Sunday Signal August 9, 2020

Valencia | Saugus | Newhall | Canyon Country | Stevenson Ranch | Westridge | Castaic | Val Verde 2020 ‘BEST OF’ BALLOT INSIDE

AUGUST 9, 2020

Private Eyes . . .

They’re Watching You Page 7 Your News, Entertainment & Lifestyle Source

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A FAMILY AFFAIR AT PIZZA GUYS

14

TIPS TO MAKE THINGS EASIER AT HOME

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KEEP PETS SAFER IN THE SUN

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

AU G U S T 9, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES

4

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

8

HEALTH

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4 5 6 7

Outdoor adventures meant to push your limits Carving out their slice of the American dream Keeping your skin healthy in these high temps The modern-day Sherlock Holmes

8 Canyon Country Community Center reaching new heights 9 To Your Good Health: Swimmer fears repeat of Legionnaires’

FOOD

10 Flavorful, fun Japanese-inspired lunches Miso-glazed salmon bento Garlic Shrimp with Jasmine Rice

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ENTERTAINMENT

11

‘BEST OF’ BALLOT HOME

12 14

GARDENING

15

BUSINESS

16

SENIOR LIVING

17

KIDS & FAMILY

18

PETS

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PUZZLES OPINION

21 22

11 Showtime’s Go-Go’s doc, ‘The Weight of Gold’’

14 Tips for creating a low-maintenance home 15 Water gardens add charm and coolness 16 Top ways to reach your target market 17 Reduce your risk of another heart attack or stroke 18 Donna’s Day: Add flowers to make your life bloom Junior Whirl Guess Who? 19 Take precautions to prevent sunstroke in your pets

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AU G U S T 9, 2020

N E W S F E AT U R E

Outdoor adventures meant to push your limits

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

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s what feels like an eternity in quarantine continues, some feel like they’ve exhausted all the traditional, family-friendly options for fun in the sun this summer.

But knowing that for many the boredom is setting in, we realized that if it’s time to reach outside of our comfort zones for something to do on the weekends, then we have you covered.

While the summer of 2020 is sure to be unlike any other, you can still make it memorable by planning an adventure.

Bungee America offers bungee jumping off of the Bridge to Nowhere in the San Gabriel Mountains.

Planning a nearby adventure can be a great way to break up the monotony of the quarantine.

PHOTO COURTESY BUNGEE AMERICA

Skydiving

While jumping out of a plane might not be the first activity to come to mind, it will probably feel unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.

For some, it’s the adrenaline; for others, it’s the feeling of flying that’s appealing — but many agree, it’s an addictive feeling.

Today’s skydiver is equipped with the latest design and technology that help to mitigate as much risk as possible.

And, if you aren’t ready to take the plunge just yet, you can always try indoor skydiving, where you can get the feel for it by instead simply stepping into a wind chamber.

Hang gliding

If flying is your thing, then hang gliding, which is often described as the closest thing to flying like a bird, is the air sport for you.

While there is no motor involved, not even to get into the air, the glider is fully controllable, allowing pilots to maneuver the glider wherever they’d like.

With the option to fly tandem with an instructor until you get the hang of it, you can first take in the stunning views before learning how to fly the glider yourself.

Windsports, based in nearby Sylmar, offers both mountain and beach hang gliding options, ranging from soaring from the top of Kagel Mountain in the Angeles National Forest to lifting off from the sand dunes at Dockweiler State Beach.

Though only the beach location is currently open, Windsports hopes to

reopen mountain instruction soon.

In following public health guidelines, equipment is wiped down between uses, the number of students is limited and face coverings are required.

For more information on Windsports, visit windsports.com or call (818) 367-2430.

Deep sea fishing

Forget taking that fishing pole to the lake, instead take a trip out to the Pacific for a little deep sea fishing.

“It’s a different feeling when you’re out on the open water with waves as far as the eye can see,” Saugus resident Zach Brown said. “Not only are you chasing bigger fish, which is a pretty cool opportunity in itself, but you also get an ocean boating experience all at once.”

With miles of coastline, there are plenty of nearby options to choose from, ranging from chartering a boat off the Channel Islands and Santa Barbara, or you could rent one yourself.

Paintballing

With at least two paintball parks in the Santa Clarita Valley, along with more in the surrounding areas, there are plenty of options to fit your style.

As you race out onto the field, hiding from opponents and try to shoot them before your shot, paintball is a great way to get your adrenaline pumping.

Each paintball park offers a variety of game options and courses, so no matter how long you play, there’s always something new.

“It’s a challenging activity that can be rewarding once you get the hang of it,” Canyon Country resident Thomas Knapp said.

Before the pandemic, Knapp and his friends would go out to the paintball park nearly every weekend, and he said he was extremely excited to return once it reopened.

“It’s the perfect way to spend time with friends, while social distancing, because you’re always more than 6 feet apart, but you get to interact like you normally would during a game,” Knapp added.

Combat Paintball Park is located at 31050 Charlie Canyon Road in Castaic. Warped Paintball Park is located at 34481 Ridge Route Road in Castaic.

Bungee jumping

Take a hike up along the East Fork of the San Gabriel River on your way to plunge off the Bridge To Nowhere.

Located on 50 acres of private property, the area is surrounded by the Angeles National Forest and Sheep Mountain Wilderness Area.

The bridge itself was constructed in 1936 and spans the river, however the road leading to and from was washed away in a 1938 flood, leaving the bridge abandoned.

The 10-mile round trip hike features a number of river crossings, with plenty of opportunities to cool off, culminating at the arch-shaped bridge, where brave souls dare jump off its edge.

Bungee America offers jumping

every Saturday and Sunday year long, while weekday excursions can be booked by special arrangement.

The Bridge To Nowhere Trailhead is located off Camp Bonita Road in the San Gabriel Mountains, and a wilderness permit is required to access the trailhead.

Mountain biking

With 12,000 acres of open space and trails that traverse the Santa Clarita Valley’s hillsides, you don’t have to go far to mountain bike on some great terrain.

And with grading on the city’s new bike park at the Santa Clarita Sports Complex underway, mountain bikers will also have another option that is set to include a track with combination jumps.

Ronaldo Ibarra and his 12-year-old son Jeremy started mountain biking when they moved to Newhall a few years ago.

“Just looking at the hills as you drive through Santa Clarita, we knew we’d have to try it, then before we knew it, we were hooked,” Ibarra said. “We try to go out at least twice a month now, but often end up going more.”

Like the Ibarras, if you don’t have a bike readily available, there are still bike shops in the SCV, such as Canyon Bicycles and Open Trails E-Bikes, that rent them out, so you can try before you buy.

For more information on biking in Santa Clarita, visit bikesantaclarita. com.

AU G U S T 9, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

N E W S F E AT U R E

Carving out their slice of the American dream

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

I

t’s been 30 years since Lucky and Manjit Kaur moved to the United States from India.

In that time, they’ve had two children, owned a convenience store and, more recently, moved from the Bay Area to Santa Clarita.

Now, three decades later, they’ve finally accomplished their dream of owning a restaurant, as they celebrate the opening of their Pizza Guys franchise here in Santa Clarita.

“I finished high school, I got married and I came (to America) when I was 18,” Manjit Kaur said.

“I was speaking English, but I was not confident, because English here is a little bit different than in India.”

Still, Manjit moved across the world to join Lucky, who had arrived before her, as the couple searched for a good future for their growing family.

