continued next page

Bill and Lois Paul of Friendly Valley. COURTESY PHOTO

ROSH HASHANAH

at SC United Methodist Church:

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Tashlich at Santa Clara River:

Monday, Sept. 10

at Temple Beth Ami:

Tuesday, Sept. 11

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4:00PM

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Services conducted by RABBI MARK BLAZER & ALYSSA ROSENBAUM

SC United Methodist Church: 26640 Bouquet Canyon Rd., Santa Clarita 91350 Tempie Beth Ami: 23023 Hilse Lane Santa Clarita, CA 91321

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J U LY 29, 2018 lifestyle she has. “When you retire you pace to what they had in the San Fernanstep into a whole different world,” she do Valley. They became a part of Grace said. “We had so much social contact re- Baptist Church in Santa Clarita after delated to our jobs, but as soon as you retire cades at Calvary Church in Burbank. the door closes on that.”

“I’m still in Bible studies at Grace BapLarkin took up pickleball more than tist,” she said. “I used to drive, but now three years ago, after she retired. Now my friends are picking me up.” she plays the sport she calls “addictive” A medical scare last year left Lois up to four times a week. “It’s a wonderful needing help to walk. “It really put me social outlet,” she said.

Larkin also plays in a 55-plus bowling back not doing things I used to do,” she league. She lives on a 10-acre ranch in the said. “If it wasn’t for Bill I’d probably Bouquet Canyon area, and she returned need a caregiver.”

They’ve seen similar changes among to horseback riding after enjoying it as a girl. The “games” may have changed their friends where they live. “My neighwith age, but being active was always a bor across the street has a full-time careway of life for her. As a young woman she giver,” Lois said. “Fourteen years ago we did aerobics, power walking, gym work- were alive and kicking, and now we’ve outs and snow skiing, which is one of the had three on our street pass away.” sports she misses.

But for healthy, youthful residents of “It was a reason to go up to the snow,” Friendly Valley, there is plenty to do. said Larkin, a Chicago native who moved “We take walks and you can go golfto Santa Clarita in 2000. “I live in a dry, ing or go to the pool,” Lois said. “You can warm climate, and I miss the cold, crisp get around easily weather that you here on golf carts … can get up in the and there’s a shutmountains.” tle service that goes Snow skiing and outside, like to the water skiing are acmarket.” tivities that Bill and While health Lois Paul, who live problems have imin Friendly Valley, had to leave in the peded the Pauls’ past. “Life changfreedom, it hasn’t es,” said Bill Paul, wiped them out.

82. “When you first They just returned retire at 65 you’re from a trip to Lake still very young …

Tahoe, and even people are living a took a 10-day cruise lot longer and are earlier in the year. in better shape than Beverly Larkin has returned to horseback The Pauls don’t they would’ve been riding, an activity she did as a girl. see a lot of differ40 years ago. But as COURTESY PHOTO ences between their the years go by you age group and the slow down.”

He plays golf once or twice a week, a seniors that preceded them, but they do sport he picked up when he was about 55 notice a cultural shift when the next genyears old. In fact, it was golf that brought eration of neighbors moves in. the Pauls to Santa Clarita from Burbank, “The younger folks are into electronwhere they raised their family. Friends ics and movies,” Bill said. “We grew up invited them up to Friendly Valley for a doing things manually – like maps, and day of golf. “We came up here and saw they use Waze.” them moving dirt around, so I thought, New arrivals next door aren’t retired ‘I’m going to check that out,’” Bill said. yet, and the Pauls love it.

“They’ve taken care of Lois a lot,” Loving the SCV Bill said. “We’ve met some really super That was 14 years ago, and Friendly neighbors.”

Valley was building a new phase. The It’s hard to believe the newest seniors Pauls saw the floorplans and bought a grew up with color TV and some of the lot and a new house – with a view.

“Lois came kicking and screaming,” men have longer hair than the women.

Bill joked. “But once she got up here, in But it’s even more fun to speculate about what Generation-X senior living will about three days she loved it.”

Both in their 60s when they relocated, look like. Will the golf carts be replaced Bill and Lois Paul maintained a similar by hovercraft? 

