Sunday Signal August 23, 2020 by Signal

AUGUST 23, 2020

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AU G U S T 23, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES

4 Trying to earn a scholarship during a pandemic 5 Drive-ins, rooftop movies in and around the SCV 6 Santa Clarita locations that are a ‘must-see’ 7 How seismologists look at our chances for the next ‘Big One’

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

8 Fire season is here and its going to be destructive

SENIOR LIVING

9 A Second Wind: Grieving in the age of social distancing

ENTERTAINMENT

10 Netflix’ original ‘Project Power’ is wild and wacky

FOOD

11 Perfect pairings for summer celebrations Popular wine varieties Tasting techniques

‘BEST OF’ BALLOT

HOME

14 Improvement tips from the experts

GARDENING

15 Using hardscapes to add value to your home

KIDS & FAMILY

16 Donna’s Day: Turn those old crayons into new shapes, colors Junior Whirl How they say that … in other languages

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4 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

AU G U S T 23, 2020

N E W S F E AT U R E

Trying to earn a scholarship during a pandemic By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

hile the professionals might have a chance, or are presently taking their chance, to return to the sport they love, the same is not being said for the young athletes who idolize them. Almost all youth leagues within Los Angeles County, from the Pop Warner/city leagues to the high school level have canceled their seasons for the upcoming fall. This is especially problematic for those varsity athletes, who after years of devotion to their craft, wish to take their talents to the next level and play at a four-year university. Since the beginning of collegiate sports, the top talent in the nation have had coaches either come out and see their livegames or, and this is a recent development, watch the game highlight tapes compiled by the individual athletes. In all of high school sports, there are 7.3 million student-athletes, and yet in the United States, the most recent statistics from the NCAA show there are only 492,000 student-athletes playing at their collegiate level. Approximately only 6% make it from high school to the NCAA. (And only 2% of NCAA athletes make it to a major professional club.) With these types of slim odds, high school athletes need to do everything within their power to get their name out there in order to advance to the next level. But with games and practices canceled or removed from any type of contact, how then can these students make sure their skills make it onto the radar over tens of thousands of others? Junior and senior year clips of big plays or clutch moments are critical to send out, but local coaches think there are other tips and tricks to getting a player the coveted scholarship they seek. “It’s certainly unusual, like everything else this year,” said West Ranch head football coach Chris Varner. “It’s different.” Right now, Varner said, he is not allowed to be in direct contact with his athletes because of the rules governing the league. However, he has seen on social media that they continue to showcase their talents. For a lot of prospects, the task has been to take to Twitter, said Varner. For a quarterback, it’s important to display their throwing and maneuverability, whether it be in a park on their own time or in a field with a private coach. These clips can be edited and placed on individual athletes’ social media. “This is what all these (college) programs … they have their own twitter account, they follow Twitter, it’s a big thing,” said Varner. “I’m not a big social media guy, I’m a little old school. I’m not old, I just don’t like technology a lot. “But I’m having to catch up in order to help my

Athletes like Saugus grad and Providence College shortstop Tucker Panarisi, who takes batting practice in his backyard, are finding creative ways to work out and get noticed by coaches and scouts. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

athletes, and I’m stepping outside of my comfort zone,” Varner said. Varner said a number of companies, such as Hudl.com, make editing clips easy and transferable.

What to do on your tapes

“The ‘usually’ has changed,” said Varner. At Golden Valley, coach Dan Kelley, said a lot of coaches in the area have come up with a criteria that they would like to see when it comes to evaluating players for this class. With a camera in hand, football kids should be attempting to make it as close to a combine as possible, Kelley said. “Things like the 40-yard-dash, the pro agility run, the shuttle run, all that kind of stuff,” said Kelley. They’re obviously having an issue coming out and seeing the kid play, and also just meeting with the coach and that kind of stuff,” said Kelley. Everything from game film will only be from the junior year, or possibly any earlier years, so kids should be looking to supplement their loss of their senior season with as much footage as possible. “If you don’t have game film, it’s got to be the workout,” said Varner. “Now, if you look good, if you pass the eyeball test, you might have them be interested in pursuing that a little bit further.” Kelley said that one of the biggest things missing is the face-to-face interaction with the coach. However, kids can still make up for this loss by making a name for themselves, by reaching out to these coaches through social media. “It’s about getting your name out,” said Varner. “That’s the main thing. You want these college

coaches to know who you are and you know you put out some workouts, put out some highlight tape, maybe even from your freshman year.” “Whatever you have, and if they like it, they’ll pursue it a little bit further,” he added.

College coaches

Shanan Rosenberg, head basketball coach for Linfield College in Oregon, echoed many of the same sentiments made by the high school football coaches during a recent interview with The Signal. “I would say they need to be more aggressive, in terms of their outreach to coaches and various platforms than ever before,” said Rosenberg, whose school recruits athletes from across California and the county to play for the Wildcats. “Also, players need to identify that handful of places or more that parallel the type of student they, the resources their family may have, and then almost impose yourself on the coaches and programs.” Rosenberg emphasized that students should create their own virtual bio sheet that includes links to highlights, stat sheets, references, testimonials and more. “I think it’s going to be less of a ‘wait-to-be-selected,’ and more to be aggressive,” said Rosenberg. He added that he, along with coaches across the country, have their contact info listed on their respective program’s website and prospective student-athletes should use that to their advantage. “Although you may not get a coach directly or indirectly,” he said, “I think you have to be polite, be honest, connect and see if you can get people to call you back.”