Manjit was pregnant with their daughter, Sonia, when she arrived. She spent a long time as a housewife, caring for Sonia and their son Shawn, who soon followed.

“We moved here in 2016 from San Francisco to L.A. because my kids go to college here, and they wanted us to move,” Manjit said. “Until then, my husband had wanted to open his own Indian restaurant because when he first got here, he was the head chef at an Indian restaurant.”

Even so, when a family friend who owned a couple Pizza Guys franchises introduced them to the company, the couple decided to switch gears.

“Every time we went there, we really liked the pizza,” Manjit added. “It’s gourmet pizza, so the pizza quality and food is very good, and everything was delicious.”

With the help of Shawn, Sonia and son-in-law Tag, the family quickly got to work searching for the perfect location to put Santa Clarita’s first Pizza Guys.

“I’m a very picky person and I just want to make sure we had a good location,” Manjit said, adding that they settled on a corner store in Bouquet Canyon Plaza. “It has good visibility on the street level because traffic is very heavy in that area on the road side, plus it used to be a Starbucks location, and Starbucks always finds the best locations.”

That was more than a year ago. Then they, like many other business owners, were stalled when the coronavirus pandemic hit in March.

“It was really hard, but thankfully my son is very involved,” Manjit said.

With everything closed, Shawn took to email to ensure the restaurant continued to receive the permits necessary to move forward with construction.

“We could not go to the city and apply for a permit, and there’s so many permits needed for the construction,” Manjit added. “So if we were not doing that, we would not be open yet because everything was closed down.”

Top: From left, server Dylan Santa Cruz, Lucky and Manjit Singh and server Seth Garden work to prepare a meal at the family-owned Pizza Guys in Saugus.

Right: Owning a business together has been the realization of a dream for the Singh family. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

The restaurant was supposed to open in May, but instead settled on opening as soon as construction was finished, which finally happened in the first week of July.

It was because of that delay that once they finally opened their doors July 15, they were flooded with customers, many of whom had been eager to try the new restaurant.

“This business is brand new for us, we’re not from the food industry,” Manjit said. “My crew is pretty brand new and we are brand new. We’re still learning and the crew’s learning, so everybody was anxious the first day.”

When the phone kept ringing, Manjit admitted she panicked.

“I started crying and I called corporate and I told them I can’t handle it anymore,” she said, adding that they suggested they close early.

“That’s an experience I’m never going to forget, and I’m happy that I had that experience — because I learned from that — and, every day we’re learning.”

While the restaurant has stayed busy in the two

weeks since it opened, the Kaur family has worked hard to learn the ropes.

“We didn’t even sleep for like two weeks,” Manjit added, chuckling. “We’d go home, we’d come back.”

And it appears that hard work has paid off, as the store has received accolades since its opening.

“We are blessed,” Manjit said. “This is the 70th Pizza Guys’ store, and we are the first one to open and break all of the records with the Yelp reviews, sales, everything.”

Since then, the restaurant has remained very busy, and Manjit is happy to report she’s already had a few repeat customers in the first couple of weeks, along with many customers eager to support a small business that’s family owned and operated.

“We are happy that everything is going smoothly, and that we are here running our own business,” Manjit added. “We have a good team. My crew is very, very supportive and fast learners. I’m happy to have all of them, and I’m proud that I own a Pizza Guys.”

Pizza Guys is located at 27667 Bouquet Canyon Road.

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AU G U S T 9, 2020

N E W S F E AT U R E

Keeping your skin healthy in these high temps

By Michele Lutes Signal Staff Writer

skin heals so they can avoid becoming dehydrated.

ummer is here, meaning many Santa Clarita Valley residents are being exposed to 100-degree temperatures and the sun’s harmful rays.

In addition to causing long-lasting skin damage, the Skin Cancer Foundation notes that a person’s risk for melanoma — the most dangerous form of skin cancer — doubles if one has had more than five sunburns.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, according to Heather Young, an oncology nurse navigator at Henry Mayo Memorial Hospital. And it’s causes include an increased exposure to the sun and a history of burns.

“We recommend broad spectrum sunscreen that possess UVA and UVB rays,” Young said.

She added the minimally recommended amount is 15 SPF, which protects you from 93% of the rays.

The highest is 50 SPF, which protect individuals from 98% of the harmful rays.

When using sunscreen, make sure to use a “shot glass full at a time every two hours, and wait five minutes after you apply it, before you get in the pool,” Young said.

“Oil could possibly cause burning, but (oils) aren’t harmful. Sunburn is what’s harmful,” and not only because it’s not very comfortable.

“You can get a second-degree burn from a sunburn, which can increase the risk for infection,” Young said. “A blister is second-degree burn, and it ages you.”

One should never pop a blister because it’s protecting the skin, Young added, and if you find yourself with a sunburn, then it’s best to get out of the sun as soon as you can. If one prefers, then place a cool, damp towel on the skin or use aloe moisturizer.

A lot of people might not know, “but the skin is your largest living organ,” Young said, mentioning dehydrated skin is among the many causes of facial wrinkling, which also can be caused by smoking, environmental factors and UV exposure.

Conditions like dry, dehydrated skin may make wrinkles appear worse, but hydration and moisturizing often work hand-in-hand, “so stay hydrated and drink lots of water,” the oncology nurse navigator added.

S

• Make a conscious effort to stay hydrated. Sunburns draw fluid to the surface of skin, taking it away from the rest of the body. So it’s important that men and women who have suffered a sunburn make a conscious effort to drink more fluids until their

Your healthy skin quiz

The skin is our largest organ, and everyone wants to “put their best skin forward.” As with anything, daily maintenance is important to keep things clean and healthy. Take this quiz to check out your skin knowledge:

1. True or False: You should use a moisturizer every day.

2. True or False: You should use skin care products labeled “unscented” if you have sensitive skin.

3. True or False: The best way to clean your face is a good scrubbing.

4. True or False: You should wear sunscreen every day, rain or shine.

5. True or False: Smoking can age your skin.

3. False. Scrubbing can irritate the skin. Use lukewarm water and use your fingertips with a mild cleanser.

2. False. Even when labels say “unscented,” there can be fragrances that irritate the skin. Fragrance-free is the label you should look for if you have sensitive skin.

1. True. For best results, apply moisturizer to your skin after bathing while your skin is still damp. It can help keep your skin from drying out.

• Take a cool shower or bath, but the SCF recommends keeping the bath or shower short, as long baths or showers

• Decrease inflammation using an anti-inflammatory like aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen, which can help manage the pain and discomfort associated with sunburns. Symptoms such as redness and swelling may be mitigated with a 1 percent over-thecounter cortisone cream applied as

• Report severe sunburns to a physician. Symptoms of severe sunburn include blistering of the skin, fever, chills, wooziness, and/or feelings of confusion. Report such symptoms to a physician immediately, and avoid popping blisters, as doing so can lead to infection.

4. True. SPF 30 or higher can help prevent wrinkles, age spots and even skin cancer.

• Cool the skin down quickly by sitting near a body of water or a backyard pool. Feel free to take a dip in the pool but make it quick to make sure your skin is not further exposed to the sun.

• Apply a gentle moisturizing lotion while the skin is still damp, and continue doing so to affected areas for a few days. Avoid petroleum- or oilbased ointments, as they can trap the heat and make burns worse.

directed for a few days.

5. True. Tobacco smoke contains chemicals that can cause premature wrinkles.

You can also attempt to:

SIGNAL PHOTO

can dry the skin. It’s also wise to avoid harsh soap that can be irritating.