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 37

SENIORLIVING

By Mary Petersen Signal Columnist

A second wind

S

o I retired…again… from a 37 year career teaching English that provided me joy and edification. It’s hard to know when to make that move. Three years ago I tried it. I retired from College of the Canyons at the behest of my retiring husband who cautioned me that I can’t reclaim these years. But I found myself eager to go back and teach a class. I missed the rapport with my students. I missed the camaraderie, teamwork, and special projects with my colleagues. As a valued and contributing member of my academic community I felt productive and essential. I couldn’t bear that I would no longer be affiliated with an institution that I respect and am so proud to be a part of. I couldn’t endure saying that I used to teach English. No longer a vibrant, active participant at the college, I feared I would be a shriveled, faded, forgotten version of myself.

So much of my identity is enmeshed in my profession. It affects how I perceive myself and how I imagine others perceive me. Passion drives us to create, explore, and accomplish, and I feared that the passion that drove me into education would collapse into a limp, dormant heap.

Who would I be if I were no longer a professor? How would I define myself without my profession? No I was not ready for that.

As it turns out, this late identity crisis is really a thing. Renowned psychologist Erik Erikson identified it as the last of 8 stages of development, from age 65 years to death. (Full disclosure, I’m only 64 ½.) According to Erikson, each stage is characterized by a crisis which must be resolved.

Apparently, during the late adult stage, retiring is the kind of challenge that can trigger an identity crisis. Peter K. Rimbach vividly captures the potential crisis in the hilarious title of his book Retirement: Life’s Mt. Everest: Man’s Journey Through Psychological Hell. I bet he didn’t want to retire either.

Cultural gerontologists have another name for those of us between ages 60-75, “Third Agers.” They scrutinize us like museum specimens, studying how we structure our days in the Third Age. What do we do in our leisure time? How have our social positions changed? What regrets do we have? What relationships are important to us? These concerned researchers explain that we must continue constructing our identity in the Third Age. It should be a time of re-engagement in society after having let go of former obligations and commitments. We’re encouraged to find value and purpose as we contemplate our accomplishments. Erikson says that if we see ourselves as leading a successful life we are able to develop an integrated sense of self. If we see our life as unproductive or feel that we did not accomplish our life goals, we become dissatisfied and develop despair, often leading to depression and hopelessness.

Yikes! I don’t like that option.

I’m inspired by Joan Erikson, wife of Erik, who determined that a 9th stage exists, which she defined by the specific challenges of living in one’s eighties and nineties. She was 93 years old when she wrote a book about the psychosocial demands of living in this stage. That’s the ticket, sister! Keep the mind active and the passion invigorated.

See SECOND WIND, page 42

38 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

J U LY 29, 2018

H E A LT H & F I T N E S S

Do you really need a personal trainer?

Motivation is big factor in hiring a pro vs. an app

By Ryan Painter

F

or the fitness novice, the gym can be a scary place.

In an environment filled with endless jargon and myriad muscle groups, lifting techniques and recovery practices, the gym can be intimidating as it is exciting.

Many Americans, in an attempt to bridge the gap between the prospect of personal fitness and the lack of structural know-how necessary to achieving such fitness, have opted to hire personal trainers to see them through the endless rows of machines and free weights.

As a result, the fitness industry is booming. Americans spent over $10 billion on personal fitness in 2015 — a sizable portion of which was dedicated directly to personal trainers, according to marketing research firm IBISWorld.

But with personal training contracts often ranging in excess of $300 a month, many novices, in search of a more frugal means to get healthy, have opted to forego these experts in favor of fitness apps, online forums and even the written instructions posted on each machine.

THE CASE FOR PERSONAL TRAINING Personal trainers, as argued by a body of scientific literature and by local industry experts, offer two distinct

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advantages to their customers: expertise and motivation.

The trainers hired by the majority of local fitness clubs are trained professionals, armed with an intimate understanding of proper workout structure, lifting form and recovery methods.

A number of scientific studies corroborate this notion.

Researchers at the University of Connecticut, for example, took a sample of 46 women and divided them into two equal groups, both of which were assigned a regimen of common weight lifting exercise to perform over a 10-week period. The catch, however, was that one group was given a personal trainer, while the other was left to its own devices. At the end of the study each woman was tested on her one-repetition maximum, or the most she could lift one time, and the results were compared.

The results spoke for themselves.

