Sunday Signal 082723

Valley Breast Care and LA Cancer Network

are proud to announce the grand opening of Valley Breast Care at Santa Clarita, a division of the San Fernando Valley Cancer Center.

Valley Breast Care was established in 2005 and has been providing state of the art high quality breast cancer screening, diagnostics, and treatment services to women residing in the San Fernando Valley and downtown regions over the last two decades. The center is happy to now offer these same high-quality services to women residing in the Santa Clarita Valley and surrounding areas.

The services provided include:

State of the art 3D Mammography, Breast Ultrasound, MRI and CT-PET Imaging services.

Dedicated breast radiologists and breast surgeons.

Genetic counseling for breast, ovarian and other cancers provided by certified genetic counselor and breast surgeon Dr. Dortha Chu

Access to national clinical trials conducted thru Translational Research in Oncology (TRIOS), a national organization which is locally based at UCLA.

Medical oncology consultation services with Dr. Sheila Vasan Sheila is board-certified in medical oncology and hematology, and director of medical oncology for the LA Cancer Network Oncology Group at the Santa Clarita location.

The opportunity to advance our understanding of the cellular and molecular alterations which cause breast cancer and other malignancies through the participation in basic science research efforts, which will hopefully benefit future cancer victims.

The center is also one of the largest providers for the State of California Every Women Counts Program (EWC) which provides access to breast and cervical cancer screening services for uninsured or underinsured women at no cost.

The Santa Clarita Center is located at 25425 Orchard Village Rd. Suite 150 Santa Clarita CA 91355 For breast cancer screening services or an appointment for consultation, please call 661-467-2297 info@valleybreastcare.com www.ValleyBreastCare.com

Weekend Celebrations

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

Labor Day, the official end of summer and the last travel three-day weekend travel escape before end of the year festivities begin to appear on calendars in earnest.

The Labor Day weekend celebrates the American worker. The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City, by the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on Sept. 5, 1883.

By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a law making the first Monday in September of each year a national holiday.

This Labor Day consider making a visit to honor an important leader in California labor history, head to the mountains for clean air and cool fun or enjoy a nearby “staycation” paired with a fun event.

National Chavez Center

29700

Woodford-Tehachapi Road, Keene 93531

Info chavezfoundation.org

Widely recognized as the most important Latino leader in the United States during the 20th century, César E. Chávez led farm workers and supporters in the establishment of the country’s first permanent agricultural union. His leadership brought sustained international attention to the plight of U.S. farm workers, and secured for them higher wages and safer working conditions.

A visit to the National Chavez Center in Keene is an appropriate Labor Day weekend adventure. Keene is located 8.5 miles northwest of Tehachapi.

The center promotes and preserves the legacy of Cesar Chavez through his images and words as well as the grounds where he spent his last years, including the César E. Chávez National Monument.

The beautiful, sprawling estate at Nuestra Señora Reina de La Paz (Our Lady Queen of Peace), is also known as La Paz, in Keene, where Cesar and Helen Chavez’s graves lie in the Memorial Gardens and where thousands of visitors pass through every year to pay homage.

In 2012, the National Park Service designated the La Paz site as a national historic landmark. The Visitor Center is devoted to photo exhibits and features Chavez’s carefully preserved library and office. Hours Daily from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., except major holidays. Admission and parking are free.

See LABOR DAY, page 18

Hit a round of 9 after dark during Big Bear’s Glow Golf, an extravaganza of afterhours fun with dinner and drinks, a glowing golf course and glow in the dark golf balls. COURTESY PHOTO

Big Bear Mountains. COURTESY PHOTO

The César E. Chávez National Monument was designated a national monument in 2012. The memorial garden features a gravesite and fountain honoring Cesar Chavez and a remembrance of the farmworker movement’s martyrs. PHOTO COURTESY NATIONAL CHAVEZ CENTER

The World’s Most Desired Golf Courses

By Grahm Green

Augusta National is the most popular golf course in the world among golfing fans, according to a new study conducted by premium hi-tech golf apparel brand Galvin Green.

At a time when interest in golf has reached record levels across the world, Google Keyword Planner and Instagram data were analyzed to determine which courses and prestigious clubs have attracted the most golfers to their landing pages and social

the most.

following over the past year. The study combined 12 common search terms related to golf clubs to reveal the global average monthly search volume for every course and the number of hashtags for each location.

Augusta National takes the top spot with the highest combined golf index score of 98.62 out of 100. This is due to the highest combination of Instagram hashtags and search volume. Augusta National is searched 54,050 times on average each month globally and has over 100,000 posts (107,199) on Instagram under the hashtag #AugustaNational. Based in Georgia, the site is famous for hosting The Masters.

Home of The Players Championship, TPC Sawgrass is the second most popular course among golfing fans. Each month, there an average of 73,717 searches from across the world for visiting and playing at TPC Sawgrass — the highest number of any course analyzed. There are also 56,552 Instagram posts using the hashtag #TPCSawgrass, the second highest amount, leading TPC Sawgrass to have a golf index score of 95.26 out of 100.

St Andrews Old Course ranked in third with more than 55,317 monthly searches. Often hailed as the “Home of Golf,” pictures of St Andrews Old Course have also been posted on Instagram 45,658 times, resulting in a golf index score of 92.39.

With more than 10,000 average monthly searches (10,650), Emirates Golf Club is the fourth most-

Pebble Beach Golf Links. PHOTO CREDIT CJMCCAY FROM PIXABAY

Augusta, Sawgrass & St Andrews are the courses golf fans want to play at

St Andrews Golf Club in Scotland. PHOTO CREDIT WOLFGANG CLAUSSEN FROM PIXABAY

The Top 10 Golf Courses

searched-for golf course in the world. The 36-hole golf course in Dubai has a golfing index score of 81.02 out of 100, due to its combination of high search volume and 26,650 Instagram posts under the hashtag #EmiratesGolfClub.

In fifth place is Pebble Beach Golf Links. The Californian course is searched 18,325 times on average each month and has been posted 12,015 times on Instagram. This volume of interest gives the famous Pacific coast course an index score of 79.01 out of 100.

The sixth most popular golf course among golfing fans is Bandon Dunes with an index score of 76.78 out of 100. This score is based on an average monthly search volume of 25,625 per month and 5,352 Instagram posts for the respected Oregon facility that boasts six courses designed to reflect the true spirit of Scotland’s ancient links.

Abu Dhabi Golf Course and Turnberry (Ailsa course) rank seventh and eighth respectively. The Abu Dhabi Golf Course has a golf index score of 74.56 out of 100 with 8.675 Instagram posts and an average search volume for the course being 5,200. There are 9,514 Instagram posts under the Turnberry (Ailsa) hashtag, as well as 3,700 average monthly searches for the course, giving the course in Scotland an index score of 70.83.

Commenting on behalf of Galvin Green, Global Marketing Manager Annelie Backgård Ginstman said: “There are so many fantastic golf courses around the world and the top 10 courses in our survey would grace any golfer’s bucket list. What this study shows is just how much interest there is in these top-quality golfing locations and the extent to which golfers want to share their appreciation of them with others.” 

Left: Augusta National Golf is famous for hosting The Masters. Right: TPC Sawgrass is Home of The Players Championship. COURTESY PHOTOS

Cooking Clean

With many people focused on achieving a cleaner and healthier lifestyle, taking actionable steps such as recycling, using less hot water and eating nutritious foods can help lower your carbon footprint. Another step for a clean lifestyle: cooking with an environmentally friendly, clean energy source like propane.

Propane is already powering more than 12 million homes with reliable energy people can count on. Plus, gas-powered cooktops are preferred by 96% of professional chefs, including nutritionist and chef Dean Sheremet of “My Kitchen Rules,” who partnered with the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) to educate homeowners on the benefits of cooking with gas.