Other skin care tips include:

• Taking warm showers, as hot water can strip the natural lipids from skin and cause dryness.

• Avoiding too many alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic drinks are diuretics that can cause the body to lose water, advises WebMD. • Using a humidifier indoors to amp up the moisture level in the air.

• Enjoying water-rich foods, like watermelon, cucumber, grapes, and other succulent fruits and vegetables.

• Drinking the recommended amount of water per day, and limit your consumption of caffeinated and sugary beverages.

• Working out to improve blood flow and oxygenation in the skin.

A long sleeve and hat have also proven to be effective in protecting oneself from further damage, according to Young.

Many people choose their clothes based largely on their own unique fashion sense, but the clothes people wear can serve a greater purpose than broadcasting their sense of style to the world. The Skin Cancer Foundation believes clothing is the first line of defense against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Santa Clarita Valley residents can find articles of clothing that protect against UV rays at UVskinz.com Sunburns can always be avoided, experts say. Men, women and children planning to spend time in the sun should take every measure to avoid sunburn, which can produce long-lasting damage to the skin.

AU G U S T 9, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

The modern-day Sherlock Holmes

N E W S F E AT U R E

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

F

or many, the traditional picture of a private investigator conjures up an image of someone dressed in a dark overcoat and fedora who sneaks around in the dead of night.

Well, it’s 2020, and times have changed the nature of the information-gathering process for detectives in a number of ways.

Technological advancements are just one of many things that can be attributed to innovating the way a private investigator does their job.

Here in Santa Clarita, some would be surprised to find a number of private investigators who call the SCV their home base, each finding their own niche in the industry.

Why become a private investigator?

“There’s this preconceived notion that we sit in cars, smoke cigars and wear fedoras,” private investigator Jennifer Marshall of Deep Source Investigations said, chuckling.

But when Marshall, a Navy veteran and actress, left the Los Angeles Police Department Academy after an injury, she still wanted to find a way to help people, which is why she turned to PI work.

“I knew I could help, and I knew that there was an option to work in this field, stay out of the drama, but really work on things that I found impactful. And thankfully, I’ve been able to do that,” she said. “I really love my job and I love our community and I love when I’m able to help someone in our community. That really means a lot to me, just because I think so much of Santa Clarita and the people who live here, and I’m really thankful to be able to have a business in a place that I live and in a town that I love.”

For Shannon Tulloss of Shannon Tulloss Investigations, she’s always been a do-gooder, she said, and going into PI work allowed her to keep that level of integrity she wasn’t able to find in other companies.

For over 30 years now, Tulloss has been in the business of helping people find peace in their lives, she said.

“That’s what fuels me,” she added.

Julien Dunn of Ms. Private Eye said she was ready to brand herself as a female private investigator to help her establish her own niche in what many consider a traditionally male-dominated market. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

“I absolutely relish being a part of the solution.”

Similarly, Julien Dunn of Ms. Private Eye said she’s always been a very inquisitive person.

“I’m good at looking at things from different lenses, seeing it from the other person’s perspective and just thinking outside the box of ways to problem-solve,” Dunn said. “A lot of that is what my job is.”

What is a PI?

“I think everyone should have a PI in their back pocket, like they have their hairdresser, auto repair person or legal representation — someone that they know and trust,” Tulloss

said. “Because we provide a service that is unique to our industry, in that we can help provide accurate information in order for you to make an informed decision.”

Information is key, whether it’s information regarding financial decisions, career decisions or even personal decisions, Tulloss added.

Similarly, Marshall considers herself an “information broker,” who specializes in certain subjects.

“It’s not jack-of-all-trades, you really want to be a master of a few specific things within the career path,” she added.

Instead, Marshall surrounds herself with other PI’s who are knowledge-

able in those other areas she’s not.

Tulloss agreed, adding, “I’ve established nationwide, really worldwide, contacts. If I can’t find the information, I know somebody who can.”

As professionals, PIs have access to databases that aren’t available to the public, Dunn added.

“At times, it actually shocks me how much information I can get,” said Dunn, who’s newer to the industry, mentioning license plate-recognition technology that can help spouses track whether a partner has been somewhere they’re not supposed to be.

See PRIVATE EYES, page 20

8 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

AU G U S T 9, 2020

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Canyon Country Community Center reaching new heights

By City Manager Ken Striplin

A

s we move further into 2020, we also near the culmination of the City of Santa Clarita’s SC2020 strategic plan. Over the past five years, the City has celebrated the completion of a number of action items in the SC2020 plan, including the Newhall Ranch Road Bridge Widening Project, the acquisition and preservation of open space and the construction of new trails for residents to explore.

One landmark project that will have a profound impact on generations to come is the future Canyon Country Community Center at the corner of Soledad Canyon Road and Sierra Highway.

The temporary Canyon Country Community Center opened its doors in 2013 and is currently located on Flying Tiger Drive. Since the be-

ginning, residents have gone to the Community Center for everything from early childhood enrichment activities to programs for senior citizens and families. Even through the uncertainty of the coronavirus Safer at Home public health orders, City staff has continued to develop arts and crafts projects, student activities and more for the Virtual Rec Center (santa-clarita.com/VirtualRec Center).

Construction continues on the new Community Center, and progress is being made each and every day.

The second phase of construction is currently underway, and if you have been in the area recently, you will notice that the Community Center building itself is taking shape. Other features of the Canyon Country Community Center are also beginning to fill out the site plan.

Most of the structural steel for the main building is completely installed, and crews are working on the metal

roof decking. Additionally, fine grading of the site is taking place as construction continues on the restroom building, parking lot light pole bases and site utilities.

As part of Phase II, the “Communitree” public art piece will also be installed. The “Communitree” will serve as an iconic gateway into the new Community Center and will be a unique and colorful oak tree that will symbolize the strength of Santa Clarita.

Phase III will be completed concurrently with Phase II and is beginning this summer. This third and final phase includes off-site improvements to the streets surrounding the future Canyon Country Community Center. These improvements will enhance traffic flow around the site and at the busy Soledad/Sierra intersection.

When the new Canyon Country Community Center opens to the public in 2021, it will be a destina-

tion for residents looking for recreation, enrichment, socialization and more. In the coming months, the Community Center building will be completed and will house a gymnasium, fitness room and demonstration kitchen. Residents will also enjoy an outdoor space for events, play equipment, half-court basketball, walkways and open turf area.

There is much to be excited about as the Canyon Country Community Center project nears completion.

I look forward to its grand opening and welcoming residents to this state-of-the-art facility next year. You can learn more about the Community Center and watch a video of the construction process by visiting santa-clarita.com/FutureCCCC. Ken Striplin can be reached at kstriplin@santa-clarita.com. The views expressed in his column are those of the City and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal.

AU G U S T 9, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

H E A LT H

To your good health —

Swimmer fears repeat of Legionnaires’ disease

By Keith Roach, M.D. Signal Contributing Writer

Dear Dr. Roach I’m 73, male and have been swimming a mile in inside pools every day for 10 years. Two months ago, I caught Legionella pneumonia and was in the hospital for three weeks. They said I was critical.

I’m afraid to go back to swimming for fear that I’ll die if I get that disease again. What are my chances of getting it again if I return to daily swimming?

— D.F. Answer Legionnaires’ disease is caused by Legionella pneumophila, a bacteria species that lives in water, especially warm water. Legionella is a dangerous infection. It most commonly affects those over 50 or those with other risk factors, including smoking, alcohol use and a suppressed immune system from a medication or medical condition.