“These data indicated that the presence of a personal trainer...resulted in a better resistance training stimulus yielding greater strength improvements over time,” wrote Dr. Nicholas A. Ratamess, lead author of the study.

While the fitness gains were seen to be greater in those who worked with a trainer versus those who approached the gym alone, scholars have argued that the reason for this may extend beyond merely the trainer’s workout acumen.

“Personal trainers and certified strength and conditioning specialists have the ability to connect with and motivate clients and athletes, which can be a large factor in exercise success,” wrote Dr. Doug Jackson, founder of Personal Fitness Advantage, in a study on the psychology of personal training.

Proper motivation, Jackson wrote, can be just as imperative to exercise success as knowing the proper workouts and techniques.

Those interested in working with a personal trainer have a variety of options within the Santa Clarita Valley.

LA Fitness offers three Santa Clarita locations with personal trainers on staff. 24 Hour Fitness, Anytime Fitness and Orange Theory all offer similar services.

THE CASE FOR TRAINING ALONE Although many believe them to be important to their personal fitness goals, trainers are not cheap.

24 Hour Fitness in Canyon Country, for example, offers 50 minute sessions at a rate commensurate with $74 per hour. Mind, Body, and Soul Fitness in Saugus provides 60 minute classes for $80.

Yet, many local gyms and fitness chains do not publish the costs associated with their personal training programs on their respective websites.

Among these is Anytime Fitness which, despite having a lengthy web page describing the benefits of its personal training program, does not list any personal training costs. The franchise did not respond to The Signal’s request for comment.

LA Fitness’ website is similarly devoid of any mention of the costs incurred by enrolling in its programs.

The Signal, however, independently verified that a typical LA Fitness plan ranges from $180 to $360 per month.

Included in these plans are monthly fitness evaluations and access to a personalized training area, from which normal LA Fitness members are precluded, said an LA Fitness employee who asked not to be named.

Costs are usually not discussed until a fitness evaluation has been completed, confirmed the employee.

The Irvine-based fitness chain did not respond to The Signal’s requests for comments.

With personal training costs on the rise, and often difficult to ascertain, many gym-goers have opted to use fitness phone applications in lieu of a traditional trainer.

The New York Times reported on this phenomenon in 2015, finding that these apps were significantly cheaper than soliciting a personal trainer.

The Times also found another, less intuitive benefit — training apps, as initiated by the user, work in complete concert with the user’s schedule.

Although less effective than traditional trainers, many users in the Times’ study found training apps better suited to their daily lives.

The Apple iTunes App Store has an entire section dedicated to these applications, a majority of which are free. 

J U LY 29, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 39

Mid-summer gardening?

By Jane Gates

Santa Clarita has its unique challenges for gardeners.

It has variable microclimates with hot inland summer temperatures, dry air, and lean soil. The lack of rain over recent years, combined with rising water prices and occasional restrictions, has encouraged us to be more creative in how we garden. For those who move here from other areas, it may take a bit of adjusting to see all the possibilities in our landscapes. But the truth is that you can grow great gardens here in Santa Clarita. And you can even do it in the hot summer. Here are some tips on how to enjoy gardening here – even in mid-summer.

Let’s start by admitting the best time for gardening in our area is in the autumn and winter when temperatures are milder and there is a greater chance of rain. Yet anytime is a good time to garden because it offers healthy exercise, a powerful way to balance your mind and body, and a fine excuse to work together with friends and family. It’s also a way to improve your lifestyle, expand your living space, and increase the value of your property.

Summer can be extremely hot in the SCV. So the first thing you want to do is take care of yourself!

Work outdoors when the sun is low in the sky and temperatures are mild. Early morning is best. Wear a hat, gloves, insect spray and sunblock. You will not only be more comfortable, but you’ll ward off bites from mosquitoes and no-see-‘ems. Long sleeves will protect you from scratches and bruises as well as sunburn. Slathering on a good sunscreen will keep your skin healthy now and long into the future while your body absorbs healthy vitamin D from sunshine. It is also wise to drink plenty of fresh water whenever you are outdoors working in heat.

Yes!

The hot days

On really hot days, spend gardening time indoors working on garden improvements. Whether you are starting a new landscape or want to improve the one you have, this is the perfect time to work on plans.

Even a garden you love can always be improved.