“There is a lot of misinformation about cooking with gas in the news,” Sheremet said. “It’s important to remember, the act of cooking itself impacts indoor air quality, regardless of the energy that powers the stove. Having a qualified technician install and perform regular service for the stove, maintaining proper ventilation using a hood or opening doors or windows and following common sense safety measures can ensure the safe use of any stove.”

Because ventilation when cooking is key, it’s important to note that cooking with propane results in lower carbon dioxide emissions than electric cooking, on average. That’s because more than 60% of electricity production comes from natural gas or coal generation plants, which release more CO2 emissions as part of the generation process.

Beyond the environmental benefits, propane-powered cooking appliances provide convenience, modern design and performance in kitchens, allowing home chefs to prepare healthy meals for their families in a short amount of time. Sheremet values the efficiency of a propane cooktop when creating nutritious meals like Skirt Steak with Salsa Verde and Spaghetti and Clams, which can be whipped up in minutes using a clean energy source.

“Chefs, and parents like me, prefer gas for a variety of reasons,” Sheremet said. “My son, Atlas, is often in the kitchen when I’m cooking, and we know sometimes kids don’t listen when we tell them to not touch a pan or the stove. Propane cooktops allow for greater control of heat levels and their instant flame turnoff capabilities help them cool faster than traditional electric stoves, which can remain dangerously hot for a period after they have been turned off.”

Learn more about cooking with propane and find recipes from Sheremet at Propane.com/ChefDean.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cooking with Gas

Cooking with a reliable and environmentally clean energy source like propane can take your home chef skills to the next level. However, there are steps to take to ensure safety while maximizing the benefits of cooking with your gas range.

Do:

• Follow the manufacturer’s installation and operating instructions.

• Keep pot handles turned inward to protect against accidents like knocking the pot off the stove or little ones reaching for the handles.

• Keep the range surface clean.

• Keep flammable materials away from burner flames.

Don’t:

• Do not cover the oven bottom with foil as it can restrict air circulation.

• Never use gas ranges for space heating.

• Do not allow children to turn burner control knobs.

• Do not leave food unattended on the cooktop.

Spaghetti and Clams

Salt

8-12 littleneck or other small clams in shell, scrubbed

1/4 pound spaghetti noodles

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/2-1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 dried red chile pepper

1/3 cup vermouth or white wine

1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley

Bring large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Soak clams in cold water.

Add spaghetti to boiling water and cook until slightly underdone. In large saucepan over medium-low heat, add olive oil, garlic and chile pepper. Saute gently, reducing heat, if necessary, so garlic does not brown.

Add vermouth and clams; cover. Clams should open in about 2 minutes. Add hot drained pasta, cover and shake pot gently. Simmer 1-2 minutes until spaghetti is cooked to taste.

Discard unopened clams. Add half the parsley and shake pan to distribute evenly. Transfer to plate or bowl and sprinkle with remaining parsley.

Skirt Steak with Salsa Verde

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

2 thinly sliced scallions

3 tablespoons capers, drained and roughly chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional, to taste, divided 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus additional, to taste, divided

1 1/2 pounds skirt steak

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, divided 1/4 cup pistachios

1 romaine heart

1 radicchio

1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese

Whisk olive oil, vinegar, scallions, capers, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Pour about 1/3 of dressing (about 1/3cup) over steak and turn to coat.

Add parsley and 1 tablespoon mint to reserved dressing; stir and set aside until ready to use. Cover and refrigerate steak 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.

In small saute pan over medium heat, toast pistachios, tossing often, until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Set aside.

Set grill to medium-high heat or heat grill pan on stovetop over medium-high heat. Grill steak about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to plate and rest 10 minutes.

Cut romaine hearts lengthwise into quarters. Arrange romaine and radicchio in layers on large platter, leaving room on one side for steak. Sprinkle with goat cheese, pistachios and remaining mint.

Slice steak into 3-inch pieces then slice against grain to cut steak into wide strips. Add sliced steak to platter. Drizzle reserved dressing on romaine and steak. (Family Features) 

Skirt Steak with Salsa Verde

Spaghetti and Clams

How to Enjoy Fresh Maine Lobster this Season

Tips and tricks from a 4thgeneration lobster family.

As people look to change what’s on their plates, it can be tough to know where to begin. From social media-inspired recipes to trendy menu offerings, there are many options.

That’s why restaurant owners Katie and Thom Werner are recommending a staple that’s sustainable, fresh and versatile: Lobster. The Werners own the popular Island Lobster Co. restaurant in Peaks Island, Maine where Thom works as a commercial fisherman and supplies most of the lobster served.

The Werner family is well versed in the iconic Maine Lobster fishery, coming from a long line of generational fishing families, with Thom having fished since he was 6 years old. They know lobster can be intimidating for home cooks, but as people familiar with the product, they emphasize lobster is easy to prep, delicious and supports communities up and down the coast.

“Lobsters are always sustainably harvested and handled with care by the fishery,” Katie said. “It’s so important to know where your food comes from and with local lobster, it’s something you can feel great about enjoying that also directly benefits so many families like ours.”

For those looking to enjoy a simple and classic version of lobster, the Werners recommend a tried and true method.

“Steamed with some melted butter is always perfect,” Thom said. “You can’t beat the sweet, succulent flavors of fresh lobster with that punch of salty butter.”

For those looking for a fresh twist, Katie suggests trying her favorite recipe at Island Lobster Co.: the BLT Lobster Roll.

“It’s a savory and sweet combination of crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes and tender lobster meat, all served on a buttery roll,” she said. “It’s a great way to enjoy sustainable trap-to-table fare.”

No matter what recipe people go with, the Werner family hopes everyone can partake in enjoying a staple of their heritage.

“To me, Maine Lobster is a taste of home,” Thom said. “I’ve always enjoyed it with friends and family. Now I get to share that legacy with my own kids and our community at the restaurant. I feel incredibly lucky, and I hope everyonewhether you’re a Mainer or on the opposite side of the country - can enjoy it as a celebration of such an iconic industry.”

To learn more about the Werners’ story, find recipes and look for ways to support the industry, visit lobsterfrommaine.com.

(Family Features)

BLT Lobster Roll

Recipe courtesy of the Werner family of Island Lobster Co. on behalf of the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative Yield 1 roll

3 slices bacon

1/4 pound fresh lobster meat (or meat from 1-pound lobster)

1 tablespoon butter

1 brioche bun, halved

1 tablespoon mayonnaise

3 tomato slices

1 large leaf romaine lettuce or butter lettuce

Preheat oven to 400 F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange bacon slices on top. Cook 10-15 minutes, or until desired crispiness.

Prepare large pot with 2 inches of salted water and bring to rolling boil. Add lobster and steam 12 minutes. Halfway through,

lift lid carefully and shift lobster to cook evenly.

Break down lobster and remove meat from shell, yielding about 4 ounces of cooked meat. Chop meat into bite-size pieces. In large skillet or griddle over medium heat, warm butter to coat pan.

Place both pieces of bun cut sides down on pan and cook about 30 seconds until golden. Remove buns from pan and set aside.

In bowl, toss chopped lobster meat with mayonnaise and set aside.

Assemble cooked bacon, tomato, lettuce and lobster mix on toasted bun. 

082023 Golf Desired Top Ten

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Explore Our Brand-New Demonstration Garden!

By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

Throughout the past decade, California has experienced some of the worst droughts in history – partnered with catastrophic wildfires, diminishing water levels in our lakes and rivers and water restrictions impacting millions throughout the state. Our region is no exception. We want to help educate our residents about the impact water use has on landscaping, so the City of Santa Clarita has partnered with SCV Water to create a demonstration garden that features a variety of landscaping ideas surrounding water conservation.