Pools are an occasional cause for Legionella infection; hot tubs are more

common. Air conditioning systems and cooling towers are responsible for most large outbreaks. Infection occurs when the aerosolized water droplets contaminated with the bacteria are inhaled deep in the lungs where they can cause infection. I don’t know if an investigation was done in your case, but large outbreaks are a significant concern, and often trigger a response by public health officials. The swimming pool is a possibility.

A properly cleaned and treated pool poses little risk. You should discuss your diagnosis with the operator of the pools where you swam in the week or two prior to getting sick, so the water can be tested. I would point them to tinyurl.com/CDC-legionellapool for information appropriate to aquatics professionals.

Swimming is a great form of exercise, and you should feel safe and comfortable in your pool.

Dear Dr. Roach Does a person

with Eustachian tube dysfunction have to be careful when washing her or his hair? I am concerned that the water that gets into the ear can be felt going down the throat. Or is that another problem?

— K.C.H. Answer The ear has three compartments: external, middle and inner.

The external ear is all of the part you can touch, all the way to the tympanic membrane (eardrum). It is watertight.

The middle ear is the location of three bones that connect the eardrum to the cochlea, the organ of hearing. The cochlea and the organ of Corti, from which you derive your sense of balance, comprise the inner ear.

The Eustachian tube runs from the middle of the ear into the back of the throat, and it allows the pressure in the ear to equalize with the pressure in the atmosphere. Eustachian tube dysfunction is when the tube fails to open, causing pressure changes in the ear.

This often comes with reduced hearing and a sensation of ear pressure, and sometimes with ear pain, itching or tinnitus, the sensation of ringing in the ears or other noise. Eustachian tube dysfunction is a complicated issue I can’t explain fully here.

However, showering with Eustachian tube dysfunction is not a problem. A sensation of water going down the throat during showering could possibly be from a wide-open hole in the eardrum, but it is more likely a referred sensation, meaning the body is misinterpreting the data from its own nerves.

Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual questions, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med. cornell.edu. © 2020 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved

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AU G U S T 9, 2020

FOOD

C

ooking with your kids is a fun way to bond while teaching basic culinary skills. It provides practical lessons like counting ingredients and dividing portions. Plus, meals cooked together offer kids something to look forward to during lunchtime. They can enjoy the food they helped prepare, and you’ll be able to check at least one meal off your to-do list while teaching valuable life lessons.

One way to make cooking more exciting for the family is to prepare food for a bento box using pantry staples.

Bento boxes are considered an act of love in Japan and are a fun way to get your family involved in the kitchen.

Bento boxes are similar to single-portion lunchboxes except they feature small compartments for each element of your meal, making it easy to encourage kids to eat fresh fruits and veggies. They also offer a whimsy vi-

sual appeal that can make mealtime more entertaining.

Next time you plan a meal with loved ones, try incorporating authentic Japanese recipes like a Miso-Glazed Salmon Bento or Garlic Shrimp with Jasmine Rice. These dishes call for simple preparations, short cook times and pantry basics, making it easy to involve your family in the process.

To create a taste-tempting family meal with genuine Japanese flavors, try Mizkan premium sauces and rice vinegars. For more than two centuries, the vinegars have helped chefs and families around the world delight in the flavors of Japan. Now the taste can be at your table, helping you create authentic meals your whole family can enjoy.

Find more tips and ideas for creating flavorful and authentic Japanese recipes at mizkanflavors.com. (Family Features)

Miso-Glazed Salmon Bento Prep time: 20 minutes, plus marinating Cook time: 6 minutes Servings: 2 1/4 cup miso paste 2 tablespoons Mizkan Mirin Sweet Cooking Seasoning 1 tablespoon sake 2 skinless center-cut salmon fillets (6 ounces each) 1 cup thinly sliced seedless cucumbers 1 teaspoon kosher salt 2 tablespoons Mizkan Seasoned Rice Vinegar 2 cups cooked short-grain sushi rice, cooled 1 tablespoon thinly sliced green onions 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds 6 cherry tomatoes 2 lemon wedges In medium bowl, whisk miso paste, mirin and sake. Add salmon, turning to coat evenly. Marinate 10-30 minutes. Discard remaining marinade.

Heat large nonstick pan on medium-high heat. Cook fish 2-3 minutes on each side, or until internal temperature reaches 145 F. Cut each fillet into four small pieces.

In strainer or colander, toss cucumbers with salt; let stand 5 minutes.

Squeeze out excess liquid; toss with rice vinegar.

Pack each bento box evenly with rice, pickled cucumbers and salmon. Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Garnish with tomatoes and lemons.

Substitutions If ingredients are unavailable or difficult to find: Use 1/4 cup soy sauce to glaze salmon in place of miso paste; use low-carb rice such as cauliflower or broccoli rice in place of sushi rice.

Tip To prevent sogginess, separate wet components like cucumber pickles by using aluminum foil or silicone muffin liners inside bento box.

Garlic Shrimp with Jasmine Rice Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 6

Ponzu Rice

1 cup jasmine rice 1/2 cup Mizkan Ponzu Citrus Seasoned Soy Sauce 1 1/2 cups water

Stir Fry

2 tablespoons Mizkan Organic Rice Vinegar 1/4 cup Mizkan Ponzu Citrus Seasoned Soy Sauce 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1/2 cup vegetable stock 1 teaspoon cornstarch 2 tablespoons oil 1 pound (about 21-25) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined 1/4 cup red onion, large chopped 2 teaspoons garlic, minced 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped 1/2 cup carrots, shredded 1 cup sugar-snap peas 1 cup broccoli florets

2 scallions, sliced 2 teaspoons sesame seeds To make ponzu rice In small saucepan, combine jasmine rice, ponzu and water; cook according to rice directions.

To make stir fry In bowl, whisk rice vinegar, seasoned soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, vegetable stock and cornstarch to combine. Set aside.

In large saute pan over high heat, heat oil; add shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes until pink.

Add red onion and cook 1 minute.

Add garlic, red bell peppers, carrots, snap peas and broccoli; cook 3 minutes until tender.

Add reserved sauce and cook 2 minutes until thickened.

Divide rice among six bowls and top with shrimp stir fry. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds; serve.

AU G U S T 9, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

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

Showtime’s Go-Go’s doc, the true ‘Weight of Gold’

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘The Go-Go’s’

1/2 (out of four) Showtime documentary. No MPAA rating. Running time: 98 minutes.

I

n many ways, The Go-Go’s story is a classic tale of a seminal rock ‘n’ roll band, from the humble beginnings to the early personnel changes to the rise to international stardom to the exhilaration of topping the charts to the dumping of the loyal first manager to the overindulgence of certain substances to the squabbles over royalty payments to the bitter breakup and ultimately a reconciliation. Whew! We’ve seen this movie many times.

But as Alison Ellwood’s comprehensive and expertly rendered documentary illustrates, what’s unique about The Go-Go’s is their pioneering, glass ceiling-shattering, stereotype-smashing status as the first all-female band to write their own songs, play their own instruments and hit No. 1 on the Billboard album charts.

When we talk about musical acts that deserve to be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame but are perennially overlooked, The Go-Go’s should be atop THAT chart as well.

To casual fans who remember The Go-Go’s for such infectious pop classics as “We Got the Beat” and “Our Lips Are Sealed” and “Vacation,” it might come as a surprise to learn the group started as a loud, raucous, wild and not particularly tuneful punk band.