AU G U S T 23, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

N E W S F E AT U R E

Drive-ins and rooftop movies in and around the SCV By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

et’s face it: With our return to the movie theater we’re used to after an already monthslong shutdown brought forth by the pandemic, you probably already finished going through Netflix and other streaming services at home. Maybe it’s time to shake things up a little. While summer might be coming to a close, there’s still time to watch your favorite classic flicks with your family in a quarantined-approved way in and around the Santa Clarita Valley. Drive-in and outdoor movie nights have been especially popular this year. Before the pandemic, pop-up series had Los Angeles County residents enjoy movies at parks, cemeteries and rooftops with snacks, blankets or lawn chairs but with physical distancing measures still in place, most have taken place at large parking lots or, in the SCV, for example, at the Castaic Lake Park. From “The Goonies” to “Grease,” Castaic’s Drivein at the Park series kicked off July 19 and is expected to run through Sept. 12. The location suits itself perfectly for that classic American drive-in feel with golden silhouettes of the surrounding mountains and orange sunset hues only to follow with a star-filled night. And the park has definitely seen its fair share of visitors this summer. “We have reached capacity on most nights this summer,” said Hugo Maldonado, regional operations manager for the county’s Parks and Recreations Department. “The maximum registration we allow is 150 vehicles. This Friday (Aug. 7), 102 cars attended. This Saturday (Aug. 8), 143 cars attended.” In following current health and safety guidelines, park officials ask visitors to park vehicles six feet from each other, watch the movie from inside one’s car and wear a mask when outside the car. For the Davis family from Valencia, watching a movie outdoors in Castaic with their three children for the first time was a unique experience, parents Jeff and Candace said. “At the theaters, kids can’t be as loud and wild outside,” said Jeff, who watched “The Life of Pets” in lawn chairs while his children watched from their pickup truck’s bed. “Here, you can hear the crickets, see the stars — it’s beautiful. I think this is definitely a better way to go.” Just a few vehicles over was the Mendoza family, who had a camp-like setup from their SUVs trunk complete with blankets, a small table and chairs outside and pizza. “The idea of going out to the movies in open air is much safer because of the pandemic, and after the lockdown, it’s something that we decided to do as a family so that we can get some fresh air after being cooped up inside the house for so long,” said Francis, who attended with his wife and two daughters.

Left: Drive-ins can be a fun, safe and family-friendly way to go out to the moves and still keep a social distance. Above: Eileen Reyes, left, and Emmerson Chavarria settle in with dinner as they wait for the movie to start at “Drive-In at the Park” held at Castaic Lake. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

Rooftop Movies at The Montalbán Convinced yet? Here’s what’s coming up next in Castaic and across the southern region:

Castaic Drive-in at the Park

• Aug. 28, 29; 8:20 p.m. “Men in Black” • Sept. 4, 5; 8:20 p.m. “Bodyguard” • Sept. 11, 12; 8:20 p.m. “Honey, I Shrunk The Kids” For more information, visit driveinatthepark.com

San Fernando Valley Summer Drive-in

The last screening, which took place at the Westfield Fashion Square mall in Sherman Oaks took place on Aug. 16 but organizers are now selling tickets for a Halloween series in October. For more information, visit myvalleypass. squarespace.com.

Ventura County Fairgrounds drive-in

• Aug. 24, 7 p.m. “Frozen II” • Aug. 25, 8 p.m. “Edward Scissorhands” • Aug. 26, 8 p.m. “The Sandlot” • Aug. 31, 7 p.m. “The Lion King” • Sept. 1, 8 p.m. “Die Hard” For more information, visit concertsinyourcar.com.

Melrose Rooftop Theatre

• Aug. 24, 8:30 p.m. “Drive” • Aug. 25, 8:30 p.m. “Grease” • Aug. 26, 8:30 p.m. “Almost Famous” • Aug. 27, 8:30 p.m. “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off ” For more information, visit melroserooftoptheatre. com.

• Aug. 23, 8:15 p.m. “The Goonies” • Aug. 28, 8:15 p.m. “Fight Club” • Aug. 29, 8:15 p.m. “Grease” • Aug. 30, 8:15 p.m. “Black Panther” For more information, visit themontalban.com/ rooftopmovies.

Level 8 drive-in at The Americana at Brand

• Aug. 27, 8:30 p.m. “Love and Basketball” • Aug. 28, 8:30 p.m. “A Star Is Born” For more information, visit americanaatbrand.com.

Street Food Cinema

• Aug. 29, 8:30 p.m. at the Brandeis Bardin Campus, Simi Valley “The Big Lebowski” • Aug. 30, 8:30 p.m. at the Brandeis Bardin Campus, Simi Valley “The Breakfast Club” • Sept. 4, 8:30 p.m. at the King Gillette Ranch, Malibu “Bridesmaids” For more information, visit streetfoodcinema.com.

PCH Movies and Moonlight

Movies on the top deck of the Whole Foods Market parking garage on 2nd and PCH in Long Beach. • Aug. 28, 7:31 p.m. “Moana” • Sept. 4, 7:13 p.m. “Selena” • Sept. 11, 7:03 p.m. “A Dog’s Purpose” • Sept. 18, 6:54 p.m. “The Princess and the Frog” • Sept. 24, 6:45 p.m. “The Fast and the Furious” For more information, visit 2ndandpch.com.

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AU G U S T 23, 2020

N E W S F E AT U R E

Santa Clarita Valley locations that are a ‘must-see’ By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

rom Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park to the magnificent mansion of silent movie star William S. Hart, these landmarks in the Santa Clarita Valley are a “must-see” for every SCV resident. The list combines both nature and history. Please note, the hours and availability of facilities can change at any time. It is advised that you visit the website to get the latest updates. Nonetheless, you should keep this list of places to visit in your back pocket!