The demonstration garden is beautifully integrated into Bridgeport Park. Centrally located and welcoming an estimated 16,000 visitors an-

nually, this park provides educational programming opportunities due to its proximity to Bridgeport Elementary School and its location within the Bridgeport neighborhood. This location will be great for those looking to learn about sustainable landscaping and water conservation, as well as for those who stumble upon it during their morning walks or while exploring our City parks.

This demonstration garden will serve as a place where residents can get inspired or simply learn about native plants, water-wise landscapes, efficient irrigation practices and more. Serving as an educational hub, residents can learn how landscapes play a crucial role in water conservation and gain insights into the significance of using California and Santa Clarita Valley native plants. Additionally, there will be information on programs and incentives offered by SCV Water and contact information for local landscape designers who designed this garden.

The garden itself is roughly 14,800-square-feet, located just off of the walking path and is comprised of four different landscape designs, each showcasing native and low-water use plants, rain gardens and high-efficiency spray irrigation. Also included is a permeable concrete pad for garden maintenance and other sustainability demonstration purposes. The pathway throughout the garden is built out of decomposed granite and also offers benches and signage to let residents relax and learn more about the site.

Hoping to instill a sense of creativeness, conservation and comprehension, this garden will serve as a space for residents to rest and enjoy during their walks, to pull inspiration from for their own homes or a place to bring their families to learn more about water conservation efforts happening here in Santa Clarita. Individuals will also be able to observe the blooming patterns of plants throughout the year. Some of the plants fea-

tured in the garden are Hummingbird Sage, California Wild Lilac Yankee Point, Showy Milkweed, Fortnight Lily and Deergrass.

I hope that this garden will give our residents a place where they can get outside and enjoy nature, but also learn about the importance of water conservation and sustainable landscape design. I encourage residents to join us on Friday, September 1 at 10:00 a.m., for the official ribbon cutting of the Bridgeport Park Demonstration Garden, where they can come explore the different landscape designs and learn more from our partners at SCV Water. To learn more about the garden, please visit YourSCVWater.com.

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. 

Right Here in the SCV

ENTERTAINMENT

‘Painkiller’ is About the Sackler Family and Purdue Pharma

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘Painkiller’

 1/2 (out of four)

A six-part series Thursdays on Netflix

The premiere episode of the gripping and stylishly rendered Netflix limited series “Painkiller” begins in documentary fashion, with a woman named Jen Trejo telling us, “This program is based on real events. However, certain characters, names, incidents, locations and dialogue have been fictionalized for dramatic purposes. What wasn't fictionalized is that my son [Christopher], at the age of 15, was prescribed OxyContin. He lived in years and years of addiction … and at the age of 32, he died, all alone in the freezing cold in a gas station parking lot, and we miss him.”

Each of the six chapters in the series begins with tragic testimony from someone who has lost a loved one to opioid addiction, and it shakes us to the core. We're then plunged into a story that is fictionalized but carries the ring of essential truth. Based on Patrick Radden Keefe's New Yorker article “The Family That Built an Empire of Pain” and Barry Meier's “Pain Killer: An Empire of Deceit and the Origin of America's Opioid Epidemic,” with all six episodes directed by Peter Berg (“Friday Night Lights,” “Deepwater Horizon,” “Patriots Day”), this is a well-plotted and expertly acted story outlining how the Sackler family and Purdue Pharma created the pain-relieving prescription drug OxyContin.

Seemingly out of nowhere, the prescription pain reliever spread across the land like a raging wildfire, due in large part to marketing and promotion efforts, with salespeople engaging in boots-on-the-ground (or often, highheels-on-the-ground) campaigns to get doctors to prescribe Oxy as a new and improved and more beneficial approach to alleviating pain.

“Painkiller” features four primary storylines that occasionally intersect:

• In a powerful and resonant performance, the Emmy-award winning Uzo Aduba (“Orange Is the New Black”) is Edie Flowers, a doggedly

determined, no-nonsense investigator for the U.S. Attorney's office who in the late 1990s becomes aware of a new pain-relieving drug that has sprung up like a million dandelions. Edie becomes our guide, explaining how the Sackler family developed OxyContin and managed to win the game-changing approval of the stubborn, real-life FDA medical officer Curtis Wright (Noah Harpster) — who then entered the private sector to work for … Purdue Pharma. Tyler Ritter also does stellar work as U.S. Attorney John Brownlee, who is convinced to go after Purdue Pharma.

• The wonderful Clark Gregg is the psychiatrist and family patriarch Arthur Sackler, an early pioneer in the field of medical advertising and the pharmaceutical revolution. An inspired piece of casting has one of the most likable actors of our time, Matthew Broderick, playing Arthur's nephew Richard Sackler, who marshaled through the development of OxyContin. Like most villains, Richard never sees himself as such. He believes, or at least tells himself, he's helping millions of Americans live better lives through pain management. Those troubling tens of thousands of opioid addiction deaths? Blame them on the abusers, not the supplier.

• On the sales side, Dina Shihabi is the beautiful and manipulative Britt Hufford, a Purdue Pharma sales rep with an almost cultlike devotion to her job, who recruits former college athlete Shannon Schaeffer (West Duchovny) to join her on the road in her Porsche and go from hospital to hospital, doctor's office to doctor's office, medical conference to medical conference, to flirt with physicians and hand them samples and coupons and pitch them on the miraculous qualities of OxyContin, which Britt claims has an addiction rate of less than 1%. The early, nearly giddy scenes of Britt and Shannon living it up are like a cross between “The Wolf of Wall Street” and “Goodfellas,” with Shannon initially going all-in on the slick and aggressive sales style, and reaping the rewards in shoes, cars, cash and parties.

• Bringing it home: a storyline set in North Carolina, with Taylor Kitsch

doing some of his best work as Glen Kryger, a mechanic, small-business owner and solid family man who sustains a brutal back injury on the job and is rendered nearly immobile by the post-surgical pain — until his friendly neighborhood doctor prescribes OxyContin, which produces such amazing results at first that Glen

appears in a promotional film for Purdue Pharma. As addiction takes its hold on Glen, we see his family torn apart, pill by pill. (Carolina Bartczak also does fine work as Glen's wife, Lily. When Glen overdoses and a physician voices concern about possible addiction, Lily regurgitates the “1%” line and the doc replies, “I've got an ER filled with the 1%.”) In one of the most devastatingly effective scenes in the series, we cut back and forth between Purdue Pharma reps testifying to Congress that their product is safe, that it's not their fault that addicts and criminals are abusing it, and scenes of Glen resorting to buying Oxy on the street, crushing it and snorting it.

In later episodes, “Painkiller” at times veers into heavy-handed messaging, as we see how the respective main storylines play out as a kind of morality play. Still, this is an invaluable and, at times, heartbreakingly effective piece of work. 