Sketching out ideas on a piece of paper or on a simple computer program will help you think your ideas through and save you from making expensive mistakes. With a plan, you can create or change things a little at a time by yourself, or present an illustration of what you’d like so potential landscape installers are all bidding on the same project.

For summertime maintenance of existing gardens, water very early in the morning (preferred) or after dark so the water has time to penetrate soil before the sun evaporates it away. Mow lawns less frequently when it is hot. Longer blades will help shade and protect roots. Since lawns are high-maintenance water-guzzlers, limit them to where they will be most useful.

Other spaces can be filled with decorative drought-tolerant gardens, colorful stone or pavers, or used for productive vegetable, herb or flower-cutting gardens.

Keep things clean

Keep gardens weeded and clean. Wildfire season is now all year long. Keeping brush removed, trees and shrubs trimmed away from all structures, and pruning out dead branches will reduce fire fuel. Remove fallen leaves, sticks and other litter from your garden and house gutters so a traveling spark won’t find tinder to ignite. And design your landscape with non-flammable/non-living material that will enhance your outdoor living, increase your safety and comfort while being low maintenance with minimal water consumption. Consider sport, entertainment, or play areas, or grow dedicated gardens of edibles or flower-cutting gardens that will keep water focused where it will pay you back.

You can still plant vegetables from already started plants in containers. The only vegetables that merit being planted from seed in mid-summer are root crops like beets, radishes and carrots. Crop zucchinis

frequently -- before they get too big and drain the parent plant of energy. Buy a mature tomato plant in a pot if you want to try your first experiment with edibles. Fresh picked tomatoes are the best! Avoid planting cold-weather crops like cabbage, peas, lettuce, and fava beans. (But get ready; you’ll be able to seed them in September.)

Keep a sharp lookout for insect pests. If you spy them early, try hosing them off with a stream of water.

If the unwanted critters have already turned into an infestation, wash or spray them with organic insecticidal soaps or Neem products. Keeping toxins low in your garden is good for you and your family and essential when growing edibles.

All flowering plants will bloom more and longer if you keep them deadheaded. This means you should cut off wilting flowers before they set seed. Setting seed will drain the plant of energy. Annuals typically want to keep blooming in order to set as much seed as they can before they die. Annuals are short-lived plants that will only last a single season anyway, so they will keep blooming in the attempt to set more seed if you keep spent flowers removed.

Pruning

Prune plants lightly for shape and to cut out dead or crossing branches. Summer is not a good time for heavy tree or shrub trimming. Save that job for after October when most woody plants are going into their winter sleep. Native plants are an exception since they will start reviving in the autumn after their summer snooze, but most natives require little pruning.

If you do any new planting, water the newcomers daily for at least a week or two while they settle in, especially if they are in sun. And if you can shade them for the first few days, they will appreciate it.

You can plant at this time of year, but even tough natives and succulents will have to be coddled.

These are just some of the jobs you can do to maintain, improve or plan your landscape even in the middle of the summertime. There are so many ways you can create gorgeous, water-wise gardens in Santa Clarita, and you can get to work on yours now.

Jane Gates, owner and designer at Gates & Croft Horticultural Design, is a licensed landscape contractor, garden book author, national lecturer, horticulturist, and practicing artist. She’s written regularly online for the Home Depot ‘Garden Club’ and as the eHow. com Landscaping Expert. Jane is a resident and avid gardener here in Santa Clarita. 

40 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

LEARNING

Continued from page 30

memorabilia from downtown Newhall’s heyday, the pioneer oil and mining industries, the railroad and the discovery of gold in Placerita Canyon. The fledgling movie industry is also celebrated with items from early cowboy and silent movie stars on display. Info: scvhs.org.

William S. Hart Museum, 24151 Newhall Ave., Newhall. Museum Info: (661) 254-4584. Hours: During the summer (from mid-June until Labor Day), the museum is open for guided tours Wednesdays - Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Entrance to the Hart Museum Mansion, located at the top of the hill in William S. Hart Park, is by guided tour only. Free tours are offered every 30 minutes during the Museum’s hours of operation. The tours start on the hour and half-hour. Visitors are asked to park their vehicles in the lots near the entrance to the Park, walk up the hill to the Hart Mansion, and wait outside the front door until the start of the next tour. Museum email: information@hartmuseum.org.