Unlike previous all-girl bands, The Go-Go’s were not a packaged band overseen by male Svengalis; they found each other on their own and carved out their own identity, gradually making the segue to pop music after Charlotte Caffey joined the band and wrote “We Got the Beat.” (Director Ellwood makes spare but great use of visual touches, in this case some animation to augment Caffey’s story of how she was inspired to write the intro to “We Got the Beat” after hearing the famous “Twilight Zone” theme on TV.) There’s also a nifty sequence in which Jane Wiedlin explains how she came to write “Our Lips Are Sealed,” and some terrific behind-the-scenes stories, e.g., The Go-Go’s touring as an opening act for The Police, who celebrated with them when their album actually leapfrogged the headline act, and the making of videos for such hits as “Vacation.”

Wiedlin, Caffey, Kathy Valentine, Gina Schock and lead singer Belinda Carlisle all contribute candid interviews, as does former manager Ginger Canzoneri, who gave her heart and soul (and money) to the group in the early going but was tossed aside when The Go-Go’s exploded and decided they needed big-name management to handle their brand. After the acrimonious breakup and

Jane Wiedlin, Charlotte Caffey, Belinda Carlisle, Gina Schock, Kathy Valentine of The Go-Go’s in The Go-Go’s (2020). PHOTO COURTESY IMDB

years spent apart, we see The Go-Go’s reunited and rehearsing, looking as happy as they did decades earlier.

They still got the beat.

‘The Weight of Gold’

1/2 HBO Sports documentary. No MPAA rating. Running time: 60 minutes.

“T

he Weight of Gold” should be required viewing for every aspiring Olympic athlete, their families and loved ones — and every member of the U.S. Olympic Committee. It’s an unblinking and yet compassionate look at the mental health issues faced by former Olympic athletes, featuring candid interviews with Apolo Ohno, Lolo Jones, Bode Miller, Sasha Cohen, Shaun White and Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian ever, who narrates and is admirably forthright about his own battles with depression, his two arrests for DUI and multiple suspensions by USA Swimming, and how he was able to acknowledge his issues, get help and find a measure of peace and balance.

Clocking in at just one hour, “The Weight of Gold” kicks off with a timely update recapping how the Tokyo 2020 Games have been postponed for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, putting the dreams on hold for some 15,000 Olympic athletes from more than 200 countries. Phelps talks about the physical and mental health toll the virus has taken on millions worldwide and says, “Mental health is something I’d been thinking about long before the virus hit. … I found myself looking back on the highs and lows, and how close I came to losing it all.”

Director Brett Rapkin does a superb job of utilizing archival footage and weaving in interviews with figure skaters Gracie Gold and Sasha Cohen, skeleton racer Katie Uhlaendar, snowboarder Shaun White, alpine ski racer Bode Miller and hurdler/bobsledder Lolo Jones, among others, all of

whom tell similar stories about getting hooked on their sport when they were 10 or 11 years old, and plunging head-first into a world in which nothing else mattered other than training and competing, training and competing.

All of it leading to that Olympic make-or-break moment.

“You get on an Olympic venue bus,” says Sasha Cohen, “and you go to the arena to compete, and you have this kind of epiphany that when you get back on this bus again tonight, your fate will have been sealed. Something will be written into history that can never be unwritten or rewritten.”

We see clips of Cohen stumbling and falling in the free skate at the 2006 Winter Olympics and getting a silver medal, which was considered a crushing letdown, and Lolo Jones on the brink of winning the gold at Beijing in 2008, and then clipping the penultimate hurdle and finishing seventh. Jones talks of coming home and learning her insurance had been cut off and she was to receive a mere pittance to continue training.

“It was so overwhelming, and I had no one to talk to,” says Jones. “I would be washing dishes months later and I’d think about it, and I’d literally be frozen … (but) athletes just don’t talk about our weaknesses. We’re tough. We will hide ANYTHING.” Gold medal-winning bobsledder Steve Holcomb talks about how he didn’t tell anyone when he first considered taking his own life: “I was worried people would see me as this fragile person … .” He breaks down when discussing his friend, silver-medal winning skier Jeret “Speedy” Peterson, an outwardly fun-loving free spirit who took his own life in 2011.

A year earlier, Olympic sports shooter Stephen Scherer died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

In 2019, silver medal-winning cyclist Kelly Catlin committed suicide. Also last year, Olympic judo candidate Jack Hatton took his own life. And Steve Holcomb, who is so brave and forthcoming talking about his own issues and the loss of his friend Speedy Peterson, committed suicide in 2017.

“I don’t think anyone really cared to help us,” says Phelps. “I don’t think anyone jumped in to ask if we were OK.” Lolo Jones: “I’ve helped promote Olympic sports for three Olympics. I’ve given my blood, sweat and tears. ... All I’m asking is that after it’s all said and done, someone can help me mentally get through this.”

The one area where “The Weight of Gold” falls short, or at least feels incomplete, is the absence of interviews with anyone from the USOC to respond to so many former American Olympians claiming they were left to deal with their mental health issues on their own. What’s crystal clear is there is a great and urgent need for a comprehensive plan to help Olympic athletes — past, present and future.

Copyright 2020 Chicago Sun Times

12 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

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AU G U S T 9, 2020

“Best of” 2020 Ballot

Dining & Entertainment

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ote Dr. Hyun Oh

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American Restaurant Atmosphere Banquet Facility Bar Barbecue Breakfast Brewery Brunch Burger Business Lunch Catering Chef Chinese Restaurant Cocktails Deli Desserts Dinner Donuts Family Entertainment Family Restaurant Fast Food Frozen Yogurt Happy Hour Health Food Ice Cream Store Indian Restaurant Italian Restaurant Live Entertainment Lunch Spot Mediterranean Restaurant Mexican Restaurant New Restaurant Pizza Place for kids to have fun Place to throw a party Restaurant Service Romantic Restaurant Sandwiches Seafood Restaurant Social / Country Club Sports Bar Steak Sushi Takeout Thai Vietnamese Restaurant Wine Bar

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14 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

AU G U S T 9, 2020

HOME

Five tips for creating a low-maintenance home

A

s most people are spending more time at home, ensuring your living spaces are clean and uncluttered can make being home more comfortable and enjoyable. However, not everyone has the time, or desire, to devote to constant maintenance.

A shift toward less work around the house just takes some prep work and smart tools.

mail and other paper you’ve collected.

Organize and declutter

Use time wisely

Working your way around stacks of things you don’t use frequently, or need at all, can make it difficult to keep your home tidy.

Cut back on the clutter by sorting items into categories such as things you use often, those you rarely use and things you don’t need any longer.

Donate what you don’t need then work on organizing the rest. Invest in drawers, shelves and storage bins to ensure everything has a place, and only leave out the items you use frequently.

Create a labeling system

The hassle of finding and remembering where you put extra linens, wading through a cluttered spice rack or locating the hammer can be unnecessary stressors. Consider investing in a label maker to help make it easier to keep organized and find the things you’re looking for when you need them.

Automate your cleaning

You can simplify your chores by putting technology to work for you.

One example is an all-in-one robotic vacuum cleaner and floor mop that keep floors clean so you don’t have to think about it, such as the Deebot T5 from Ecovacs. Its patented OZMO Mopping System allows it to vacuum and mop simultaneously, removing up to 99% of bacteria without any harsh chemicals.

It smartly maps your home with

laser technology, and the automatic carpet detection feature avoids carpet when mopping to keep it from getting wet. You can even schedule cleanings from your phone.

Manage paper

It can be easy to allow mail, magazines and other paper to pile up. To help manage the influx, create an “inbox” in a convenient location and put mail and paperwork there all week.

Designate one day each week to sort, take action, shred and dispose of

Devoting a small amount of time to daily maintenance is key. If a task takes just a few minutes to do — like scheduling your robot vacuum to clean or putting dishes in the dishwasher — do it as needed. Then, every day, spend 10-15 minutes tidying up and putting things away so they don’t pile up and lead to more time-consuming chores.

A low-maintenance home can free your time for more living. Find more ideas for less maintenance at ecovacs. com. (Family Features)

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AU G U S T 9, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

Water gardens add charm and coolness

GARDENING

By Jane Gates Signal Contributing Writer

W

ater gardening has become very popular all over the country. The romantic image of an oasis in the desert has always held a magical quality. Though we may be more correctly considered chaparral rather than desert, the magic retains its allure.

In the dry heat of our summers, a little running water can sooth the soul and lower the temperature psychologically. Water can be introduced from a tiny source or a large focal point. It can be in the form of a fountain, a pool, a waterfall or a pond.

All shapes and sizes

Fountains can be as simple as little table structures for the patio. Or, you can build a natural looking fountain in your garden with local rocks so it appears to be a natural upshot of ground water, blending in with the environment.

You can chose from a large selection of preformed fountains in all sizes, shapes and colors at specialty or home stores. Or a fountain can be constructed on site as a major feature in the landscape.

Waterfalls

Waterfalls are often incorporated into the design of many pools . ‘Pondless’ waterfalls have become especially popular. The idea is to build a waterfall that spills into a recycling area filled with rock or

another medium that makes issues with pond, fish and mosquito maintenance mute.

Waterfalls can be built of rock to look natural, or may be built with a variety of other materials to look artistic, contemporary, humorous or reflect any other style. Most important is that these waterfalls are designed to blend with the style of the surrounding garden and home.

Mosquitos

There are a number of issues to keep in mind if you are considering a water feature. In the heat and dry of our climate, the heavier the water flow, the greater the evaporation. Your water feature will need to be topped up regularly.

If you do not have fish, you will have to consider ways of thwarting the mosquito population. If there are no living critters in your water world, then you can use chlorine, bleach or water conditioners at pool supply retailers.

If your focus is on water plants, consider using mosquito dunks. They work biologically and will not hurt your plants. Maintaining a population of fish should keep the mosquito population under control consuming the mosquito eggs and hatchlings as a natural dinner treat.

I don’t recommend koi for a pond smaller than 1,000 gallons. For smaller ponds there are lots of colors and forms of goldfish available as well as the usual orange color. Try comets for reds and whites and Shibunkins for fancy patterns, multiple colors and longer fins and tails.

koi or larger numbers of goldfish makes a biological filter a must, and that will need regular cleaning, too. In short, stick to fountains unless you are willing to do the time-consuming maintenance.

Plants

Aquatic plants create their own special effects.

Bog plants, for example need to keep at least their toes wet ( the bottoms of the pots in water) and usually tolerate water right up to their necks (submerged just over the top of the pot).

Of the plants that dive in over their heads, the water lily is probably the best known. The regal Lotus is worthy of growing in any water garden. Both plants will grow larger and flower better in very big containers — the bigger the better. They need at least 6 hours of sun here. When happy, they put on breath-taking displays of both flower and foliage and offer a vast array of colors.

Then there are the floating water plants. These do not have to be planted at all, but form colonies on the surface of the water. These plants help aerate the water during the day and provide shade for fish. They add practicality and beauty and can sometimes be used in smaller water features like fountains.

Water gardening is fascinating for adults and children alike, but beware, it can easily grow into an addiction! Be realistic about how much money, energy and time you have to put into your water garden, and then choose your favorite form!

Maintenance

Water gardens can be a source of fascination.

But they are a lot of work — especially ponds. New ponds actually take the least work, but after a year or two, when they reach a good balance, it will require much of your time to keep that balance.

If you want waterlilies, for example, you need to make sure your pond gets at least six hours of sun.

This same sun that will make most water plants grow best, will also encourage the long stringy algae that may clog up your pond and equipment. Raising

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Beautiful 1591 sq ft home inside Friendly Valley. Built in 2004, this single-story home has 3 bedrooms (or 2 beds + office), a formal dining room, large kitchen, a laundry room and a stunning backyard with canyon views. Located inside the 24 hr guard-gated Friendly Valley private golf community which includes a 9 hole executive golf course, 18 hole pitch-and-putt, lawn bowls, pool, spa ... and even your internet and cable are included in your HOA fee. This wonderful home can be yours for just $553,000.

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16 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

AU G U S T 9, 2020

BUSINESS

Top ways to help you reach your target market

A

n amazing product, a phenomenal business model and a great team may put you on the right path, but ultimately, they mean little to your chances for success as a business owner if you don’t get in front of your target market.

Fully understanding your target audience and developing the right methods to reach those consumers can take time, but you can get a head start by following the lead of fellow business owners like entrepreneur Russell Brunson, who started his first online company while he was still in college.

Today, he is the co-founder of ClickFunnels, a successful software company that helps entrepreneurs get their message out to the marketplace quickly and efficiently. Brunson is also the author of a series of books, including “Traffic Secrets,” which is filled with tips for using classic and foundational direct marketing techniques to help drive traffic to busi-

PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES

ness owners’ products or services, and drive demand.

Build a strategy that helps you reach your target market with Brunson’s advice, adapted from “Traffic Secrets,” the third installment in his bestselling trilogy. Brunson believes in his methods so much that he’s providing the book for free to business owners who visit grabtrafficsecrets.com while supplies last.

Make customers your main focus.

After putting so much time and energy into developing your product or service, it can be hard to shift your attention elsewhere. However, switching your focus to your customers and finding ways to meet them where they already are can pay bigger dividends in the long run.

That doesn’t mean you should stop thinking about new features and improving what you offer but attempt it with customers’ needs in mind.

Drive your business from the vantage point of knowing who your dream customers are by understanding what they want and care about.

The better you understand who your customers are, the easier it may be to get in front of them.

Pinpoint where they spend time.

Once you have a solid definition of who your customers are, learn where they hang out, especially online. Make

a list of the YouTube channels they watch, the blogs they read and the podcasts they listen to. Try to write down at least 100 that you can use to get in front of target consumers.

Make connections with the gatekeepers. Seek out the people behind those channels and contact as many of them as you can. Build relationships, ask what their advertising options are and explore collaborative opportunities such as guest posting, being a podcast guest or forming an affiliate relationship.

Let your affiliates promote your business. Even in this digital age, personal relationships count. That’s why Brunson recommends building relationships with the people who manage the places your target customers spend time. Through ClickFunnels, he asked those channel leaders to become affiliates; now they make money while promoting the company’s products. (Family Features)

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AU G U S T 9, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 7

SENIORLIVING

Reduce your risk of another heart attack or stroke

A

fter a heart attack or stroke, as many as 1 in 4 survivors will have another one. However, lifestyle changes and working closely with your doctor to manage your health may minimize the risk of a repeat event.

Sticking to secondary prevention routines — by eating healthy, being active and taking medications as prescribed — is important as cases of COVID-19 increase.

“A heart attack or stroke is a very scary experience, and people try to avoid revisiting that difficult time,” said neurologist Lee Schwamm, MD, chair of the American Stroke Association and professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School.

“Unfortunately, the risk of a repeat stroke is high, and lifestyle changes to reduce a person’s risk are almost always necessary to reduce those odds.”

Up to 80% of second clot-related strokes and heart attacks may be prevented by making healthy choices.

Consider these tips from the American Stroke Association’s secondary heart attack and stroke prevention initiative, sponsored nationally by Bayer.

Blood Pressure Work with your doctor to ensure you’re maintaining a healthy blood pressure level below 130/80. High blood pressure is both a leading cause and major risk factor for stroke and heart attack.

Cholesterol Medication and healthy lifestyle habits can help keep high cholesterol in check.

Blood Sugar Having diabetes, which is caused by high blood sugar, more than doubles your risk of stroke. Some people have diabetes and don’t know it until a medical emergency happens.

Medications If you are prescribed medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, make sure you take them as prescribed.

If you had a clot-related stroke or a heart attack, your doctor may recommend aspirin to help prevent another event. Aspirin is not appropriate for everyone, so talk to your doctor before beginning an aspirin regimen.

Smoking If you smoke, stop.

Stroke warning signs can be remembered using the acronym F.A.S.T.: F Face drooping A Arm weakness S Speech difficulty T Time to call 9-1-1

Heart attack warning signs include: • Chest discomfort.

• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body such as one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

• Shortness of breath.

• Breaking out in a cold sweat • Nausea • Lightheadedness Smoking increases the risk of stroke and heart attack because it damages blood vessels, which can lead to blockages.

Physical Activity Being physically active at least 30 minutes a day, most days of the week or 150 minutes per week is recommended by the American Stroke Association.

Even as COVID-19 cases strain emergency medicine, calling 9-11 still provides access to life-saving treatments for people experiencing medical emergencies. Emergency medical responders can assess symptoms, begin treatment and transport the patient to the most appropriate hospital, if necessary.

Based on current information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it appears people 65 and older and people of any age with underlying medical conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes, are more likely to be infected and develop more severe symptoms. Stroke survivors may face increased risk for complications if they get COVID-19.

Find more resources to help manage your risk at stroke.org/oneisenough (Family Features)

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18 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

AU G U S T 9, 2020

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Add flowers to your dish and make your life bloom

“Y

ou can have your cake and blossoms too,” was the greeting my friend Janet proclaimed when she arrived for coffee on my deck last week.

Carrying a freshly baked BlueberryLime Pound Cake recipe from Fine Cooking magazine, the allure of her culinary presentation wasn’t just about the yummy cake. Ringing the confection were eye-popping clusters of bright orange and yellow organic nasturtiums. The delightful decoration of natural blooms she had just picked from her garden turned a simple get-together into an event.

Tap into the power of fresh flowers that are in full bloom right now.

Let your kids pick their favorites and enjoy “flower play” as you create something together. It can be as easy as tossing rose petals down the center of your dinner table. There’s an idea for everyone.

1. Set a pretty bloom and floating

candles in a clear glass bowl or wide-mouthed vase half-filled with water. Set on a patio table and light the candles for an al-fresco family supper.

2. Tuck an aromatic gardenia in your daughter’s hair for an eye-catching ‘do. No need for perfume with nature’s floral scent.

3. Press a flower in a summer journal. It will be a treasured keepsake when you thumb through the pages this winter.

4. Make a basic arrangement in a water-filled vase following the simple principle of using a focal flower, such as a rose, and adding a few smaller flowers, such as daisies, along with a pretty vine or hosta leaves. When kids do the creating, the look will be less contrived and more informal. Name the flowers as you clip and arrange them together.

5. At a family party, top an ice-cream cone or cupcakes with edible flowers such as pansies and johnny

jump-ups. Or, for a unique presentation, arrange a few nontoxic flowers in a narrow jar or vase, and place it in the center space of an angel food cake.

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.” © 2020 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

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AU G U S T 9, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 9

PETS

Take precautions to prevent sunstroke in your pets

By Michelle Sathe Signal Contributing Writer

S

ummer can be the most fun time of year for people — and pets. Enjoying a beautiful summer day together is great, but the heat can also be dangerous or even deadly for pets. Luckily, with just a few precautions, you can keep pets safe in the summer heat.

“Heat stroke can occur when an animal’s temperature rises to a critical level,” says Dr. Mike Dix, medical director for Best Friends Animal Society.

“Normal body temperatures for dogs and cats range from 100 to 102.5 degrees. When a dog’s temperature rises to 108 degrees, or a cat’s to 106 degrees, they can suffer irreparable organ damage and even die.”

According to Dr. Mike, signs of heat stroke in dogs and other pets include heavy panting that does not resolve as the pet rests, increasing distress, a tongue color that is dark red to almost purple, weakness or

collapse, hyper-salivation, vomiting and labored breathing.

If you suspect a dog or cat is suffering from heat stroke, move him to a cooler environment immediately and apply cool water to the abdomen, ears and foot pads.

Once he is stable, get him to a vet as quickly as possible, even if he seems to be cooling down and his temperature seems normal. Things may be happening on the inside that are not obvious from the outside.

A variety of situations — leaving a dog in a hot car, going for a midday walk with your dog or simply leaving a pet in the yard with no shade — can contribute to an animal overheating.

Take a few simple precautions to keep dogs and cats healthy and comfortable as the mercury rises.

Here are some tips: Keep pets indoors during the day.

Quick walks and bathroom breaks are okay, but try to keep your pets in the shade.

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If pets do spend time outside during the day, ensure that they have access to shade at all hours of the day.

Dogs on tethers are especially vulnerable because they could become tangled in the tether, out of reach of shade or water.

Provide pets with fresh, cool water at all times. During the heat of summer, water should be dumped and refilled often. Most dogs won’t drink hot water no matter how thirsty they become.

Exercise dogs during the cooler morning or evening hours, not in the intense afternoon heat. Dogs who are older or overweight, have a thick coat or have a pushed-in nose (such as bulldogs, Boston terriers and pugs) are especially at risk of overheating.

Bring water for both you and your pet, or a collapsible bowl if there’s a water source on your route. Be aware of the temperature of the sidewalk, asphalt, sand or even packed dirt, since the heat can cause burns to your

pet’s paw pads if they get too hot.

Consult a veterinarian about whether your pet needs a pet-approved sunscreen on exposed areas.

Dogs with bald patches or minimal coats may need sunscreen, as well as Nordic breeds of dogs, who are prone to auto-immune-related sun diseases.

Never leave your pet in a parked car when the outside temperature is above 70 degrees. Not even with the windows partway down, not even in the shade, not even for a quick errand.

Dogs and cats can’t sweat like humans, so they pant to lower their body temperature. If they’re inside a car, recycling very hot air, panting gives no relief, and heat stroke can happen quickly.

A little empathy goes a long way in protecting our pets from extreme weather. If it’s too hot for us to stay comfortable in the car; in the yard, or on a walk, it’s even hotter for our furry friends.

20 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

AU G U S T 9, 2020

N E W S F E AT U R E

PRIVATE EYES

Continued from page 7

PIs through the years, and some of the myths

Private investigator and Santa Clarita Valley resident Jennifer Marshall of Deep Source Investigations also starred on the CW show “Mysteries Decoded,” which looked at “some of America’s greatest unsolved mysteries,” according to the show’s description. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

For Marshall, knowing both the art of looking through microfiches and searching the worldwide web allowed her to break into the PI industry.

“I noticed when I got into the profession, there were a lot of ‘old-time’ types … that were very good at kind of doing the old-style PI sort of thing … but when it came to the technology of it, they would come to me,” she said. “That’s actually how I started working when I first got my license … and then eventually came into my own. So, I was very thankful because if it wasn’t for that, the older PIs would have … had no use for me.”

That being said, Tulloss says PIs often struggle with the “CSI effect,” where exaggerated portrayals on crime TV shows, like “CSI,” affect public perception of the internet’s power.

“Just because you find it on the internet does not mean that it is true or that it is accurate,” Tulloss said.

While information is key, as is knowing where to find it. PIs are specialists whose research extends far beyond the reaches of information found on the internet, finding information that is both true and accurate.

“An excellent investigator will collect these resources for their information toolbox and use one over the other because it’ll be more accurate … and you don’t get that from Google,” Tulloss added. “I have a few degrees, but I’m constantly pursuing additional educational outlets to ‘keep my sword sharp,’ as they say.”

Likewise, Dunn says she finds a lot of people try to do their own private investigating before hiring a professional.

“They’ll tell me, ‘I’ve already Googled it and done this and this,’” Dunn said, “and they’re questioning whether I’m going to be able to give them something they don’t already have.”

On the flipside, others think it’s much more straightforward, she said, unaware of the work involved in uncovering certain information.

Women in a ‘male-dominated’ profession

“There’s nothing like a woman, especially a mom, private investigator on the case — they don’t stand a chance against us once we dig our feet in,” Tulloss said.

Marshall was used to working in male-dominated professions, both in the military and during her stint in the police academy. Even so, she says she was surprised coming into the PI industry that there weren’t more women.

“Women, by nature, we’re very perceptive,” Marshall said. “We tend to be nosy. We tend to figure out what’s going on. We listen to people. We’re much more observational than males are. And we’re much more empathetic, which helps when you’re interviewing someone.”

Tulloss agreed, adding, “We have a nature about us that is not so … aggressive in a way that I can get anybody to talk to me about pretty much anything.”

For Dunn, who named her PI company Ms. Private Eye, she was ready to differentiate herself as a woman in the industry.

“There’s so many men in this industry, particularly with police backgrounds, and I can’t compete with that,” she said. “So when (a client) comes to me, it’s because they specifically want a female.”

Not only can Dunn speak more comfortably on sensitive topics with her female clients, but she can also better blend in when doing surveillance work.

“Being a mom with a baseball cap and yoga pants when you’re walking your dog, no one thinks that you’re out of place,” she said, chuckling.

“That’s to my advantage, where they’re looking for a man, so I feel like being a woman in this business helps.”

In any case, all agree that they quickly found they could fill that gap and provide those services for their male counterparts.

“I think that those are important traits for PIs to have, so it was definitely one of those things where it was seen as a benefit in my eyes,” Marshall added.

AU G U S T 9, 2020

SOLUTIONS

PUZZLES

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 1

CROSSWORD TIME

2 2 · S U N D AY S I G N A L

Opinion

AU G U S T 9, 2020

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

READERLETTERS

Impressed by Garcia’s Start It is impressive to see our California 25th District represented by the newly elected Rep. Mike Garcia. His first 60 days in office should make all constituents proud. Rep. Garcia said he would hit the ground running and he did just that.

An immediate need was to sort through the backlog of constituents’ requests and needs as our district negatively experienced a long absence of any representation after the sudden departure of a prior elected official. Those many months of vacancy were costly. Thousands of contacts had to be sorted through, prioritized and addressed.

In particular my family I and are very pleased that Rep. Garcia co-signed a letter reaffirming America’s support of Israel.

Very notably and quite importantly, he fully supports our brave law enforcement and full funding of our military in the National Defense Authorization Act. Both of these are monumentally necessary considering the tumultuous state of our nation and the world today.

He introduced an amendment to extend the WIIN Act. That act benefits California’s water infrastructure physically with water supply and reclamation, as well as benefiting taxpayers by allowing for both pre-payments on contracts and accelerating repayments into the federal government coffers (California Bureau of Reclamation).

It’s encouraging to witness some good things happening for the American people in an environment of unnecessary hostility, hate, designed misinformation and bad news.

Betty Arenson Valencia

A Question on Ballot Languages Today, I received the L.A. County registrar’s notice about mailin ballots. What was of interest was the option for receiving the ballot in 18 languages: Armenian, Chinese, Farsi, Hindi, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, Vietnamese, Burmese, Telugu, Gujarati, Indonesian, Mongolian and Bengali.

Notice that none of the major European languages are listed as available in the registrar’s notice. Why? Does he expect that those from French, German, Danish, Swedish, Italian, Hungarian, Romanian, Serbian and Greek speaking countries automatically should know English? Does he know that people who become citizens should also be able to speak English?

I am an immigrant and it was a foregone conclusion that coming to America meant learning and speaking its language if I wanted to make a living.

This is crazy!

Hilmar Rosenast Valencia Submit a Letter to the Editor

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

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

Ethics Begin at Home

By David Hegg

S

everal times during this political season I have often gone back to the saying that “all politics is local politics.”

And while it may be bad grammar, it clearly is right thinking.

Too often we spend our energy arguing about the actions and character of politicians we’ll never meet and never change when the same interest locally could result in better neighborhoods, better schools and a better life for ourselves and our children. While it may be fun to chirp about our national situation, what we can really do something about is local.

I’d like to shift that popular statement just a bit and assert that “all ethics are really personal ethics.”

While we may rant and rave about the indiscretions of our national politicians, athletes, movie stars and other notables, what really matters in the long run is the ethical integrity of our own lives.

It seems so easy for us to cry out against the dishonesty, duplicity, and foolishness of those in the national spotlight but extremely difficult to see that our lives may well be riddled with the same kind of ethical lapses.

No one likes hypocrisy except a hypocrite. Hypocrisy allows us to castigate in others what we are enjoying ourselves. In fact, it has often been the case that the loudest condemnations come from those whose closets are full of skeletons.

The ease with which we enumerate the faults of our national leaders while turning a blind eye to our own personal versions of those faults reminds me of a comedy routine I recently heard. The comedian was remarking on how ironic it was to sit in your car, cursing the traffic, when in reality you were part of that traffic!

It is right for us to insist that our leaders be honest, hard-working, fair, conscientious, courteous, moral, wise,

courageous, and own any number of other laudable characteristics.

It is also right for us to hold them to an ethical standard that is both noble and consistent.

What isn’t right is to expect more of them than we do of ourselves. It is both wrong and foolish to curse the traffic when we are in it ourselves.

What we demand of others must first be found in us.

Viewing ethics this way turns the popular model on its head. While we often assume that good things flow down from those at the top of the authority pyramid, it is actually the reverse. Morality that is authentically shaped by the values humanity has considered right and noble will not grow in the soil of legislation from above. Borrowed convictions just don’t last, no matter how rigidly they are impressed upon the soul.

The highest ethic is that set of core values that are handed down from generation to generation through the stories and principles of integrity, courage and faith. They nestle in the heart, are nourished into convictions by the water of truth, and grow into an uncompromising code of behavior that molds its bearer into a productive member of human society.

Simply put, ethical behavior doesn’t start in Sacramento or Washington, D.C. It starts in the home, in the arms of Mom and Dad. Ethical nourishment is as essential to the soul as milk is to the newborn.

If we really want to save our nation, we would do well to secure the home. After all, one day our kids will be in the spotlight, running the show, running the country. What they are then may well depend on what we give them now.

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

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