Copyright 2022 Chicago Sun-Times

Me rr faced with the potent al of srael’s complete destruc t on, must navigate over whelming odds

G r A n t u r i s m o: BA s e d o n A t ru e s to ry C Sun: 10:00

to Thu:

Gran Turismo is based on the unbel evable true stor y of a team of unl kely underdogs - a struggl ng working- class gamer, a fa led former racecar driver and an dealistic motorspor t execut ve Together, they risk it a l to take on the most e ite spor t in the world

B lu e B e e t l e C Sun: 10:00 1:10 4:10 7:10; Mon to Thu: 1:10 4:10 7:10

Recent college grad Ja me Reyes is adr ft and searching for h s purpose n the world when he finds himse f in possess on of an ancient re ic of al en biotechno ogy: the Scarab When the Scarab suddenly chooses Ja me to be ts symbiotic host he is bestowed with an incredible suit of armor capab e of ex traordinar y and unpred c table powers s t r Ays E 12:50 3:05 5:20 7:30

A dog wi l a ways find his way home Espec a ly f t s to get revenge on the dir tbag owner who d tched h m The stor y of an abandoned dog who teams up with other strays to get revenge on h s former owner t e e n AG e m u tA n t n i n j A t u r t l e s: m u tA n t m Ayh e m B Sun: 10:20 1:00 4:30 7:20; Mon: 1:00 4:30; Tue to Thu: 1:00 4:30 7:20

After years of be ng sheltered from the human world, the Tur tle brothers set out to w n the hear ts of New Yorkers through heroic ac ts They take on a mysterious cr me synd cate, but soon get in over the r heads when an army of mutants s unleashed upon them

t h e e s s e n t i A l c h u rc h C Sun: 10:10 AM

When governments use Covid emergenc y ac t ed c ts to restr c t the gathering and worship of the Church, three pastors fac ng the risk of impr sonment take a courageous stand

BA r B i e C Sun: 10:20 1:20 4:20 7:00; Mon to Thu: 1:20 4:20 7:00

To l ve in Barbie Land is to be a per fec t being n a per fec t place Un ess you have a fu l- on existential crisis Or you re a Ken

o p p e n h

PHOTO COURTESY IMDB

Declutter Bathrooms in Six Simple Steps

Due to their small size and heavy usage, bathrooms can become messy, cluttered areas for many families. For those with smaller bathrooms, storage solutions can be even harder to find. Consider these organization tips to make your bathroom a clean and functional space for every member of the family:

Assess the Mess

Go through all the cabinets and drawers to clear out unused makeup, health care products and medications. Make sure the items you keep are used on a regular basis. Items used sparingly should be placed in an alternate location.

Go Vertical

Medicine cabinets can quickly get stuffed when combs, toothpaste and other toiletries are stored horizontally. Use organizer cups with suction adhesives to contain items vertically and save space.

Hang Up in Style

Old coat racks and ladders make perfect solutions for larger families to hang multiple towels. Snag an old one from a thrift store and paint it a bright hue, like red or turquoise, for a stylish bathroom accent piece.

Avoid Spills and Squirts

Hair products, such as gels, mousses or hairsprays, can create sticky, toughto-clean messes if liquid escapes the container in a drawer or cabinet. Avoid such mishaps by placing these types of items in plastic tubs instead of directly in the drawer or on a shelf.

Divide and Conquer

Bathroom drawers can become unruly if not organized. To keep items separate and tidy, insert dividers, such as those used for kitchen utensils. These often come in fun materials, such as bamboo or stainless steel,

to add a fresh look.

Assign Cabinets or Drawer

Try to use a large enough cabinet so each member of the family has his or her own space or drawer. This can help limit the amount of items high-maintenance family members can bring into the small area. Plus, it makes it easier for everyone to find their things.

Find more tips to transform your bathroom into a clean, organized environment, regardless of its size, at eLivingtoday.com. (Family Features) 

Prevent Slips and Falls in the Bathroom

Bathrooms can serve as sanctuaries, providing a warm tub to soak in after a long, weary day or a private place to retire for a few minutes of peace and quiet. Bathrooms also can be dangerous places, as various groups warn that most slip and fall accidents that occur at home will happen in the bathroom.

The combination of hard surfaces and moisture from sinks and showers can create dangerous conditions. Furthermore, bathrooms tend to be small spaces, so should a fall occur, it’s more likely a person will hit various surfaces on the way down.

Bathrooms can be made more safe in a few simple ways.

• Keep the bathtub clean

• Declutter the space

• Choose the right bath mat

• Limit moisture

• Improve bathroom lighting

• Wear non-slip shoes

• Install a walk-in shower or bathtub

Any individual with a health condition that causes vision disturbances or difficulties with balance should work with a doctor to find a resolution. These conditions may contribute to falls. (MC)

Downshifting into Fall

By Mary Petersen Signal Staff Writer

Our grandson started kindergarten last week. There was plenty of fanfare preparing him for this momentous occasion.

New backpack, lunchbox, haircut, milestone photos. Despite the anticipation and apprehension (mostly on his mother’s part), transitioning to his first day of kindergarten went smoothly.

Not only is our little man facing a transition. We all are. It’s the end of summer. Despite the heat, vacation is over. It has been an eventful few months for us. Hectic and busy but also fun and exhilarating. We went whale watching in Baja, spent three weeks in Italy, and stayed a few days in Rosarito Beach. We hosted two international students in a cultural exchange program and celebrated seven family birthdays! In between, I did lots of babysitting as my daughter was teaching a summer school class. It was hard to catch my breath some days.

I shouldn’t complain about being too busy. It’s a good thing to have such a full life, overflowing with more activities than I can handle. Yet with such an intense schedule, sometimes I’m so busy I lose my balance (well, figuratively).

I thought, mistakenly, that as a retired person, I would have ample discretionary time each day to enjoy the things I like to do, but my jampacked summer schedule left me with little wiggle room. The quilt I started has been languishing on the dining room table for months. My garden needs trimming and fertilizing, and it took me a month to finish the book

I was reading. It’s even been difficult to squeeze in in time to write.

I think it’s the season. In summertime we fill our days with the activities we can’t do in other seasons. Especially with grandkids, we plan beach days and pool days, vacations and barbeques. We take them on excursions to recreational spots and activity centers. The sun sets later so we play until dark. We pack in as much fun as we can to take advantage of longer days and warm weather.

As joyful as it has been, I am looking forward to transitioning into fall and downshifting out of my frenetic schedule. Despite having to deal with fall’s ubiquitous pumpkin spice everything, it will be a welcome change from the wild ride that summer has been.

Professionals warn that the autumnal time change can disrupt our circadian rhythms, and it’s true that the earlier setting of the sun requires an adjustment. But I anticipate the pleasure of an early dusk, of slowing down and nestling in at home. Solitude helps me organize my days and thoughtfully consider my priorities. I may even finish the projects I have been putting off since spring.

At every stage in life, we face transitions, some joyous and some challenging. Sometimes the transition is a journey into uncharted territory. Sometimes it’s a recurrent, cyclical passage. Whether we are starting kindergarten, adjusting to retired life, or adapting to seasonal cycles, ideally, we disengage from previous routines, embrace what’s in front of us with openness, and make friends with change.

Mary Sortino Petersen is a retired COC English instructor, a 30-year SCV resident and two-time breast cancer survivor. She welcomes your comments at asecondwind.signal@gmail. com. 

•

Workday Reset — Break Away From Your Desk

When the sun is shining and comfortable weather is calling you outdoors, focusing on tasks at work can become a challenge. Workdays are often long and strenuous, making that blue sky and fresh air all the more tempting.

Don’t let a full to-do list bog you down. In fact, taking a break from your desk and averting your eyes from the computer may actually help you mentally reset and increase efficiency through the remainder of the day.

Consider these popular ways to disconnect for a short while so you can take on busy days without feeling overwhelmed.

Stretch After hours of sitting, stretching from head to toe can be a good way to get physically active if you’re short on time and stuck at your desk. Neck, shoulder, arm, back and leg stretches are all easy ways to stand up and disengage from the computer. Another trick: practice wrist exercises to avoid injury or strain from typing.

Go for a Walk If you have a few minutes to spare, leave the office or your desk at home entirely and head outside for a walk. A stroll through your neighborhood or the city sidewalks can provide the fresh air and physical activity your body craves.

Take Five Outside On hot days when a mid-workday walk might not be the right refresh, skip it and simply find a shady spot to sit down. You can enjoy the benefits of fresh air and sunlight without getting too hot.

Rest Your Eyes Follow the rule of 20s. If you’re working a computer job, eyestrain may be a serious concern. Give them a break by looking 20 feet away

for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.