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park

10700 Escondido Canyon Road, Agua Dulce Info parks.lacounty.gov/vasquezrocks-natural-area-and-naturecenter Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park is a 932-acre park located in Agua Dulce and visible from the Antelope Valley Freeway. According to the website, the trails are now open with strict guidelines, including face coverings and social distancing. The unique Vasquez Rocks formations are a familiar sight having been the background for many films and commercials. Rock climbing is the primary sport, but for a less perilous workout you can walk along the many hiking trails. In 1873 and 1874, Tiburcio Vásquez, one of California’s most notorious bandits, used these rocks to elude capture by law enforcement. Vasquez Rocks was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 because of its significance as a prehistoric site for the Tataviam people. Vasquez Rocks is probably most famous for its use as “alien” planet locations on the original “Star Trek” television show. The most

Left: The trails at Vasquez Rocks are currently open. However, hikers are asked to follow the strict guidelines currently in place to avoid the spread of the novel coronavirus. Right: The Ramona Chapel at Heritage Junction Historic Park was built in 1926. It has been used as a movie set for John Wayne. SIGNAL PHOTOS

famous of which is “Arena,” where Captain James T. Kirk fights a reptilian alien called a Gorn (played by stunt man Bobby Clark, a resident of Agua Dulce).

William S. Hart Park, Mansion and Museum

24151 Newhall Ave., Newhall (661) 254-4584 Park Info parks.lacounty.gov/ william-s-hart-regional-park Museum Info www.hartmuseum. org. The William S. Hart Park and Museum is the former retirement home of its namesake, the famed silent-film actor, author and director of more than 60 hit Western movies in the early 1900s. His most well-known film may be the silent film “Tumbleweeds,” which was originally released in 1925. It was re-released in 1940 with a filmed “talkie” prologue. Hart is also the author of almost a dozen books, the best known may be his autobiography “My Life East and West.” Published in 1929, the book has been deemed “culturally significant” by literary and historical scholars. Be aware that once the museum reopens, you will have to walk a quarter-mile up a hill in Hart Park to the Hart Mansion for the tours.

However, it is a unique and quirky place that is worth the effort to find. You won’t want to miss other offerings of the park. Thanks to a gift from Walt Disney in 1962, the park is home to a herd of American Bison. As you walk up to the museum, look right and you should see them grazing. The park also has an animal barnyard that children, and adults, will enjoy.

St. Francis Dam Disaster Site

Info saintfrancisdam.com Completed on May 4, 1926, the St. Francis Dam stood nearly 200feet tall, 700-feet long and covered 600 acres. It was the largest arch-supported dam in the world, with the ability to hold more than 12 billion gallons of water. It cost $1.3 million to build. Less than two years later, the dam collapsed at 11:57 p.m. March 12, 1928. Nearly 500 people lost their lives as the wall of water swept down San Francisco Canyon to the Santa Clara River at Castaic and on toward the Pacific Ocean at Ventura. All that is left of the dam are some mounds of the dam’s aggregate concrete. The dam site is not for the faint

of heart and takes some determination to reach. Use caution and common sense. It is difficult terrain, with jagged rocks, sheer cliffs and rattlesnakes. Find the remains of the St. Francis Dam approximately seven miles from the intersection of Copper Hill Road and San Francisquito Canyon Road.

Heritage Junction

24101 Newhall Ave., Newhall (661) 254-1275 Info www.scvhs.org Heritage Junction is home to the 19th century Saugus Railroad Station and many historical buildings from old Newhall. It is located adjacent to William S. Hart Park. The train station includes a small museum and a 1900 Mogul Engine #1629 — a class M4 train, weighing 75 tons. When available, tours are given by the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society. Buildings of interest include • the tiny six-pew Ramona Chapel, • 1860 Mitchell House Adobe, • Pardee House, • Saugus Train Station, • Newhall Ranch House, • Edison House and • Kingsbury House.

AU G U S T 23, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

N E W S F E AT U R E

How seismologists look at our chances of the next ‘Big One’ By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

How to be prepared

hough she was only 6 years old at the time, Jan. 17, 1994, is a day longtime Newhall resident Colleen Oliver will never forget. Awakened at 4:31 a.m., Oliver said she remembers thinking, “The world is going to shake us right off of it.” Indeed, thousands of Santa Clarita Valley had felt the violent jolts. Numerous buildings collapsed and fires erupted in the night, as underground utility lines ruptured. “I remember my mom coming in and swooping me out of bed, telling me it’d be alright,” Oliver said. “I had heard of earthquakes, but I was still too young to really understand what they did — that day, I understood.” The 6.7 magnitude earthquake, whose epicenter was in Reseda, a San Fernando Valley neighborhood just south of the SCV, left SCV residents cut off from Los Angeles after the Newhall Pass freeway connector collapsed. The quake caused billions in damages across Southern California. Located in the southern part of the SCV, Oliver’s family home in Newhall was damaged, though not destroyed. “For months we had this 3-inch crack going through our living room and out the front door,” she said. Now 33, Oliver dreads every little shake, wondering if this could be “The Big One.”

Emergency notifications

Today, SCV residents have a number of tools readily available to them that Oliver and her family did not in 1994. These tools make notification of emergencies and communication much faster and easier. The MyShake app, created by the University of California, Berkeley, and released publicly in October of last year, is available on iOS and Android systems. Just a couple of weeks ago, the app’s technology was linked into the existing statewide alert system in a deal between Google and the state, allowing Californians and tourists traveling in the area to automatically receive early quake warnings to their Android devices. “When I heard about the alert sys-