Visit a Zoo or Aquarium

At a conservation-oriented destination zoo or aquarium, kids can learn about the importance of environmentally friendly practices, animal care and welfare.

William S. Hart Park, 24151 Newhall Ave., Newhall, offers a barnyard full of animals for guests to enjoy including (a gift from Walt Disney nearly 50 years ago), American Bison (buffalo) in the park. The descendants of those original buffalo roam the hills of the 265-acre park. In addition, there is a newly refurbished animal area that is home to horses, alpacas, a deer and several ducks, chickens, etc. Food for feeding some of the animals may be purchased at the Trading Post. Info: http:// parks.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/dpr/Parks/ William_S._Hart_Regional_Park.

Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802. Open 9 a.m.–6 p.m. daily. The Aquarium is celebrating its 20th anniversary as an educational and conservation destination. Home to more than 11,000 ocean animals, representing nearly 500 species, the Aquarium celebrates the planet’s largest and most diverse body of water: The Pacific Ocean. Tickets are priced from $17.95 to $29.95. Info: www.aquariumofpacific.org.

Go on a Nature Hike

Learning about nature is a great way to learn about earth science and the world at

J U LY 29, 2018 large. Visit a national or local park for fresh air and to learn about preserving nature.

Have a picnic lunch along the trail. Find information about local wildlife and plants to share with your children. See how many different plants you can identify, or how many different birds or insects they see, or have children search for items on a list in a scavenger hunt. Collected rocks, leaves and twigs (where allowed) can be turned into a fun and beautiful collage. In the SCV outdoor experiences are everywhere.

Placerita Canyon Natural Area,19152 Placerita Canyon Road, Newhall.

A Family Nature Walk is offered every Saturday at 11 a.m. and a Native Live Animal Presentation at 1 p.m. There is no charge for these family-friendly programs.

A variety of hikes and other experiences are also available. Info: http://www.placerita. org.

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park, 10700 West Escondido Canyon Road, Agua Dulce, CA 91390, features 932 acres of spectacular rock formations, and a seasonal stream. Info: http://parks. lacounty.gov/wps/portal/dpr/Parks/ Vasquez_Rocks_Natural_Area.

Entrance to a trailhead at Placerita Canyon.

See a Show at a Children’s Theater

“Music, art, theater,” said Poore. “Has your child ever experienced a live production? Summer is a great time to take your child to the theater, you don’t have to worry about staying up too late.”

Theater can be a culturally and socially enriching experience, said Poore.

The Canyon Theatre Guild will present the musical Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons, located at: 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Valencia, CA 91355. The show runs Saturdays and Sundays from July 21-Aug. 12. Tickets: $10 to $29, (661) 799-2702 or online at http://www. canyontheatre.org. 

SPEED

Continued from page 17

speedskating was the one that really stood out to me. Shortly after the Olympics, I wanted to learn how to ice skate so I can potentially learn how to speedskate. We started with the basic lessons of skating and by the time that was over, we began to look for speedskating clubs. Luckily, there was a local speedskating team here in Santa Clarita.”

The Valencia High student has won or placed in the top three places in a lot of meets, but his best achievement was being a state champion. Isidro then took a break from the sport for about two years. “Since I’ve just got back into the sport, I’m not focused on skating in competitions. I’ll figure that out later.”

He is happy he has come back to the sport after his hiatus. “It feels really good coming back, especially the ice and speed. I really miss going fast because it always gives me adrenaline. It’s just really fun.”

Before high school, he played basketball and did martial arts. He is continuing martial arts as well as running track for Valencia.

Isidro’s favorite part of speedskating is “Being fast; the high speed, the intensity, the adrenaline. It’s all so fun.” His favorite skaters are Apolo Ohno and J.R. Celski because they present such incredible skill to the sport. His least favorite part of speedskating, probably common to most athletes, is the conditioning involved in the sport. “I’m not that great at endurance and conditioning always gives me a hard time.” His favorite Olympian is Ohno because “he was so smart and skilled on the ice and I always looked up to him.”

The high school senior has utilized skills in speedskating in real life. “Being diligent and having patience really helped me in all of my sports. It has showed me that I have to put a lot of effort for me to succeed. It also showed that I have to take things a step at a time in order to become successful.”

Isidro has a lot of family support as well. “My family 100 percent supports me. My mom and my older sister were actually the ones to motivate me to skate.”

He added, “Competition schedule is more intense because it’s more about speed. It’s busier and tiring because there is so much to do, and we have little to no breaks.

Training season is more relaxed and focuses more on endurance and technique. However, it involves more laps.”

He really enjoys being a part of the Santa Clarita Speed Skating Club. “All the people are so fun to talk to and it just feels comfortable. The atmosphere is really nice.”

Members of The Santa Clarita Speed Skating Club train at Ice Station Valencia, a year-round organization with competition season from September through April. They feature short-track speedskating.

It is a “great sport and we welcome people to try it,” said club president Ron Halcrow. They welcome all levels and ages of skaters. They practice on Thursday evenings at 6 pm.

Do you have an interesting or unusual hobby or job? Contact The Sunday Signal with details and contact information.

Email info@signalscv.com. 

Relax Give your mind a workout with these brainy exercises!

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BRAINGAMES

J U LY 29, 2018

42 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

CROSSWORD TIME Answer to Sunday 7/22 Crossword

MOM

J U LY 29, 2018

Continued from page 33

of white, brown, or sticky for $1.25 to $2.50), add a bit of sambal oelek or chiles from the condiment trio on the table, and you’ve got a comforting yet exotic treat.

Of course, nothing hits the spot with this food like a Thai iced tea ($2.75 to $3.75), a delightful mixture of black tea and sweetened condensed milk over crushed ice. Especially on a hot summer day.

If you can’t afford a trip to Thailand, a few hours at Mom Can Cook can soothe your soul and delight your taste buds for a few hours at really reasonable prices, including a dozen lunch specials priced at just $7.50 (served with wonton, rice, soup, and salad, Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

According to Chris, some of her customers who have been to Thailand return to Mom Can Cook with a flattering

CITY MGR

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provide vital resources for the next generation of artists in Santa Clarita.

Western roots

With so much that is new in Old Town Newhall, don’t forget the rich western heritage that shaped the area.

You can travel back in time at Heritage Junction at William S. Hart Park and explore the Saugus Train Station and the Hart Mansion. The acclaimed William S. Hart Museum is open to the public for guided tours and features a spectacular collection of western art, Native American artifacts and mementos of early Hollywood. For more information, please visit HartMuseum.org.

Hollywood’s history blends with

Pad Kee Mow: This delicious noodle dish combines all the great hallmarks of Thai cooking, with a delightful twist of fried garlic on top.

revelation.

“They tell me the food is not as good there as it is here,” she said with a big smile. “That’s a great feeling.”

Mom Can Cook Thai Kitchen is located at 18358 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country. Open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Monday (closed on Tuesdays). No delivery. For more information, visit www.momcancookscv.com or call (661) 251-8103.  Santa Clarita’s at The Walk of Western Stars, Old Town Newhall’s own walk of fame. Created in 1981, The Walk of Western Stars honors the legends of western film, television and radio who have contributed to America’s heritage since 1900. You can explore Old Town Newhall’s many historic sites, iconic film locations and unique tribute to the legends of western cinema with the Newhall Walking Tour app. Download it to your smart phone by visiting OldTownNewhall.com.

It is an exciting time for this historic neighborhood, as current revitalization finds harmony with echoes of decades past. Come explore all Old Town Newhall has to offer and make sure to visit frequently. You never know what new experience you may discover. 

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Ok, I’m ready to “recalibrate my identity” as Netherlands professor Dr. Gerben Westerhof characterizes it. Armed with the knowledge of experts, I am reassured that this ongoing transformative process is perfectly natural in our unpredictable and ever-changing lives. Ebbing and flowing, adopting and letting go. I will be flexible and embrace possibilities. I can let go of teaching college freshmen, but retain my passion for teaching. I can relinquish being a colleague, but remain an active community member. It reminds me of a joke: When one door closes, another opens…or you can open the closed door. That’s how doors work.

Mary Petersen is a retired COC English Instructor, 30 year SCV resident, and two-time breast cancer survivor. 

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PERSONALITYPROFILE

JANET

not a nine to five Monday to Friday job.

“That’s been a big adjustment for me,” she said. “However, you meet new people every day and every day is a new day. Every day is a new adventure.”

Yessayan said no one should ever think they are “too old.”

“It’s never too late. Alaska Airlines is very inclusive, if you have what they’re looking for in personality and the ability to pass all the requirements you should go for it,” she said.

Continued from page 34

Out of more than 100 applicants Yessayan was one of 10 hired to start training the following January.

“I remember going to school the next day and looking at the kids and the staff and thinking, ‘Oh gosh, what have I done?’

I didn’t tell anybody,” she said.

She taught until the Christmas break in December, 2014, then took leave to begin her flight attendant training in January.

On Jan. 7, 2015 she began her training at Alaska headquarters in Seattle.

“For the first time, and at my age, I was away from home, in another state and living with someone I did not know,” she said.

Yessayan said the rigorous training lasted six weeks.

“That, in and of itself was an adventure and a learning experience. Especially being in a classroom setting and being the student instead of the teacher,” she said. “I never saw my family during that six weeks, until my graduation day, and that was hard.”

Yessayan said most of her training involved passenger safety.

“It was stressed every day in class. We took lots of tests, learned first aid, took a swimming test, learned all about the different airplanes in the Alaskan fleet and we were tested on that knowledge,” she said.

“There was only one day of service training. I think people sometimes think, ‘Oh, you learn how to pour drinks,’ but that’s not it. It’s all about safety and learning about the aircraft.”

A passion for people

PHOTO BY TOM CRUZE

Travels

Many of Yessayan’s flights are short turnarounds where she leaves home in the morning and then returns home the same day.

If a flight requires she stay overnight she said the layovers are often very quick.

“It’s fun to visit different cities and take in the local atmosphere. I always try to sample food or see an attraction the city is known for,” she said.

There are still places Yessayan wants to visit.

“My biggest regret is not going to Cuba when it was open,” she said.

Since Alaska purchased Virgin American airlines in 2016 Yessayan said many flight attendants have said they are looking forward to the new destinations the acquisition brought to the airline.

Her new Alaska family

“Working for Alaska Airlines is like having a new family,” she said. “I feel it was very fortunate to

become employed by Alaska. It has a family feeling. It has the same kind of atmosphere that I liked at Sulphur Springs School District.”

Yessayan said she enjoys getting off a plane and seeing who she knows from the new crew boarding the plane.

Yessayan frequently works flights out of the Burbank airport. She travels to Phoenix, Las Vegas, San Jose, Seattle and Portland.

“Burbank airport has kind of a family feeling,” she said. “We see a lot of the same business passengers.

We call them by name and tell them we are happy to see them again.”

It’s never too late

“My family was very supportive when I decided to change careers,” Yessayan said. “It’s been a great experience, it’s new, it’s exciting and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to change careers. However, Yessayan cautions that being a flight attendant is a

Those who meet Yessayan for the first time often mention her smile. She puts everyone at ease with her warm and friendly demeanor.

“I had someone mention my smile the other day on a flight,” she said. “They said you’re always smiling.”

Yessayan said patience was a virtue in her teaching job and in her current job, too.

“I’m always worried about people, I want to make sure they are okay. I think it is important to have that sense of caring, to have that passion for people,” she said.

Her concern for others shows up in her community life in the SCV. Yessayan and her husband, Apo, have been longtime supporters of many nonprofits in the SCV. They often are seen at charity events and for more years than anyone remembers Classic Designs Jewelry, owned by the Yessayans, has donated a hand selected diamond from Belgium in the Champagne Diamond Drop at Taste of the Town to benefit the Santa Clarita Child & Family Center.

Over the Rainbow

When Yessayan thinks about her new career in the sky she is brought back to the years she used “The Wizard of Oz” to motivate her students.

“The song, ‘Over the Rainbow’ now has a special meaning for me,” she said. “I followed my dream to the other side of the rainbow and became a flight attendant.”

Yessayan said despite her love for her new job she still misses her classroom.

“I miss the kids, I had a special bond with them,’ she said “I tend to gravitate to kids when I’m on the plane.

I’ll go up to them and if I have a few spare moments I’ll ask if they would like to draw a picture. I still miss the children and all the morning hugs I would get.

There were a lot of special parents and families that I had over the years at Sulphur Springs.” 