Enjoy a Favorite Snack Push that office chair away from the computer and treat yourself to a bite of something you enjoy. For example, Nestlé rallies nut butter bombs are a perfect cure for those backto-back video calls, delivering a balance of permissibility and indulgence while helping you rally through your workday. Available in three craveable flavors — raspberry peanut butter, brownie almond butter and salted cashew butter — the chilled delights combine decadent chocolate and smooth nut butter for a rich burst of flavor with no preservatives, artificial flavors or artificial colors.

Check in with Friends Squeeze in a midday chat to catch up with a friend or coworker. Socializing is a feel-good way to take your mind off work even for just a few minutes.

Sip an Afternoon Coffee If caffeine gives you that much-needed jolt to finish out the workday, head to your favorite local shop for a refreshing iced beverage. Pair it with a chilled snack like Nestlé rallies nut butter bombs for a perfect sweet and savory afternoon pick-me-up.

Find more delicious ways to rally through the day by visiting nestlerallies.com. (Family Features) 

SCVi’s aerospace programs invite real-world learning through glider flight, developing experiments performed by NASA scientists on the International Space Station, and more. Our Soaring Aeronautics Project allows learners to use the engineering design process to:

Learn from glider pilots about flight controls and aerodynamics

Fabricate, interact with and fly a full-scale glider!

Project-based learning means students experience hands-on individualized learning that puts them in the pilot seat of their education – literally!

Rates shown are per person, land and round-trip economy-class airfare from the featured gateway (other gateways available, rates may vary), based on double occupancy for check-in on December 7, 2023. Rates include taxes, fees and surcharges collected by seller at time of booking using the AAA.com website. If booking with a AAA Travel Advisor, a $25 service fee will be collected at time of booking. Airfare is nonrefundable. Itinerary changes/cancellations are subject to Pleasant Holidays®, airline and/or other supplier-imposed fees from $25 (for Canada or contiguous U.S. travel) or from $50 (for all other travel) per person, plus applicable fare differential (certain changes involve prenotification deadlines). See General Disclaimer for additional information regarding air. *The value listed is per booking and equals the total of the Tropical Days offer plus the AAA Member Benefit2 Tropical Days Offer: Valid on new Hawai‘i, Mexico, Caribbean, and Continental United States bookings made July 23, 2023 – September 22, 2023, for travel July 23, 2023 – June 30, 2024. Minimum five nights’ accommodations at a participating Hawai‘i Mexico or Caribbean resort or hotel and round-trip airfare required (excludes Hawai‘i inter-island flights). Minimum two nights’ accommodations at a participating Continental United States resort or hotel and round-trip airfare required (excludes Hawai‘i inter-island flights). Savings of $150 is not reflected in rates shown and applies to Hawai‘i, Mexico, and Caribbean destinations with participating resorts. Savings of up to $100 is not reflected in rates shown and applies to Continental United States destinations with participating resorts as follows: $50 off 2–3-night stays; $75 off 4-night stays; $100 off 5-night stays or longer. AAA Member Benefit: Valid on new bookings made between July 23, 2023 – December 31, 2024, for travel through December 31, 2024. Minimum five-night stay at participating AAA Vacations® properties required. $50 activity voucher is nonrefundable, nontransferable, has no cash value and applies to the following destinations: Hawai‘i, Mexico, Central & South America and select Caribbean destinations. Savings not reflected in rates shown and applies to the following destinations: USA (excluding Hawai‘i), Canada – $25 savings; Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Asia, South Africa, select Caribbean destinations (Anguilla, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Curaçao, Dominica, Grand Cayman, Grenada, Martinique, St. Barts, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Martin & St. Maarten, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Turks & Caicos, and U.S. Virgin Islands), Tahiti (French Polynesia), Fiji and Cook Islands – $50 savings. Rate based on city view king room accommodations at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa on O‘ahu. Rate based on superior select club room accommodations at Sandos Caracol Eco Resort

All-Inclusive in Playa del Carmen. Environmental Sanitation Tax of $27 Pesos per room per night will be collected by the hotel at check-out. Rate based on double room accommodations at Riu Bambu All-Inclusive in Punta Cana. 6Rate based on classic queen room accommodations at The LINQ Hotel + Experience in Las Vegas. 7Kids stay free in same room as adults using existing bedding at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. Occupancy limits apply. 8Riu Bambu resort credit is as follows: Valid on new bookings for travel through December 23, 2024. Includes a resort credit per room, per stay for guests 21 and older to be used towards Renova Spa (2 $20 coupons for 80 minute Renova Combination massage, 2 $25 coupons for 80 minute Ritual Punta Cana, 2 $10 coupons for 80 minute Stress Cure massage, 2 $20 coupons for Beauty Ritual, 2 $35 coupons for Ocean Harmony, 2 $10 coupons for Spa pedicure; limited to 1 coupon per service, per person; Scuba Caribe (2 $15 coupons for sailing lesson, 2 $45 coupons for PADI Open Water Diver Course, 2 $20 coupons for PADI Scuba Diver Course, 2 $15 coupons for PADI Discover Scuba Diving Experience; limited to 1 coupon per service, per person), Punta Blanca Golf (1 $85 coupon per golf round per person and includes: transfer from hotel to Punta Blanca Hotel, 18 hole golf round, practice balls, electric golf car, water, soda and cold tower at the end of the T-time. Extra discount in additional tee times: 5% on the second round, 10% on the third and fourth round and 15% on the fifth round onwards); Weddings by RIU ($100 coupon towards Royal & Caprice Collections), Photoventura ($50 coupon by purchasing Sea Photo Package), Europcar Rent-a-car (up to $105 coupons); Chocolateria (1 $4 coupon towards $25 purchase, 1 $8 coupon towards $50 purchase, $15 coupon towards $100 purchase and applies only for products signed with red code); Diamante Casino (1 $10 coupon; limited to coupon per person, per night). A 3 – 6 night stay is required. Resort credits are contactless and accessible through the RIU app. Resort credits are nontransferable, nonrefundable, non-combinable and cannot be used for future stays. Subject to change or may be discontinued without prior notice. Certain restrictions may apply. Based on double occupancy. The LINQ Hotel + Experience up to 20% savings is as follows: Save on stays of 1+ night. Blackout dates may apply. Not combinable with any other offer, unless otherwise indicated. For all offers, unless otherwise indicated: Rates quoted are accurate at time of publication & are per person, based on double occupancy. Gratuities, transfers, excursions and, for non-air-inclusive offers, airfare, taxes, fees & surcharges, are additional. Advertised rates do not include any applicable daily resort or facility fees payable directly to the hotel at check-out; such fee amounts will be advised at the time of booking. Rates, terms, conditions, availability, itinerary, taxes, fees, surcharges, deposit, payment, cancellation terms/conditions & policies subject to change without notice at any time. Cruise rates capacity-controlled. Advance reservations through AAA Travel required to obtain Member Benefits & savings which may vary based on departure date. Rates may be subject to increase after full payment for increases in government-imposed taxes or fees and, except for air-inclusive offers, for supplier-imposed fees. Blackout dates & other restrictions may apply. As to Air-Inclusive Offers Only: Other restrictions may apply, including, but not limited to, baggage limitations & charges for first & second checked bag, standby policies & fees, nonrefundable airfare/airline tickets, advance purchase requirements & supplier & airline-imposed change/cancellation fees up to & including the price of the fare plus any applicable fare differential (which may involve pre-notification deadlines). Air component of packaged offers may be nonrefundable; refunds are subject to supplier & airline terms & conditions. Supplier & airline

September Gardening

By Jane Gates Signal Staff Writer

As summer fades, temperatures in the Santa Clarita Valley often ignore the shortening daylight hours and soar into triple digits. There has been crazy weather this last month and there is no way to predict what the weather will bring this September.