Before

Second- and third-graders at Skyblue Mesa Elementary School practice hiding under their desks during last year’s “Great ShakeOut” statewide earthquake drill. PHOTO BY BOBBY BLOCK / THE SIGNAL

tem, I considered switching to an Android,” Oliver added, chuckling, “but I settled for keeping the MyShake app, which did the trick during that recent earthquake we had.” Though only a magnitude 4.2, the July 30 quake that shook the SCV left many remembering the dangers, including Oliver, who was awoken by the app notification about a minute before the shaking began, she said. “You best believe I went through my emergency supply bag that day and made sure I had everything I needed — you can never be too sure,” Oliver added. The July quake has been followed by a swarm of small earthquakes in the Salton Sea near the Mexico border. This has led U.S. Geological Survey seismologists to worry this may increase the chances of a much larger quake along the nearby San Andreas fault, portions of which run parallel to the SCV. Though only the fourth time in 88 years that such a swarm occurred in this area, USGS seismologist Don Blakeman said swarms actually happen all the time. “We see them in various places. Yellowstone is very famous for this type of behavior,” Blakeman said. “It worries everyone because it can’t predict whether or not a big earthquake will

happen, but oftentimes we just have swarms and there isn’t a mainshock (or larger quake).” By Aug. 14, USGS officials reported that the earthquake activity in the region had returned to typical preswarm levels. This means there’s an approximately 1 in 10,000 chance of a magnitude 7+ on the southernmost section of the San Andreas fault. “The further in time we go away from a big event, the less likely something is going to happen,” Jennifer Andrews, a Caltech seismologist, told The Signal. “But we are overdue for ‘The Big One.’” Geologists who’ve studied fault lines believe this section of the San Andreas is capable of having a large magnitude quake every 150 to 200 years, the last of which occurred more than 300 years ago. “That’s really quite a long time for us to not have had a San Andreas, big earthquake,” Andrews said. “But it’s not like clockwork.” While back to normal levels, the swarm did not decrease the potential for a larger earthquake in the future, as Southern California continues to be one of the most seismically active areas in the nation. See EARTHQUAKE, page 17

• Secure items in your home that might fall and cause injuries, including bookshelves, mirrors and light fixtures. • Practice how to drop, cover and hold on, and participate in the next Great Shakeout Earthquake Drill set for Oct. 15. • Store critical supplies, such as food, water, sanitation and essentials, along with important documents. The city has an emergency supplies checklist available on its website. • Plan how you will communicate with family members.

During

• Drop down onto your hands and knees so the earthquake doesn’t knock you down. • Cover your head and neck with your arms to protect yourself from falling debris. If you are in danger from falling objects, and you can move safely, crawl to a safer place or seek cover under a desk or table, for example. • Hold on to any sturdy covering so you can move with it until the shaking stops.

After

• When the shaking stops, before you move, look around for things that might fall or for dangerous debris on the ground. • If you are in a damaged building and there is a safe way out through the debris, leave and go to an open space outside, away from damaged areas. • If you are trapped, do not move about or kick up dust. • If you have a cell phone with you, use it to call or text for help. • Tap on a pipe or wall or use a whistle, if you have one, so that rescuers can locate you. Once safe, monitor local news reports for emergency information and instructions.

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AU G U S T 23, 2020

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

The fire season is here and it’s going to be destructive By Ken Striplin City Manager

f the last few weeks have been any indication, it is going to be a destructive fire season in the Santa Clarita Valley. I want to offer my appreciation to the men and women of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the Angeles National Forest Service and all the other agencies that have responded to local brush fires. They are battling the flames and the heat to keep our City safe. The pictures of the recent Lake Fire were heart-stopping. The mushroom-shaped column of smoke towered over Santa Clarita and could be seen as far away as Venice Beach. The fire grew rapidly from 50 acres to thousands of acres in just minutes. Fire crews fought the fire from the ground as fixed-wing aircrafts and

THE BEST WAY TO DEAL WITH BRUSH FIRES IS TO MAKE SURE THEY NEVER START IN THE FIRST PLACE. helicopters dropped fire retardant and water from the air. In situations like these, it may seem that there is nothing you can do to help, but there are steps you can take to help protect your neighborhood and our community. The best way to deal with brush fires is to make sure they never start in the first place. Some key fire prevention tips are to make sure matches and lighters are kept away from children. Only start a campfire in a designated fire pit and never leave a fire unattended. Dispose of cigarette butts in a closed container or cup of water — never throw butts out your car window.

Be cautious with vehicles and other machinery; make sure they are properly maintained and don’t use equipment that could throw off sparks near dry grass or vegetation. To protect your home from the dangers of a wildfire, make sure that you have defensible space around your house. Defensible space is an area around a building in which vegetation, debris and other types of combustible fuels have been treated, cleared or reduced, to slow the spread of fire to the building. This buffer around your home also provides a safe place for firefighters to battle flames. I encourage all of you to visit the Los Angeles County Fire Depart-

ment’s website to learn more about fire safety tips, how to make sure your family is prepared and what necessary preparations you should take now. This information is all part of their wildfire action plan called Ready! Set! Go! and can be viewed at fire.lacounty. gov.rsg. One of the many things that makes our community special is the thousands of miles of natural preserved open space that surrounds our City. Unfortunately, this also makes our valley prone to wildfires, which have always been a natural part of our region. By ensuring that we, as individuals and families, are doing our part to prevent and prepare for wildfires, we can make the job easier for our brave firefighters. Ken Striplin can be reached at kstriplin@santa-clarita.com. The views expressed in his column are those of the City and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal.

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AU G U S T 23, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

SENIORLIVING A SECOND WIND

Grieving in the age of social distancing By Mary Petersen Signal Staff Writer

t has been said that the only cure for grief is to grieve. The dilemma is how to do that under the current circumstances. Because we’re self-isolating and avoiding crowds, we can’t engage in the rituals that help us process grief. We don’t have access to typical kinds of grief support groups or the physical comfort of friends. Grief is always difficult, but the pandemic has forced us to find new ways to grieve. Grief is a natural part of being human. Loss is inevitable in every life and takes many forms. We can grieve for the death of a loved one, a pet, a way of life or a friendship. It is a fundamental process which affects us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Ideally, grieving moves us beyond our initial emotional pain to a place of managing the loss in a healthy way. In the case of grieving a loved one, often the grieving process begins at their bedside when we say good-bye, share fond memories or regrets, express love or apology. Being present with the dying person allows us to psychologically process the finality of the loss. Without the ability to experience this, we may feel like there is no closure. Mental health professionals are concerned that due to our inability to engage in important traditions that honor the departed, there is a greater risk for persistent, unresolved grief. There are currently no gatherings for funerals or rituals. These are important parts of the grieving process: seeing a casket lowered into the ground, sitting shiva or holding a wake, having people visit the home. Without the ability to formally say goodbye to a loved one during a funeral or memorial service, those left behind may feel a sense of ambiguous or delayed grief.

It can feel as though the person has not really died, despite rationally knowing otherwise. We are meant to mourn with others. Coping with grief needs social connection. It helps us to find the courage and hopefulness to carry on. Just as we have with socializing and working from home, we need to create new ways to mourn. Los Angeles grief expert David Kessler advises, “Don’t delay grief. Delaying goes against our human need to acknowledge the important loss.” He suggests doing something small now, such as a family dinner and then something bigger later. A Zoom event can serve as a virtual memorial as long as the participants honor the occasion and maintain a reverent tone. There are also technology apps and websites for online scrapbooks and virtual services. Chaplain Bronwen Jones from Cedars-Sinai recommends setting a future date for a celebration of life in hopes of an in-person gathering. Even if it’s six months in advance, people will find comfort in knowing that it’s planned. In the meantime, she suggests doing small things—light a candle, plant flowers, write a letter, share memories with friends. Find solace in connecting with others in new ways. During these challenging times, commemorating the life of a loved one is still vital. Don’t let the moment pass. Mary Petersen is a retired COC English instructor, 30-year SCV resident and two-time breast cancer survivor.

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10 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

AU G U S T 23, 2020

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

Netflix’ original ‘Project Power’ is wild and wacky By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘Project Power’

(out of four) Rated R (for violence, bloody images, drug content and some language). Running time: 111 minutes. Netflix.

nyone can be a superhero in “Project Power.” All you have to do is take a magical glowing pill, and ZAM! BOOM! POW! Just like that, you’re invisible, or you have super-speed, or you can take a bullet to the head and it’ll bounce right off. A few caveats: A. You won’t know what your superpower will be until you take the pill. B. Your super-duper skills will last only five minutes. C. There’s a chance you won’t get any magic powers at all and the Power pill will backfire on you. That’s the genius concept of the Netflix original movie “Project Power,” a vibrant and crazy and thought-

provoking and immensely entertaining film that could have been even more resonant had it not settled for a relatively conventional final act we’ve seen in dozens of thrillers. Set in a near-dystopian New Orleans where the criminals are running wild and the police force is seemingly powerless to do anything about it, “Project Power” features two veteran big-name stars in Jamie Foxx as Art, a former military man hell-bent on finding the source of the mysterious and chaos-creating Power pills, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Frank, a dedicated N.O.P.D. cop who loves to quote Clint Eastwood’s Dirty Harry but is hardly a vigilante. But the real driving force of the plot is a teenage girl named Robin, a partner of sorts to Frank who works both sides of the game. Dominique Fishback (“The Hate U Give”) plays the world-weary and cynical but lionhearted Robin, who dreams of becoming a world-famous rap artist but

PHOTO COURTESY IMDB

finds herself plunged ever deeper into a corrupt and dangerous world. Fishback infuses Robin with an aura of sadness and cynicism but also quick humor and an inherent instinct for heroics, even though she would never call herself a hero. It’s a star-making performance. Directors Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman deliver screen-popping,

brightly colored and explosive visuals, filled with frantic action sequences, most notably an early scene where Machine Gun Kelly’s Newt pops a Power pill and turns into a human fireball, and when Gordon-Levitt’s Frank violates police protocol and pops a pill in order to chase down a bank robber. “Project Power” is primarily a sci-fi action thriller, but there’s more than a sprinkling of social commentary, as when a frustrated Frank exclaims to his supervisor (Courtney B. Vance) about the feds taking over operations in his city: “We know what happened the last time guys in suits took over in New Orleans!” All the “big” mysteries in “Project Power” are cleaned up in fairly predictable fashion, but the strength of the film is in those wild and wacky action sequences, and most of all in the unlikely bond between Robin and Frank, and then Robin and Art, and eventually Robin and Art and Frank. Copyright 2020 Chicago Sun Times

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AU G U S T 23, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

FOOD

Perfect Pairings for 4 Popular Wine Varieties Cabernet Sauvignon

Widely available and incredibly popular, Cabernet Sauvignons are typically bold wines that are rich in flavor. Cabernet Sauvignons are derived from a full-bodied red grape, which is why they are often described as “full-bodied.” Tannins are a naturally occurring polyphenol found in plants and seeds that are predominantly in red wines, and those in Cabernet Sauvignons are bold. Some Cabernet Sauvignons elicit tastes similar to baking spices, while others may taste more like black cherry or black currant.

Pinot Noir

Another popular, widely available varietal, Pinot Noirs boast a low tannin finish that gives them a fruity taste reminiscent of cherry or cranberry. Pinot Noirs are light-bodied and smooth. The alcohol content in Pinot Noirs tends to be lower than that of a typical Cabernet Sauvignon.

Riesling

Rieslings are white wines that are popular thanks in large part to their sweetness and floral, citrus taste. Rieslings are a go-to option when pairing wines with certain ethnic cui’sine, including Indian, Thai and Vietnamese dishes. Some Rieslings can be dry, so wine enthusiasts looking for Rieslings for their sweetness may want to speak with a representative at the winery to ensure they’re getting the wine they want.

Merlot

Another wildly popular red wine, Merlots have an extensive flavor profile. Some Merlots may produce a taste reminiscent of black cherries, while others may provide strong hints of cocoa. Merlots are typically made in a dry style, and they are easily mistaken for Cabernet Sauvignons.

Summer Celebrations

airing a delicious meal with the perfect wine can be a match made in heaven. Wine novices may be intimidated by the challenge of making the perfect pairing, but they need not put themselves under such pressure. Just because a certain wine might make for a perfect pairing, that doesn’t mean others cannot step in and serve an equally flavorful function. People who appreciate a great meal accompanied by an equally great wine need not have an encyclopedic knowledge of food or wine to successfully pair the two together. In fact, some basic pairing knowledge might be all that’s truly necessary to make a meal more memorable.

White and light

White wine fans should know that such wines tend to pair best with light meat, such as chicken or fish. According to Backbar, a platform designed to help bars and restaurants manage their inventory more effectively, white wines pair well with fish because the acidity in these wines enhances the taste of the fish. Chicken dishes vary greatly, and the online wine resource Wine Folly (www.winefolly.com) notes that the sauce will greatly affect the flavor of the meat. That means a wine that pairs well with a certain chicken dish may not necessarily pair as well with a different one. Represen-

tatives at local liquor stores or wineries can help people choose which wine to pair with chicken dishes.

Reds and reds

Red meats tend to match up best with red wines. Though they can be found in white wines, tannins are predominantly found in red wines. According to Backbar, the tannins in red wines soften the proteins in the meat, thereby helping enhance the flavors of the fat. That makes for a more flavorful meal.

No need to spice things up

Spicy foods are beloved across the globe. Such foods can be among the more intimidating to pair with wine, as spicy foods have bold flavors that no one wants to detract from. In a 2016 interview with Eater.com, professional chef Sean Pharr advised against pairing high alcohol wines with spicy foods, noting that the alcohol can intensify the heat and spice of the food. That can prove disastrous for anyone trying to impress a date or show off their skills with spice. Many people prefer a Riesling with spicy food, as the sweetness of this white wine can help offset the spice, making for a satisfying, flavorful meal. Pairing wines may seem intimidating. But a few simple strategies can help novices find a wine that makes a homemade meal that much more delicious.

Tasting Techniques

njoy your glass of wine to the fullest by taking the time to appreciate its sight, smell and taste.

1. Look

Observe the wine’s depth of color and clarity from the top and side of the glass. Tilt the glass to observe the wine’s color along the edge. This can give you an idea of its acidity and age. Swirl the wine in the glass to release the bouquet.

2. Smell

Smelling the wine will help you get a feel for the wine’s aromas and flavors, also known as notes. Hover your nose above the glass and take several brief sniffs, then try to identify the notes. Are they floral, grassy or citrus, or are there wine barrel notes such as vanilla, tobacco or chocolate?

3. Taste

Take a sip, and let the wine rest on top of your tongue. Sucking in some air through the wine will help bring out its flavor, or you can gently swish it around your mouth to aerate it. Observe the wine’s tastes and texture, tilting back your head to swallow.

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l 19th Annua

AU G U S T 23, 2020

“Best of” 2020 Ballot

Dining & Entertainment

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For the Home

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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3 Performing Arts School Pet Groomer Pet Hospital Pet Trainer Photographer Place to volunteer Preschool Printing & Graphics Company Private School Real Estate Company Religious School School District Security Services Senior Care Summer Camp Tanning Salon Tattoo Shop Temp Agency Tutoring Center Web Design Company Wedding Coordinator Balloon Design Bicycle Store Boat/RV Sales Boutique Bridal Shop Car Wash Children’s Clothing Store Custom Framing Day Spa Dealership Service Department Dry Cleaners Floral Arrangements Golf Equipment & Supply Hotel Jewelry Store Luxury Car Dealership Massage Men’s Clothing Store Motorcycle Dealership Music Store Nail Salon New Car Dealership Nursery Off Road Dealership Pawn Shop Pet Store Pharmacy Retail Wine Shop Self Storage Facility Shoe Store Tire Store Tuxedo Rental Used Car Sales Women’s Clothing Store

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Shopping

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Please complete this ballot and return it to: The Signal 26330 Diamond Place Santa Clarita, CA 91350

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Only official ballots will be accepted (no photocopies). All ballots must have a minimum of 5 categories completed. Employees and families of The Signal are ineligible to participate. The Signal will not enter into a written or oral discussion regarding the contest results, and all entries become the property of The Signal. The Signal reserves the right to publish the results of the reader survey, delete questions, or restructure, and to refuse questionable or duplicate entries.

14 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

AU G U S T 23, 2020

HOME

Home improvement tips from remodeling experts

hether you’re thinking about a bathroom update, kitchen overhaul or any other type of home improvement project, these tips from the experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and eLivingtoday.com can help you get started.

Create a plan

Improving your home can be one of the most exciting projects to undertake. Start by setting realistic expectations, determining your goals and needs, finding inspiration and, perhaps most importantly, setting a budget.

Renovate the bathroom

You can improve your home’s usability and increase its value with bathroom updates or a full renovation. Before you get started, think about these factors: the amount of space and storage you need, features that are important to you, sustainability concerns and accessibility considerations.

Update the kitchen

The kitchen serves as command-central for most homes, and you can get the most enjoyment out of yours by making purposeful changes, reconsidering the physical space, re-evaluating your shopping

style and choosing appliances with care.

Start a remodel

If it’s time for a serious undertaking, a full-blown remodel may be necessary (or simply desired). Remodeling typically calls for hiring a professional

contractor, a process you can go about by gathering local recommendations, asking for licensing and insurance, checking references and comparing bids. Find more home improvement ideas and solutions at remodelingdoneright.com and eLivingtoday.com. (Family Features)

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AU G U S T 23, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

GARDENING

What is hardscape, how can you use it to add value?

urb appeal is beneficial in various ways. Curb appeal can make a home more attractive to prospective buyers and give existing homeowners a place they want to come home to. In its study of the worth of outdoor remodeling projects, the National Association of Realtors found standard lawn care and overall landscape upgrades were most appealing to buyers, as well as the most likely to add value to a home. Although plants, grass and other items can improve curb appeal, homeowners should not overlook hardscaping. Hardscaping is an industry term that refers to the non-living features of a landscape. These features can include everything from decks to walkways to ornamental boulders. Introducing paths or paver walls to a property helps develop that home’s hardscape. Hardscape and soft elements often work in concert to create inspiring landscape designs. DIY landscape designers can heed certain tips to make the most of hardscape features on their properties.

Choose materials

As with many landscaping projects, homeowners must first determine what types of additions they would like on their properties. Common hardscape features include patios, decks, walkways of pavers or bricks, and retaining walls. Hardscape elements can be functional or simply decorative features that add whimsy to the yard.

Choose a theme

The right style allows hardscaping and softscaping materials to work together. For example, homeowners may want to give their yards an eastern feel, complete with a koi pond and decorative bridge or trellis. A formal English garden, however, may include manicured paths with stepping stones and ornate topiaries. Mixing too many styles together can take away from the overall appeal. The pros suggest looking at the overall plan of the design, even if all of the work can’t be completed at once. This way the eventual finished

Hardscaping refers to the elements in a landscape that aren’t living, such as paths, walls and fences.

project wil be cohesive.

Think about the purpose

Hardscaping can look good but also serve key purposes. Pebbles or gravel can mitigate trouble areas that don’t grow grass or plant life well. Retaining walls hold back soil in yards with sharply inclined hills. Mulch can set perimeters around trees and shrubs, as well as planting beds. Fencing, another form of hardscaping, is essential for establishing property boundaries and adding privacy.

Consult a professional

While many hardscaping additions can be handled by novices, largescale projects, such as patios and decking, can change the grading of the yard. Professionals can map out how to handle drainage issues and meet building codes. In addition, professional installation can ensure hardscaping features last for years to come. Hardscaping should blend with the nature around it and take its cues from the surrounding environment. This can help softscaping and hardscaping work as one. (MC)

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AU G U S T 23, 2020

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Turn those old crayons into new shapes and colors Here’s the fun:

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Editor

hen it comes to the annual back-toschool supply list for young students, crayons are still at the top. It’s no secret that kids love new boxes full of colorful crayons with sharp points, but what about last year’s stash? There’s no reason to throw out those worndown stubs from school and a summer of coloring and art projects. Instead of tossing them in the trash, collect them in a box and get going with this repurposing activity that turns old crayons into new shapes. You and your kids can make creative “designer” crayons — perfect for fall art activities or favors at your child’s next birthday party. There are numerous techniques I’ve used over the years, including melting crayons in jars and pouring the liquid into plastic molds. But this year, I’ve landed on a simple, no-mess approach: melt crayon pieces in a sili-

cone mold in the oven. There are different sizes and shapes of molds available to inspire you, such as fall leaves, animals and silly characters. Or, go basic like I did with a standard silicone ice-cube tray, which formed easy-to-handle chunky crayon squares.

Here’s the stuff you need: • crayon stubs in your favorite colors • silicone muffin, candy or ice mold available at craft and discount stores and online in seasonal and geometric shapes • baking sheet

Remove the paper wrapper from crayons. Let kids break them into pieces and sort into stacks according to colors. Heat oven to 275 F. Pile the pieces according to color in the sections of the silicon mold. Toss in a piece in a contrasting color for a marbleized effect, if you wish. Place mold on a baking pan for easy handling. An adult should set it in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until crayons are completely melted. Check occasionally. Remove and cool melted crayons until completely solid, about an hour. To hasten the process, put the tray in the freezer for 10 minutes. Pop newly shaped crayons out of the mold. Try out a new crayon on a piece of paper and you’ll discover that it really works. If you still have extra crayons in the sorted piles, make another batch and enjoy sharing the remade crayons with family and friends. Note Once you melt crayons in the silicone mold, plan on using it for nonedible crafts only. 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.

How they say that in …

AU G U S T 23, 2020

EARTHQUAKE

Continued from page 7

What is an earthquake?

To best understand the dangers, one must first know what an earthquake is, Blakeman said. “An earthquake is the release of accumulated energy or stress in the crust,” he added. “And in general, the crust is broken up into about 12 big tectonic plates.” Blakeman compares the Earth’s crust to a hard-boiled egg whose shell’s been cracked. “The shell would still be stuck to the egg, but they’d be in pieces, and that’s kind of what the Earth’s crust is like, except there’s heat escaping from the interior of the earth and that drives those plates to move a little bit,” Blakeman said. While the plates generally do so slowly, only moving a few centimeters each year, rocks that are bound tightly across each fault line create pressure. “The pressure builds up, builds up, and eventually there’s so much stress and strain there that the rocks break

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 7

N E W S F E AT U R E the fault slips and that energy is released — the release of energy is an earthquake,” he added. Though a trained geophysicist, Blakeman said he truly didn’t realize how active the Earth is until he began working at the USGS, finding that they’d publish approximately 30,000 earthquakes each year. “They happen constantly, and I think that’s something most people don’t know,” he said. “Living in California, the threat of an earthquake is ever-present,” the city of Santa Clarita’s Management Analyst Rebecca Widdison said via email. “By being prepared you can help minimize the risk and ensure your family will have all the necessary supplies and know what action to take when an earthquake strikes.” That being said, Widdison suggests SCV residents begin preparing now, rather than waiting until an earthquake strikes. SCV residents can sign up for the city’s Nixle alerts by texting “SCEMERGENCY” to 888777.

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The Northridge Earthquake in 1994 severely restricted access to the Santa Clarita Valley, making it difficult for many who commute. SIGNAL PHOTO

1 8 · S U N D AY S I G N A L

Opinion

AU G U S T 23, 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

Cancel Student Loans by Executive Order I’m sure you have a pile of letters to review, so thank you for taking the time to read mine. Today, I am asking you to consider reporting on an important petition, which can be found at bit.ly/3gkE5i1. My hope is that, in doing so, our community can empathize with and perhaps take action to help combat the plight that so many young people are currently faced with. This petition is calling on the president to cancel student loans by executive order, which would effectively cover 85% of all student debt across the nation. The petition was created and headed by Student Loan Justice founder Allan Collinge, and I am supporting his efforts by helping to spread the word to as many platforms as possible. My fiancé is $300,000 deep in student debt after a long uphill battle that he successfully completed to become a doctor of physical therapy. He now makes up a portion of the 2% of Black doctors in America and has earned his right to be there. We want to build a family together, and it is honestly terrifying: not just as a mixed-race couple (my family are immigrants from Cuba and Mexico) in these politically explosive days, but as two young people encumbered by his student debt for the next 30-plus years of our marriage. Should students like us be indebted servants to the federal government for the most vibrant and vital portion of our lives because we fought to earn our right to education and work? The system is backward, and it is hurting the very people it is meant to empower to live full lives. With all of this at the forefront of my mind as a Hispanic woman trying to build a sustainable life, and thereby set up my future children for success, this call to the president is not an “ask” for free money. It’s an ask to help prevent current and future generations from being squandered under a growing pile of debt that continues to outpace our income. A staggering number of graduates are not buying homes, getting married, starting families, building businesses or investing into their futures because they simply cannot. They are crushed by the crippling debt of student loans — an estimated 55 million borrowers are struggling under a monumental $1.8 trillion in student debt. According to the recently resigned chief operating officer of the Federal Lending Program, 80% of all borrowers will never be able to repay their loans. And with the heavy burden that COVID-19 has placed on all Americans and people around the world, the financial future of our youth is looking pretty bleak. We are looking to obtain 1 million signatures, and have reached about half of that thus far. If you have successfully arrived to the end of this letter, thank you for taking the time to read what I have to say. I truly appreciate all of the employees at The Signal who do such a wonderful job keeping our community updated and grounded. You guys are a pillar of our town. Once again, you may find the link to the petition at: bit.ly/3gkE5i1. Ivana Cespedes Santa Clarita 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, Competing Choices By David Hegg

e’ve all faced situations where each of two competing options facing us present good reasons for being chosen. What do we do? How do we evaluate the ethical choice when both options represent sound ethical footing even though they oppose one another? Take, for example, this scenario. Let’s say a college football coach — let’s call him Ed — has been fairly successful in the wins and losses column but is convinced that having a better training facility for his players will greatly increase his success on the field. In addition, he is also a strong believer in using football to build character, discipline and good manners in his players. He stresses that the education they gain in becoming men of value will be even more important in life than winning a conference championship. So, he raises funds from alumni and other program backers to build his training facility, hires strength coaches, and also a “character first” mentor. He enlists an architect and general contractor, signs all the contracts, and the project begins. But, as is always the case, there are delays due to bureaucratic regulations, and changes due to architectural mistakes as well as Ed’s desire for added features. All this means many more months of construction and, inevitably, additional costs. Finally the facility is opened, and the contractor issues a final bill to Ed. He sees that it is much more than the original contract. He remembers some handshake deals with the contractor about the additions and changes. “We’ll settle it up right when all is said and done,” he remembers saying in the parking lot on several occasions. But now he is in a pickle. On the one hand he realizes that he needs to be a faithful steward of the donated money, which was meant not only to build the facility, but also furnish it with all the equipment the team would need. He believes his integrity demands he not use equipment money for construction costs but he also knows the overruns are a result of his shoddy planning, and failure to manage his

own desires for added features. On the other hand, the contractor has a right to be paid for the work he has done, but the changes Ed asked for were never written down and he has no way of knowing if the contractor’s bill is accurate. What should he do? Sadly, these kinds of situations arise every day, and not just in the area of big projects and big money. Here’s the answer. Ed has built his football program on winning football games and building good men. The only ethical path forward is for him to act in complete honesty. That is, he must honor the handshakes, and spend the time with the contractor to accurately assess the cost of the overruns. And then he must go back to the donors, admit his mistakes, and present the need for the additional money. Here’s why: If he violates his own integrity in the areas of character, discipline and good manners in the way he deals with his donors and the contractor, his actions will shout to his players that character only matters when things go your way. Simply put, his responsibility to build good men of character will be undermined by his own unethical behavior. The bottom line is that acting ethically, in this case keeping your word and being honest in all things even when it hurts, is the only way to live a life that truly matters. All around us we see historical standards of ethical behavior being destroyed by selfish, pragmatic people. We are watching the very existence of right and wrong erode before our eyes in such outrageous ways that we wonder how we ever got to this place. Sadly, we’re all to blame all too often. Here’s my message to you all, stolen from Marcus Aurelius, the great second-century emperor and Stoic philosopher: “If it isn’t right, don’t to it; if it isn’t true, don’t say it.” And always remember, the lesser of two evils is still evil, and evil always has a large, painful, but hidden price tag. Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.

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