Nonetheless, there are plenty of jobs to do. The shorter days tell desert and chaparral plants to prepare for their active growth to begin, while most other garden growth prepares for a winter slowdown or the end of annual life cycles. So, now’s the time to clean up fading growth, save any seeds you may want to replant for next year and prepare your new autumn/winter garden.

With average annual heat indexes climbing and droughts becoming more frequent, autumn is becoming our most productive season for gardening. We still experience occasional nighttime frosts in winter, but overall, garden growth seems to thrive better with current milder autumn and winter temperatures than those of the triple-digit summer.

Here are some suggestions for September gardening.

Start seeds of cool-weather vegetables. Keep seeds and young plants well-watered for good germination and a strong start. Planting early helps sturdy little plants that will grow through the chilling temperatures of some winter nights.

Plant some hardy flower seeds to get a head start on next spring’s season.

Irrigate very early in the morning or in the evening. Heat during the day will evaporate irrigation water before it can reach the roots that need it. Wet drops on leaves can also work like tiny magnifying glasses, burning spots into the leaf tissue.

California native plants are semi-dormant in the heat of summer and look dreary and dry. Let them stay that way until rain falls, or give them slow, deep watering occasionally to wake them up. You can deadhead (cut off) dried up flower spikes if you want to neaten up any shrubs.

Keep annual and perennial flowers deadheaded to encourage late blooming. Or leave the spent flowers in place to dry so you can collect seeds for next year.

If you do choose to plant shrubs, trees or flowers, keep them well watered and try to rig up some temporary shade to make planting less stressful for the first week or two. You are likely to have more success planting after the worst of the heat is over in late September or early October. Unless we have a cool September.

September is harvest time! Keep ripening fruits and vegetables cropped. Preserve extras by canning or freezing and store winter squashes and root crops in a cool, dry space. Should you find you have extra food, share with a neighbor or consider donating to local food banks. There are people you’ve never met who would very much appreciate your home-grown food.

September is also a good time to pull out all that faded garden growth and to rake falling leaves, branches and other litter. Keep up with yard cleaning to keep away unwanted rodents and insects before any of them decide to move into your home with inclement weather.

Landscape

Ask yourself these questions to see if your landscape is up-to-date for September. Is your landscape set up for whatever weather wintertime sends?

Are your ground drains free of blockage?

Do you have permeable paving, swales, dry riverbeds or other practical set-ups (that can also be decorative!) designed to conduct water from a heavy flash rainstorm safely away from your home or other structures?

Are your gutters cleared for smooth drainage and free from flammable dry litter should winds send burning embers your way during a local wildfire? Have you removed all old wood from close to

your house? Don’t offer termites this irresistible invitation into your house!

You can do all these outdoor garden and safety projects while making your landscape gorgeous. Too many homes are surrounded by fields of dead weeds, powdered soil, brown lawns or smothered with boring gravel. None of these solutions is useful or good looking. In fact, they only add to the problem by making the air around your home dusty, dry and hot. There are many ornamental ways you can make your landscape lovely, safe, practical and enjoyable.

Just a few might be to build a raised vegetable garden to add interest, flavor and healthy ingredients into your cooking. Add paths for design, easy access and less water usage. Try some decorative shapes, colors and textures of rock, tumbled glass, decomposed granite and much more that can fill spaces between plants making maintenance easier and your landscape artistic.

September is a great month for improving your garden. Clean it up and reap the rewards of redesigning your outdoor space. There are plenty of things to do in the garden during early autumn. Do them together with the whole family for faster results and more fun. Do you have your to-do list ready yet?

For more information about gardening in the Santa Clarita Valley, visit Jane Gates on YouTube at https://youtube.com/user/Janieg8s.

Win out over pests, save water and make gardening easier on your back with raised vegetable beds.

Getting Young Drivers Road Ready this School Year

Do you remember the excitement of getting your driver’s permit and license? For teens, driving represents freedom and independence. However, they must understand it’s a privilege with serious responsibilities.

Before letting your teenager behind the wheel, check out these tips that can help them get ready to hit the road.

Drill the Basics

Before you hit the road, train your teen on the basics. Show them how to adjust the seat, steering wheel and the side and rearview mirrors to suit their needs. Make sure they can locate the car registration, insurance card and car manual and discuss situations they’ll need to pull them out.

Review Rules and Responsibilities

Talk with your teens about the rules and responsibilities of driving so they can get themselves and passengers safely from Point A to Point B. It’s es-

pecially important to emphasize that driving requires their full attention and that removing or reducing distractions is essential.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a teen’s chances of crashing increase six times when dialing a phone and 23 times when texting. Meanwhile, State Farm’s 2023 Distracted Driving survey found that drivers who had their license for five years or less were significantly

more likely to use smartphone apps and record and watch videos while driving than drivers who had been licensed for more than 10 years.

Practice Driving at Night

Experienced drivers know driving at night is more difficult than during the day. Practice is essential to staying safe while driving in the dark.

More than half of the State Farm survey respondents did not have

nighttime driving practice while learning to drive. Make sure your young driver gets some night-driving experience so you’re both more comfortable with evening outings.

Be a Good Role Model

Your teen’s driving education starts at home. You can’t rely solely on driver’s education class to teach your teen the rules of the road and safe driving practices. Model safe driving practices by remembering to buckle up and always keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

Also, when you’re in the driver’s seat use the trip to explain the choices you’re making behind the wheel. You can also share tips you learned from your driving experiences that may not be covered in class.

Be proactive and get your teen road ready this summer. Using these four tips and other Teen Driving 101 tips from State Farm, you can ensure your teen is prepared to get behind the wheel. (BPT) 

NEWS FEATURE

LABOR DAY

Big Bear

There are still available mountain cabins for rent in Big Bear over Labor Day Weekend.

Big Bear is a popular getaway for Santa Clarita Valley residents because of its beauty and easily accessible location to the SCV.

Check out vacation cabin rentals at bigbearcabins.com and at www.bigbear.com.

Among the fun Labor Day Weekend events:

Glow Golf at Bear Mountain Golf Course

Info bit.ly/45lo8me

Sept. 1 and 2: Hit a round of 9 after dark during Glow Golf, an extravaganza of afterhours fun with dinner and drinks, a glowing golf course, and glow in the dark golf balls. Event begins at 7 p.m. Price $69.

Music in the Mountains

Info bit.ly/3E9Q80a

Sept 2: Music is great for the soul. Join TLR, a tribute to the Eagles and Petty Party, a Tribute to Tom Petty to round out this fundraiser concert series benefitting the Southern California Mountains Foundation and their programs to protect the San Bernardino National Forest. Tickets $38.

Cool Run in the Mountains

Info bit.ly/3OFp8uk

Sept. 2: The 12th Annual Cool Run Car Show features 100+ unique and classic cars, vendors and live entertainment. Presented by Rodriders of Big Bear, the event raises funds for several local charities including Doves and local Animal Rescue programs. Event is 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Big Bear Lake Convention Center. Attendance free to spectators.

Led Zepagain at Village Sports Bar

Info bit.ly/3YP01dl

Sept 2: Rock out to Led Zeppelin hits by this true-to-form tribute band. Led Zepagain has been paying homage to the classic rock band for 30 years. Reserve tickets for their Labor Day show. Tickets are $25.

Wild Bird Walk Info bit.ly/44uECr6

Sept 2: Join Chirp Nature Center at 8 a.m. for a free educational wild

bird walk for all ages and skill levels. Walk along a winding water-course in search of an assortment of local wild birds from regal hawks to singing sparrows.

Labor Day Quilt Show

Info bit.ly/45m7aEb

Sept 2 and 3: The Busy Bears Quilt Guild hosts a Labor Day Quilt Show! Whether you’re a quilt enthusiast or not, this showcase of quilting work is a stunning art display.

Moonridge Mondays Street Fair

Info bit.ly/47H5qaf

Join the community along the Moonridge Corridor from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 4 for the new Street Fair. Visit vendors and food trucks. Enjoy live music and kids’ activities. Admission is free.

Hollywood

Star Wars in Concert at the Hollywood Bowl

Info www.hollywoodbowl.com

On Sept. 1 or Sept. 2 let the Los Angeles Philharmonic transport you to a galaxy far, far away with live scores from “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.”

In the climactic sixth episode of the Star Wars saga, Darth Vader readies the second Death Star to unleash the final blow to the Rebel Alliance. Luke Skywalker joins R2-D2, C-3PO and Princess Leia to free Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt and launch a desperate attack upon the entire Imperial Fleet. Watch the complete film unfold as David Newman and the Los Angeles Philharmonic performs John Williams’ legendary score live to picture.

Air Supply and Michael Bolton at the Hollywood Bowl Info www.hollywoodbowl.com

On Sunday, Sept. 3 two romantic rocker heavyweights team up for a night of iconic melodies and unforgettable hits. Air Supply’s “All Out of Love” and “Lost in Love” made them stars of the 1980s, while Michael Bolton’s signature vocals and emotional vulnerability took him to the top of the charts with Grammy-winning hits like “When a Man Loves a Woman” and “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You.”

Join Chirp Nature Center’s Wild Bird Walk for a free educational wild bird walk for all ages and skill levels. Photo Chirp Nature Center.

BookTrib’s Bites Self-Help, Mystery and More

Functional Architecture of the Human Mental

By Joseph J. Jean-Claude and Caroline Stamu-O’Brien

Millions of adult Americans suffer from serious psychological distress. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, hypomania, etc., or caring for a close one with psychosis, you’ve possibly tapped into numerous selfhelp books with theories about what you are feeling and facing, and how to cope.

Now there’s another book, referred to as “A Reference Psychophysics Treatise of Human Mentation and its Disorders.” It sits in the Health Sciences collections at Harvard, Cambridge, Oxford, Université de Paris, and many others.

A quintessential reference book dissecting every human mental condition — both current and comprehensive critical resource for clinical practice and beyond. This massive work exposes several decades of mathematical-physics research in human emotions, cognition, behavior, personality, and a multitude of psychiatric diagnostic entities.

The Empty Kayak

By Jode Millman

For Detective Ebony Jones, crime is always personal. But this time, it strikes too close to home. A pop-up thunderstorm marches its way across the Hudson River, ambushing a young couple’s kayaking trip. The woman miraculously makes it back to shore, but her fiancé remains missing. Ebony and her partner are the first responders who rush to the river to assist in rescuing the capsized boater.

The victim’s identity shocks Ebony. It’s Kyle Emory, ex-boyfriend of her estranged best friend, attorney Jessie Martin. The accident ignites a firestorm between the two friends, pitting them against each other in a race to discover whether Kyle’s death was an accident, a suicide, or murder. Along the way, they uncover lies and

betrayals, and gather a list of dangerous suspects all linked to the mysterious survivor.

After Here

By Dave Wolffe

For fans of Mitch Albom’s The Five People You Meet in Heaven, this book chronicles the journey of Joe Golden from his fatal car accident through Heaven. Joe meets people both familiar to him and those who are not, all the while on a mission to find his beloved wife who had passed away one year prior to Joe’s death.

This story brings to life the afterlife experience in rich, provocative detail, offering to readers who believe in the afterlife as well as those who do not have a means to envision a place where their deceased loved ones may be enjoying a peaceful existence. This

on Oct. 4.

The competitive singing show “The Voice” will return for its new season on Sept. 25, while “America’s Got Talent” airs its season finale on Sept. 27. While the strike presumably goes on, NBC has two brand-new drama series that are ready to air. “The Irrational” premieres on Sept. 25, and “Found” will debut on Oct. 3.

message will bring deep comfort and encouragement to adult readers who have suffered the loss of a loved one or someone special in their lives.

I Will Take You Home

By Rebecca Cupcake Tinnes

This moving and inspiring collection of animal rescue stories begins in the late Nineties when Rebecca discovers a neighboring high-kill animal shelter. Her short, meaningful, and entertaining stories share how and why she created a nonprofit dedicated to saving cats and dogs at the Animal Adoption Center in Jackson Hole, WY.

Most importantly, her essays enlighten and invite readers to help our country become a no-kill nation. The stories fluctuate from experiencing overwhelming emotions in a high-kill shelter to the laugh-out-loud insanity of living with a houseful of animals.

These are the memorable, meaningful stories of one woman’s determination to make a difference for the cats and dogs on death row. The book is for everyone who loves animals and those looking for inspiration to do more.

BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com. 

By Dana Jackson

QWhen is “Chicago Med” re turning with new episodes?

How much will the strikes in Hollywood delay it? -- L.E.

A:All three “Chicago” dramas have been renewed another season, but won’t be returning with new episodes until sometime in 2024. The ongoing WGA (Writer’s Guild of America) and SAG (Screen Actors Guild) strikes have put a freeze on filming, and that includes season nine of “Chicago Med,” season 12 of “Chicago Fire” and season 11 of “Chicago P.D.”

NBC’s Wednesday night schedule

for the upcoming fall season will start off with a rerun of one of the “Chicago” series, perhaps on a rotating basis, followed by new episodes of both “Quantum Leap” at 9 p.m. ET and “Magnum P.I.” at 10 p.m. ET starting

According to People magazine, “The Irrational” stars Jesse L. Martin (“The Flash”) as a “world-renowned professor of behavioral science” who lends his expertise on government and corporate cases. “Found” stars Shanola Hampton (“Shameless”) as a “public relations specialist” who has a “chilling secret” to hide while looking out for the “forgotten who have gone missing.”

Be sure to check back with NBC. com for updates on when your favorite shows will resume.

QWill Marvel ever make a vam pire movie with Count Dracula and his daughter, Lilith? -- R.S.

AWhile there doesn’t appear to be a movie in the works yet about Dracula and his daughter, Lilith, the latter of the pair is rumored to be a character in the upcoming “Blade” remake. You may remember Wesley Snipes played the title role in the “Blade” trilogy of films beginning in 1998. Marvel is rebooting the vampire slayer in a new film featuring Oscar-winning actor Mahershala Ali (“Green Book”) in Snipes’ role, which is scheduled to hit theaters in February 2025. It will be the final film in the fifth phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Mia Goth (“Pearl”) has also been cast for “Blade,” in what is rumored to be the role of Lilith, daughter of the infamous Dracula; however, the identity of her character hasn’t been officially announced.

Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. 

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Jesse L. Martin stars in “The Irrational” on NBC. PHOTO COURTESY NBC

PETS

Five Tips to Help You Keep Your Pets Pest-Free

Naturally curious, many pets sniff and explore other animals and objects, unaware they may expose themselves to potentially harmful parasites and conditions. According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, 1 in 100 dogs tested positive for heartworm in 2022, and more than 1 in 4 indoor cats were positive for heartworm infection.

External parasites — including fleas, ticks and mites found outdoors or on other animals — and internal parasites such as heartworms, roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms and whipworms can wreak havoc on your pet’s health and well-being. These parasites can feed on dogs and cats, causing health issues that range from minor skin irritation to severe organ damage and even death if left untreated. Some parasites can also be contracted by people, making diagnosis and prevention even more important. Though prevention is the best ap-

proach, treatment is sometimes required. Intervention is most effective when started immediately after a parasite is detected. Work with your veterinarian to tailor a program specific to your dog or cat’s breed, age, behaviors and environmental factors, and consider these tips from the experts at VCA Animal Hospitals, which has more than 1,000 locations across North America that cared for more than 4 million pets last year, to help prevent parasites in your pets. Provide preventative medications. Based on their specific risk factors, dogs and cats should be on yearround parasite control programs that treat infections such as heartworms, intestinal parasites, fleas, ticks and more. Parasite prevention medication options range from topical to injectable and oral.

Visit the vet annually. Yearly visits allow your veterinarian to take note of changes in your pet’s health and alter his or her parasite control program as necessary. Your vet can

tell you which parasites to watch for based on your location, how these parasites can be transmitted, and which preventative products are most appropriate. Additionally, newer, more accurate parasite tests can also identify parasite strains that may affect people and pets. Remember, dogs and cats age faster than humans, so annual exams with diagnostic testing are the equivalent of humans visiting the doctor every 4-5 years.

Watch for warning signs of parasites. Some pets infected with a parasite don’t show any signs of illness. However, common signs of infection include diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite or blood in your pet’s stools. Coughing or difficulty breathing may also accompany heartworms. Also consult your veterinarian if your pet excessively scratches, chews or licks his or her coat or ears, or persistently shakes his or her head. Seeing your vet as soon as possible can get your pet treatment and help prevent spreading the parasite to other animals. Puppies and kittens are especial-

ly at risk for parasites since most contract them from their mothers while nursing and their small size puts them at greater risk for severe illness.

Groom regularly. To reduce the risk of coat contamination and increase the likelihood of catching fleas, ticks and coat abnormalities quickly, be sure to periodically groom your pet, or have him or her professionally groomed. It is particularly important to inspect your dog or cat after playing outside or with other pets.

Clean up after your pet. Since most intestinal parasites spread through contact with feces, it’s crucial to dispose of any waste in your yard or pet’s litter box within 24 hours to avoid exposure and reduce the risk of environmental parasite contamination. A contaminated yard can be a source of exposure for many months as parasites can live in the soil for extended periods of time.

Find more tips for parasite prevention and treatment at VCAhospitals. com. (Family Features) 

SOLUTIONS

Try This Thought Experiment

Imagine for a second what our news media would have done if Donald Trump Jr. smoked crack, photographed his genitals, had sex with his dead brother’s wife, cheated on his taxes, bought (and then lost) illegal guns, impregnated hookers, abandoned kids, and left behind a laptop full of porn and proof. Now imagine what they would have done if Junior were paid millions by foreign (often hostile) governments, without registering as a foreign agent, all so Daddy Trump would set favorable policy — among *many* other things, exerting pressure by withholding billions in U.S. taxpayer aid to remove a criminal prosecutor from investigating Junior’s company.

Next, imagine Donald Trump got a big fat cut, laundering it through shell companies, flying with his son on Air Force One to meet with the bribers, bragging on camera about crushing the prosecutor, saying his son was the smartest guy he knew, pretending they never talked business, while moving the newly minted/highly paid “artist” into the White House to avoid service on a paternity lawsuit regarding a grandchild he refused to acknowledge. Finally, imagine Junior was let off with a slap on the wrist by Daddy Trump’s Department of Justice, while the DOJ indicted his biggest political rival over “documents.”

We would hear about nothing else — 24/7, it would be the ONLY news...

Rob Kerchner Valencia

Put Your Money Where...

Recently, the topic of California’s deficit has been brought up as an inflammatory, allergic irritation to certain members of the local conservative cabal/tribal council (letters, Ron Perry, Aug. 10).

Government bureau policy is notoriously uncontrollable by the individual, so such irritation is a self-inflicted condition brought about by a failure to recognize what is under one’s control and what is not. As a potential salve to the dermatitis, I suggest that anyone suffering from the itchy malady put your money where your mouth is by exercising something that IS under your control in our capitalist economy. If you really believe there is folly and/ or danger ahead for California's finance or fiscal position, you can execute a short position on a California bond ETF. It is a way to collect on your wisdom and earn some bragging rights for your keen insight into the intractability of California finance. A good $50,000-$100,000 bet should pay off handsomely if you are right. Or you could lose that (and more) if you are wrong.

Christopher Lucero Saugus

ETHICALLY SPEAKING

Ethical Authenticity

By David Hegg

Aweek ago I read an article about a gentleman who spent thousands to become a dog. That’s right. He decided his authentic self was a collie, and spent an exorbitant amount to wear an authentic collie costume so his authentic “self” could finally engage the world around him.

My immediate thought was probably like yours: This is some kind of joke! Sadly, the man’s intentions were neither comedic nor motivated by a desire to make the news. Turns out he was just being carried downstream in the increasingly swift current of what I’m going to call “audience-participation authenticity.”

By “audience-participation authenticity” I mean the ideology sweeping our society that who I am, my “authentic self,” depends on how you see me. My authentic self is only real if you validate it. My happiness, my well-being, my belonging, and all the rest of my “me-isms” become real and authentic if, and only if, you look at them, agree with them, appreciate them, and then applaud them. You see, my authenticity actually becomes authentic only as the you – the audience around me – participate in, and thereby validate my charade. I guess the gentleman who wanted to live like a collie needed everyone to see him as a collie to finally “find himself.”

There are so many dangers in this “audience-participation” form of authenticity but here are the biggest ones. First, it doesn’t work. If my authentic self is ultimately something others have to validate, then it isn’t really authentic in terms of being organic, natural, and therefore, the true “me.” What happens if those who validate my “authentic identity” change their minds? Does that mean I’m really not a collie? And what about when I find that a dog’s life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be? Do I have to admit I’m really not a collie to escape the consequences of my “audience-participation authenticity?” Does my audience then have the right to mock and ridicule me, and cast aspersions on my motives? Bottom line, when my authenticity depends on others’ recognition and respect, I’ve abdicated any leadership in my own life, and that is never the road to happiness and well-being.

Secondly, “audience-participation authenticity” not only doesn’t work, it also is personally degrading. As mentioned, this ideology not only surrenders up the power of self-being to the

whims of others, but also is dishonest. It just isn’t ethical to declare as authentic that which can never be. And it says all the wrong things about those who try.

Can we really respect and think highly of someone who insists he is a dog? Would you want him teaching your children, handling your money, mowing your lawn? (I’ll stop short of asking if you’d want him herding your cattle!) It is so ironic that those who delegate the validation of their “authentic selves” are actually participating in the wilting of their own souls. They are actively debasing themselves even as they are declaring they’ve found their authentic selves. How sad.

Third, searching for authenticity outside of who we’ve been created to be effectively prevents us from actually finding it. Rather than look at who we actually are, so many chase after what they can never actually be. That is the saddest part of it all. To overlook who you really are because culture says you can find something better is one of the biggest lies concocted. My advice: Set your mind to be the best “you” you can be, and by the way, you’re the only “you” and that means you don’t have any competition. Take advantage of who you are, and become all you were meant to be.

I believe every human being is created by God as a unique, valuable person. As our fingerprints testify, we’re all “one of a kind,” endowed with our own set of skills, talents, loves, perceptions, tastes and myriad other categories that offer a lifetime of discovery and use. We are built for relationship, for service, for learning, for growing, for laughter and tears, and for so many other magnificent activities and experiences that line the path of life ahead of us. And, best of all, who we actually are is the sum and substance of our authenticity. We actually can’t escape that so we may as well maximize and optimize it.

The key to life isn’t manipulating your authentic self so others will accept and applaud some expression of you. It is digging down into who you are, building character and integrity, love and grit, courage and compassion, and making the most of who God made you so you can help those around you maximize their lives and abilities. God has made lots of dogs, so there’s no use being one. Besides, we love and need you!

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

Furniture Design Center is proud to have been voted Best furniture store in SCV. If you’re looking for quality furniture with an honest, personable experience, stop by and visit. Located at the old Steinmart building. LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED!