Sunday Signal Sept. 2, 2018 by Signal

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Soaring to new heights SCV teen pilot has love for gliding Page 36

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MOTIVATING KIDS

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S E P T E M B E R 2, 2018

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

[6] NEWS FEATURES

[6] Collaboration is a priority in today’s classroom [7] Groups, officials put focus on mental health in community [8] Law enforcement changes tactics in combatting drunk driving

[9] NEWS OF THE WEEK

Woman earns car for cosmetic sales; Celebrities lend helping hand to local veterans; Hundreds adopted at “Clear the Shelters” event; New school year, same bullying problem; Caso family shares statement in death of Rita Estes; Local family in search of dispatcher who assisted them during childbirth; Six Flags Magic Mountain announces new coaster; A look at the task force on homelessness; COC opens continuing education class center; City bus ridership down

[14] CITY MANAGER COLUMN

[15] [16] [18] [20] [23] [24]

Making way for a new community center

BUSINESS Olive Garden to thank first responders SPORTS SCV triathlete to compete in international competition REAL ESTATE Home sales OPINION Our View, David Hegg, Tim Whyte SCV CALENDAR HISTORY: John Boston's Time Ranger

[25] KIDS & FAMILY

Helping to motivate students in new school year

[26] THINGS TO DO Ojai getaway [27] ENTERTAINMENT Hot September entertainment in the SCV;

NEW COMMUNITY CENTER

29 JUSTIN HAYWARD

RESTAURANT PROFILE

Justin Hayward of Moody Blues to perform at Canyon Santa Clarita

[31] SCHOOLS

School menus; District OKs deal to help students in need

[32] YOUR HOME Make your home look like a million-dollar property

SUNDAY SIGNAL STAFF

[33] FOOD STUFF

Throwing a hot-pot party; Restaurant Profile: Bella Cucina

[36] PERSONALITY PROFILE

SCV teen is glider pilot

[38] HEALTH & FITNESS Understanding food labels [39] GARDENING Choosing the right fertilizer [40] SENIORS

Children to celebrate Grandparents Day

[44] BRAIN GAMES

Games, Crossword, Puzzles

On the cover: Lexie Peltola. PHOTO BY TOM CRUZE

SignalSCV.com Richard Budman Jason Schaff

Publisher Sunday Signal Editor

Tim Whyte

Signal Editor

Trish Galloway Perry Smith Brad Lanfranco

Graphic Designer Signal Deputy Managing Editor Advertising Director

26330 Diamond Place, Suite 100 | Santa Clarita, CA 91350

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S C V F E AT U R E

THE TEAM APPROACH Collaboration among students is a priority in today’s classrooms By Brennon Dixson

rom the construction of classrooms to the adoption of curriculum, student collaboration is an increasingly emphasized aspect of education in school districts across the Santa Clarita Valley. “It’s part of what we need to do to have students be 21st-century learners and be college and career ready,” said Kim Treddick, Sulphur Springs Union School District’s director of curriculum and instruction. “Students need to know how to communicate clearly and collaborate as a team because that is what they will be doing in their careers.” Collaboration provides opportunity for children because every student has the chance to learn from others by asking questions and engaging in discussions that will help further their understanding of a concept, said Isa De Armas, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction in the classroom is optimized for small Saugus Union School District. “It can look different class-to-class, but group instruction from the ground up, which is evident in the SUSD’s the premise is still the same.” new science Take a walk buildings that around a class CO L L A B O R A will include in any district an “in and out and you’ll see TION PROVIDES component” to that many of the OPPORTUNITY every science classrooms are F O R C H I L D R E N lab, said Magdy set up to foster Abdalla, district small-group B E C AU S E E V E R Y director of fainstruction and S T U D E N T H A S cilities, conallow for the struction and T H E C H A N C E TO easy maneuvermodernization. ing of desks and LEARN FROM “Everything tables. OT H E R S . is geared to“We don't ward the child’s want those rows learning experianymore,” De Armas said. “Maybe when we went ence, even furniture.” Classrooms aren’t the only asto school, but today the focus is pect of education being overhauled on a growth mindset,” or the idea that students are learning from one to support today’s learning techniques. The curriculum and methanother, have support from their peers and are getting opportunities ods in which it’s taught are changing as well. for discussion. The structure of the 21st-century Activities like Sulphur Springs’

summer GATE Academy allowed students to work in groups to construct mini turbine engines, small rockets and helicopters using PVC pipe, water bottles, skewers and other basic materials. Students also had to work together to plan a mission to Mars, Treddick said. This forced them to interact and explain the problems they expected to encounter before they brainstormed, debated and presented possible solutions to their peers. Sulphur Springs also has iPads that allow students in transitional kindergarten through sixth grade to share documents, comment on and question other students’ work, and collaborate on research projects, Treddick added. It’s not as simple as telling children to go work in a group, De Armas said. “Students must have objectives that are clear and instruction that provides them with the strategies to have those rich discussions. Everything has to be very

The structure of the 21st-century classroom is optimized for small group instruction. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON

structured, so students know what they need to learn, how to act in the group and produce the task that's being asked of them.” Technology and collaboration aren’t new to the classroom, De Armas said. Districts have pushed the “4-Cs” — creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and communication — since 21st century learning techniques became a priority for schools in the early 2000s. “These are the skills that students need to have. Everything refers back to the 4-Cs, which is what's needed for our students to be successful beyond the school years,” De Armas said. “It’s important to foster a collaborative spirit so students have the opportunity to express themselves and learn.” 

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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

S C V F E AT U R E

Putting a focus on mental health in the community can’t just let mental health care providers deal with it. It’s societal and driven by a lot of hen it comes to suicide prevention, factors.” experts say one vital component The committee has is making sure people are taking made progress on care of their mental health. addressing suicides SCV resident Gene Dorio knows this, through working with he said, because of his role as a geriatric the Santa Clarita Valdoctor who frequently makes house calls ley Sheriff ’s Station, to homes of the elderly. He said people unBridge to Home, the derestimate how often mental health can SCV Senior Center and affect certain vulnerable groups, like senior other institutions, said citizens and the homeless. Larry Schallert, assistant director of Stu“Elderly patients have a lot of lonelident Health and Wellness/Mental Health ness and isolation,” he said. “And those are at College of the Canyons and chair of the factors that affect everyone, making them committee. mentally ill.” They are focusing on post-vention in the “People don’t realize that mental health aftermath of a suicide or attempt, he said. is a huge factor in “We’ve been protheir livelihood, active about making when they feel the sure we don’t crepressure of their ate suicide clusters pay and personal in the community lives, as they grow The SCV Suicide Prevention, Postvention and Wellwhen there’s a suiolder,” he added. ness Committee plans to have more workshops in the cide,” he said. “So if community and there are several in September, which The SCV Suicide there’s a suicide on is Suicide Prevention Month. Prevention, Postcampus, we make vention and Wellsure to check in on On Sept. 12, a Support Our Veterans mental ness Committee the people who were health and wellness discussion is scheduled to be held at was formed to adclose to the individCOC. A veteran suicide attempt survivor is scheduled to dress these issues, ual. It has a huge talk with providers of health and wellness services. said member Diane ripple effect on the Trautman. community, and On Sept. 24, a suicide prevention intervention Trautman origithat’s our priority.” response training session is scheduled with the Santa nally got involved Clarita City Council. It is open to the public from 6 to 8 Dorio said the through her work p.m. at City Hall. committee has been on the Henry Mayo working with Oak On Sept. 26, a Latinx Mental Health Seminar is Newhall Hospital’s Tree Gun Club to scheduled at College of the Canyons in conjunction with Ethics Committee, create a safe envithe Tarzana Treatment Center from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and also noticed a ronment regardtrend in suicides ing potential gun and wanting to violence, especially help prevent them. after a fire captain in the SCV recently died “I want to understand what is propelfrom a self-inflicted gunshot, he said. ling people to consider and commit sui“It’s tough because I’m not sure yet cide and what can be done in the commuwhether mental health problems are recognity to help,” she said. “I think everybody nized by the upper echelon within governhas some skin in the game here — we all ments or within health care, if they’re rechave to be working toward solutions. We ognized as a problem we’re gonna attack,”

By Crystal Duan

Upcoming Workshops

The “Shine a Light” event earlier this year at the College of the Canyons was held to spread awareness on suicide and dispel the stigmas associated with mental health. The school placed more than 1,100 lanterns in the Honor Grove to represent the 1,100 college students that lose their lives to suicide every year. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

he said. “I just don’t think people do a lot about it.” Dorio wants to look for solutions for the homeless population, who often suffer from mental health issues that are overlooked. “I’m not seeing people looking for major solutions,” he said. “We give them clothing and food, but we have to yank out people who are mentally ill and be able to treat them appropriately. If there’s gonna be any improvement we should have it there, and give them better health care in that respect.” The committee meets every month, and has brought in speakers such as Mark Goulston, a nationally known UCLA psychiatrist. He spoke in August of listening to people more closely to understand what their issues are, and to make them feel less alone. “People just want to be listened to,” Goulston said. “They don’t want to feel close to shattering all the time. Sometimes they’ll fixate on something, and that becomes their way of saving themselves.” See MENTAL HEALTH, page 17

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S E P T E M B E R 2, 2018

Law enforcement changes tactics in combating drunk driving By Perry Smith

otorists might notice fewer DUI checkpoints on Santa Clarita Valley roads in the next year, but it doesn’t represent a change in priorities for deputies and officers — just a change in tactics. There are no DUI checkpoints planned in city limits in the next 12 months, according to SCV Sheriff ’s Station officials. That’s because deputies have decided to put more of a focus on the more popular and increasingly common “saturation patrols,” according to SCV Sheriff ’s Station deputies. For the 2018-19 fiscal year (which runs from July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019), SCV Sheriff ’s Station officials said they do not have a checkpoint planned, as the federal grants that specifically pay for those operations have not been pursued. CHP officials still have federal funds available from the Office of Traffic Safety for the current fiscal year, so the Newhall-area location expects to have at least one DUI checkpoint before the end of the calendar year, according to Josh Greengard, spokesman for the CHP Newhall-area Office.

CHP

California Highway Patrol officers are using a mix of saturation patrols and DUI checkpoints over the next 12 months, Greengard said. The California Highway Patrol is able to host the DUI checkpoints through a federal

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Office of Traffic Safety grant that’s split among the CHP locations throughout the state where, strategically, the operation would have the most impact, Greengard said. In the SCV, the CHP’s jurisdiction includes the unincorporated areas, which is why CHP checkpoints are always located in the SCV’s areas that are not in city limits. A recent saturation patrol operation conducted by the CHP showed just how effective such missions can be at finding suspected drunken drivers. While CHP officers arrested 11 drivers on DUI charges during the previous weekend, during one saturation patrol in July officers conducted more than two dozen DUI investigations and

The California Highway Patrol runs a sobriety checkpoint on the Old Road. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

made 23 arrests in an eighthour span.

Sheriff ’s Station

Saturation patrols have become more of the focus versus the DUI checkpoints for the Sheriff ’s Station. City officials noted it was in large part because the data showed the patrols to be more efficient in catching suspected drunken drivers, said Carrie Lujan, communications manager for the city of Santa Clarita. (The city of Santa Clarita contracts with the Los Angeles County See DUI, page 17

S E P T E M B E R 2, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

LOCALNEWS

Woman earns car for cosmetic sales

Brittany Barlog, 21, sits in the free car she earned with Mary Kay Cosmetics. Barlog began her own Mary Kay Cosmetics business in 2015. PHOTO BY MICHELE LUTES By Michele Lutes

Santa Clarita resident and entrepreneur Brittany Barlog is defining what it means to be a “girl boss.” Barlog began her own Mary Kay Cosmetics business in 2015. “It was a game changer for me,” she said. “When I started, my faith was so low, in the Lord and in myself.” Mary Kay Cosmetics is a faith-based company. “They want you to believe: faith first, family second, career third,” Barlog said. Based on those values, she has built her business while attending college at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. In the past four years, Barlog received three degrees: associate of arts in beauty industry merchandising and marketing, advanced studies associate’s in arts beauty industry management and bachelor of arts in professional studies. “I found something in the industry that I loved so much, I am passionate about it, and I can thrive at it,” she said. Today, Barlog is 21 and the youngest Santa Clarita resident to earn a free car — a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze — from Mary Kay, she said. “It has changed my life,” Barlog said of earning her first free car. “Mary Kay took care of everything for me.” Mary Kay Cosmetics took care of the car title, tax, license and registration, 85 percent of the car insurance and her car payment for two years. She says it

took her four months to earn the car in 2016. Barlog plans to earn another free car from the company. “It depends on how all the numbers play out,” she said. “It’s between a 2019 Chevy Cruze or a fourdoor Mini Cooper with pink stripes.” She believes growing up with both her parents being entrepreneurs has helped her build her own business today. “I’ve only known the entrepreneurial spirit,” she said. “Nine-to-5 never made sense to me.” Making her own schedule as an entrepreneur has let her spend time with her family. “I want to be the best example for my sister,” she said. “My sister was born with Down syndrome. Her name is Jennifer. We are the best of friends.” Barlog and her sister are eight years apart in age, and they inspire each other every day. “When I work my business, I love coming home to spend time with her,” Barlog said. “I want her to have a role model such as myself.” Barlog strives to be a role model for her sister, other female entrepreneurs and her clients. “If I leave with them feeling hopeful confident and beautiful, I’ve done my job,” Barlog said.”It doesn’t feel like it’s about money.” Barlog can be reached at Bbarlog@ marykay.com or at www.marykay.com/ bbarlog.

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S E P T E M B E R 2, 2018

S C V F E AT U R E

Celebrities help local veterans build homes Houses to be made available at low cost to those who served in the armed forces By Skylar Barti

Celebrities gathered at the veterans housing tract off Centre Point Parkway on Aug. 25 to finish nine homes that will be made available at low cost to veterans later this year. Actors from NBC, CBS and Fox placed down baseboards, paved driveways and helped build the top nine homes of the veterans housing tract from the third phase of Homes 4 Families' Veteran Enriched Neighborhood for the second time this year. “This is the second community of its kind and we’re breaking ground on a third project in Palmdale,” said Donielle De Leon, director of corporate and community engagement for Homes 4 Families. “Today, we have our Celebs4Vets team out here. We’re 26 strong out today. The program is

much bigger than that but that's who came out today.” Celebs4Vets is a membership-based program that is made up of members in the entertainment industry who believe in the Homes 4 Families mission and want to give their support by participating. “(The celebrities) really had a great time and they wanted to come back out,” De Leon said. “They’ve raised just over $7,000 in cash so far in donations, and they will do well over $10,000 of work today.” The homes built by Homes 4 Families are made available to low-income veterans and their families and will give them access to various services to help the families transition back into civilian life. Many of these programs include art therapy, a military children’s

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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 11

LOCALNEWS

Bullying in new school year: still not tolerated By Jim Holt

Now that kids are back at school, some are back at school with bullies. Representatives of schools, districts and organizations devoted to ending bullying said last week that it remains a complex issue with no easy fix. Each of five school districts in the Santa Clarita Valley has two to three pages of its district policy devoted to bullying — how to recognize it, how to deal with it and how to stop it. Each superintendent was asked: “Why doesn’t hitting the bully back work for a child who is bullied?”

is really bad — defined as “severe or pervasive” — corrective action could lead to suspension or expulsion.

Saugus

“Hitting the bully back continues a cycle of violence that, when unchecked or encouraged, can lead to dire consequences,” said Colleen Hawkins, superintendent of the Saugus Union School District. “Instead, we prefer to respond to bullying with positivity and kindness, to reverse the behavior instead of encouraging it." The Saugus policy was revised in 2017 to reflect bullying online, from the original language adopted in Jeff Pelzel, superintendent with the 2012, with new language addressing Newhall School District, said there the implications of social media. is no place for “Social media school violence. and the internet “We do not "SOCIAL MEDIA have ushered in a condone bullywhole different set AND THE INTERNET ing nor do we of problems, which HAVE USHERED IN A condone a rerequire a different sponse that inset of solutions,” WHOLE DIFFERENT volves hitting Hawkins said. SET OF PROBLEMS, another stu“As soon as we WHICH REQUIRE A dent,” he said recognized the Thursday. “Neipower that social DIFFERENT SET OF ther action is media has with SOLUTIONS." appropriate and our student body, we work hard we felt it necessary to train our stuto add language to COLLEEN HAWKINS, dents on how our policies so our SAUGUS DISTRIC T to resolve concommunity would flict without rebe safe. Regardless SUPERINTENDENT sorting to any of the type of threat act of physical — physical, emoaggression. tional or virtual — we are commit“We remind our students to report ted to providing a safe place for our these types of situations to a trusted students." adult so that we can work to educate The policies of other districts reall students on making the best choic- flect the same basic strategy. es and to take a hard stance against bullying behavior.” Newhall District students are “enSteve Doyle, superintendent of couraged to notify school staffers the Castaic Union School District, when they’re being bullied or suscalled his district’s policy on bullying pect that another student is being self-explanatory. victimized.” “It starts with reporting the behavIts official policy spells out the ior to an adult, followed by an invescorrective action bullies can expect: tigation/intervention by the teacher counseling, “behavioral intervention and education,” and, if the bullying See BULLYING, page 46

Newhall

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S E P T E M B E R 2, 2018

LOCALNEWS

Caso family shares statement on death of Rita Estes By the Caso family

Editor’s note: The following submission was shared with The Signal from the Caso family, which owns Santa Clarita’s Frontier Toyota dealership, through Bob Corson, general manager of the dealership, on behalf of the Caso family. Rita Theresa Estes was unlike any other soul. Anyone who met her was instantly captivated by her charismatic personality, iconic sense of humor, and generous character. Sadly, she left this world in her home

on Aug. 21, 2018, at the age of 29. love and humor. She grew up with many Rita is survived by her husband Matt; close friends and extended family nearher father Joseph, mother Prisby and even though most peocilla, brother Michael, sister Cara, ple’s circles grow smaller as they and dog CC — aka Nana. She is get older, Rita’s inner circle only predeceased by her grandfather grew with each passing year. Rita Joseph Caso, grandfather Ruben met Matt Estes in 2013 and they Lao and grandmother Rita Lao. quickly fell in love. They seamBorn on June 13, 1989, Rita lessly fit into each other's lives was the youngest child of Joe and like two missing puzzle pieces. Estes Priscilla Caso. She was the cenFriends and family always anter of their universe, not only beticipated their parties, trips and cause she was the baby of the family but even Rita’s notorious “#MyMatt” posts. also because she was constantly radiating They officially married on Sept. 16, 2017,

surrounded by their loved ones. Most importantly, Rita truly lived a life of service. Whether it was cooking Sunday dinners with her family, being a great aunt to her nieces and nephews, traveling with her husband for work, or simply making you smile on a bad day, you always knew you could count on her. There’s no doubt, though, her sense of humor and ability to always simply be herself was unmatched. The way she could make you cry laughing with a quick-witted joke are the moments that we’ll all remember most. Her favorite See ESTES, page 46

Family searching for helpful 911 dispatcher, paramedics By Michele Lutes

A Santa Clarita family is in search of the 911 dispatcher who talked them through delivering their fourth child. “I was just in shock,” said Kesha Holloway, a Santa Clarita resident and mother. “I didn’t feel any contractions or pain.” Phoenix Clarke Holloway was born in her Santa Clarita home on July 30 around 3 a.m. Kesha’s husband, Eric, delivered his baby girl in the middle of their living room with no doctors and no pain medication. “It was the most beautiful experience for him to deliver his baby girl and for her to come out healthy,” Holloway said. With the help of the 911 dispatcher, her husband was able to stay calm while Holloway caught it all on video. “It was really amazing she was able to hold the phone sturdy and give birth without any pain meds,” said India Love, Kesha’s mother. Paramedics arrived three minutes after the baby was born, Holloway said. See DELIVERY, page 46 Kesha Holloway, holding her daughter Phoenix Clarke Holloway, says that she is forever grateful to the emergency response crews that helped her and husband, Eric, deliver their baby. COURTESY ART

Your news. Online. All the time.

S E P T E M B E R 2, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 13

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S E P T E M B E R 2, 2018

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Making way for new community center By Ken Striplin

[Left] Demolition at the center site. COURTESY PHOTO

erving the City of Santa Clarita is something that I am truly passionate about. I take immense pride in the work that City staff completes on a daily basis. From making sure our roads are smooth and safe to creating drug prevention programs for our students — all of these projects make a difference in the lives of our residents. There is one project in the works that has me counting the days until its completion. That is our new Canyon Country Community Center. This project is unique in that we didn’t search for a building we could fit our project into — but we searched for a site that could be home to all that we imagined the new Center to be. We landed on the nine acres at Soledad and Sierra Highway. After doing extensive community outreach it was clear that this site was the best location thanks to the fact that it is easily accessible. Many

residents will be able to walk to the Community Center from their homes or take a short bus trip on Santa Clarita Transit. You no doubt have seen the flurry of activity taking place on the site. Our crews have taken down two of the three old buildings and are currently demolishing the final one. Once all

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the buildings are down, the last thing to be removed will be the giant billboards right on the corner. The new Canyon Country Community Center will completely change the look of Canyon Country. When people drive east into that part of the City, instead of being greeted by giant billboards and auto shops, they will see lush green landscaping and beautiful event spaces surrounding the new Center. It will be the new site that welcomes people to Canyon Country. Besides the improved look of the area, this will also be a vital hub for the community. When completed, the new Center will offer cultural enrichment in the form of classes, activities, programs and more for both youth and adults, as well as special community events and workshops that will provide opportunities for personal and professional development. The center complex will also include an events stage, computer labs, children’s play area, open turf play area, half-court basketball and a place [Below] Artist rendering of the community center. COURTESY PHOTO

where films can be shown. Inside the Community Center, residents will be able to take advantage of courses and programming in a full-size gymnasium, with pickleball, a fitness room, teaching kitchen and a number of classroom and meeting room spaces. I look forward to the City Council holding an official groundbreaking for the site in the spring, with the new Canyon Country Community Center on track for a ribbon cutting in 2020. This new space will offer enrichment, activities and learning opportunities to our City, and Canyon Country especially. I know I am not the only one counting down the days until the Center is ready to wel-

Ken Striplin City Manager come the community. Ken Striplin is the Santa Clarita City Manager and can be reached at kstriplin@santa-clarita.com. 

S E P T E M B E R 2, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 15

SCVBUSINESS

OLIVE GARDEN gives back to first responders Employees embrace brand’s Italian generosity By Michele Lutes

he Olive Garden in Valencia is serving up lunch to thank first responders in the Santa Clarita Valley. The Italian restaurant on McBean Parkway is preparing to pack up meals to deliver on Labor Day to the men and women who serve our community. “We want to share that this is a family restaurant and give back to the community,” said Olive Garden Service Manager Dody Pratama. Each year they send about four employees out to serve meals, said Pratama. The restaurant will be open for full service on Monday, but they will be taking time out of their schedules to prep, pack and serve the meals for selected first responder agencies. The menu consists of their signature Italian dishes, like fettuccine Alfredo and spaghetti and meatballs. Every meal will come with Olive Garden’s iconic salad and breadsticks. The franchise has delivered and served more than 12,000 meals nationwide through this program since 2002. Olive Garden in Valencia has been a part of this program since opening 15 years ago, said Pratama. Employees are emThe local Olive Garden will be parbracing the brand’s ticipating on Labor Day in a nationItalian generosity. wide effort by the chain to thank “It’s the thought that first responders. COURTESY PHOTO counts, because not everyone could be home on labor day,” said Pratama. 

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16 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

ACCELERATED

S E P T E M B E R 2, 2018

SPORTSCORNER

ASCENT

SCV triathlete heads to Australia to take part in world competition, 3 years after his first race

“(Malibu) was my first Olympic distance so I didn’t really know bout a 45-minute drive what to expect,” Hanratty said. “I from the airport in Gold honestly didn’t think I was goCoast, Australia, is the ing to place because I didn’t get to Broadwater Parklands, the site train as hard as I wanted to, but of the 2018 International World somehow it just all came together Triathlon Grand Final. Valencia and I did it.” resident and College of the CanFinishing in the top 10 percent of yons student Kevin Hanratty will the 17-19 age group at Nationals in be competing Omaha, Hanratty as thousands was invited to repof triathletes You can’t stop resent his country will converge or slow down in Australia later on the five-day this month. because you’re competition. Training for going to lose.” Taking place Worlds for the past Sept. 12-16, the Kevin Hanratty, eight months, HanValencia resident and Internationratty has described College of the Canyons student al Triathlon his training schedUnion opening ule as constant and ceremonies will be held Wednesunwavering, citing that he has day, Sept. 12, with more than 5,000 practice four days a week adding a athletes from 46 different countries track and pool workout on Tuesacross the world taking part in the day nights and a bike session on five-day event. Thursday nights. Hanratty will be one of 400-500 “I also try to do a full circuit at participants that the U.S. continZuma Beach on Saturday and Sungency is sending over, but a little days,” Hanratty said. more than three years ago, this was Leaving for Australia on Sept. 8, not something that he would have Hanratty will only participate on taken part in. Sunday, Sept. 16, beginning with a “About three years ago, my dad’s 1,500-meter swim, then a 39.4work had a triathlon team,” Hanratty said. “He asked me if I wanted kilometer bike ride finishing, with a 10-kilometer run. to do it and I was a really hesitant Flourishing at one of the most at first, but then I starting rungrueling and physically demandning for about three months until ing sports out there, Hanratty still practice season came along and I approaches every training session, got myself on a bike and the rest is workout regimen and triathlon history.” with the same mindset. Hanratty has competed in three “Honestly, you just have to have triathlons, with his first taking the right mindset going into it. place in Malibu in September 2016. You can’t stop or slow down bePlacing first there, Hanratty qualcause you’re going to lose. ified for the USA Triathlon Na"It’s pretty much: keep pushing tionals in Omaha, Nebraska, which on until the end.”  were held in August 2017.

By Diego Marquez

“

Valencia resident and College of the Canyons student Kevin Hanratty will be competing in Australia later this month.

S E P T E M B E R 2, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 17

MENTAL HEALTH

Continued from page 7

The key, Goulston said, was to go in with “targeted empathy.” Making strong eye contact with a person and asking them to talk about their pain could increase their oxytocin levels, he said. This neurotransmitter could regulate social interaction and help the individual feel connection again. Trautman said Goulston had a good point about empathy. “I think we all could learn to listen more carefully and to observe people more carefully, and to be willing to reach out and invite people to open up,” she said. “Ask them, where does it hurt? Where is it hurting you? And let them talk. I think a lot of us like to step in and point people in one direction and I’ve found that to be a critical thing, to just be there with someone without judgment, and not jump to conclusions and not try to fix something. We should be willing to say what is in our hearts.” 

DUI

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Sheriff ’s Department for law enforcement and public safety service within city limits.) For deputies, the saturation patrols involve deputies identifying any “cluster of crimes, or a cluster of criminal activities or incidents,” said Sgt. Lynch of the SCV Sheriff ’s Station’s Motor Division. “Then, we’ll do a saturation patrol to combat that issue.” The saturation patrol itself is basically additional patrol cars out on the road that specifically combat an issue identified by law enforcement, said Shirley Miller, spokeswoman for the SCV Sheriff ’s Station. These are resources that wouldn’t handle routine calls. “I think that the DUI saturation patrols are very effective,” Miller said, contrasting a saturation patrol to a stationary DUI checkpoint, “in the fact that (deputies) can travel around and watch for impaired driving.” 

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S E P T E M B E R 2, 2018

The Week in Real Estate

ello, everyone! A break in the heat along with kids going back to school means more buyers and their agents are active in the housing market. This late summer / early fall season is a great time for sellers to get their home on the market! Am I talking to you, Empty Nester and New Retiree? YES!! It’s time to use your great equity position to move to the home of your dreams, whatever that is and whether that’s local or out-of-state. Interest rates have held steady, if softened a bit. There is a high expectation that the Fed will increase rates in September, but probably by only ¼ pt. It’s still a great time to buy, and for first time buyers, there’s a sweet incentive!

If you have been following the Market Watch chart, you will notice a large bump up week-to-week in New Pendings. This is a methodology change, not a change in the market. There are two statuses for home listings that have gone into escrow, ‘Pending’ (P) and ‘Active Under Contract’ (U). We used to include only new Pendings, but in the interest of more accurate reporting on the week’s actual market activity, both statuses are now included under ‘Pending’. The ‘SCV’ in the SCV Home Team stands for Service, Commitment, and Value, and these are the qualities my team of professionals and I bring to every real estate transaction. Contact me at 661-312-9461 or Ray@SCVhometeam.com Also, space limitations restrict the amount

of real estate commentary I can do here, but my Facebook pages ‘Ray the Realtor’ and ‘SCV Home Team at Keller Williams VIP Properties’ have regular commentary on the real estate market. Please join me on Facebook!

Ray the Realtor Kutylo

grew up in the Santa Clarita Valley and was first licensed for real estate practice in 1986.

CA DRE 00918855

SANTA CLARITA VALLEY CLOSED SALES 8/17/18 to 8/24/18 AREA/St#

St Name

ACTON/AGUA DULCE 32908 Acklins AVE 33740 Kobe RD CANYON COUNTRY 20047 Northcliff 18209 Sierra HWY #77 18122 Flynn DR #3101 19715 Elizabeth WAY 27074 Hidaway AVE #6 19334 Cedarcreek ST 28283 Bockdale 27242 Crossglade AVE 19324 Fairweather ST 18605 Eos LN 18800 Darter DR 18521 Olympian CT 18149 Sundowner WAY #942 18008 Saratoga WAY #518 17942 River CIR #3 28955 Oak Spring Canyon RD #2 30327 Sunrose PL CASTAIC & VAL VERDE 29728 Cromwell AVE 31830 Marcasite LN 28455 Cascade RD 30522 Beryl PL 29860 Cashmere PL 31355 The Old RD #D NEWHALL 25003 Peachland AVE #114 24345 La Glorita CIR 24418 Lisa Kelton PL 25084 Vermont DR 24515 23533 19226 19230 26719 19832 18854 26328 27186 21358 21308 24733 24726 SAUGUS 28014 22320 27597 21727 27370 22709 20459 28431 22136 29013 21609 28829

Sold Price

Br/Ba

$599,000 $599,900

4/2, 3/2,

$174,000 $275,000 $325,000 $480,000 $346,000 $435,000 $445,000 $450,000 $460,000 $530,000 $540,000 $554,950 $306,000 $329,288 $355,000 $415,000 $535,500

3/2, 2/2, 2/2, 3/2, 2/2, 3/2, 3/2, 3/1, 3/2, 4/3, 4/2, 3/3, 2/1,1 3/2, 3/1,1,1, 4/2, 3/2,

$345,000 $415,000 $681,000 $689,000 $630,000 $340,000

3/2, 3/2, 4/3, 4/3, 3/3, 2/3,

$220,000 $360,000 $563,000 $603,000

Arcadia ST Stillwater PL Avenue Of The Oaks #C Avenue Of The Oaks #A

Sqft

Price/ SqFt

2350/S 1890/A

$254.89 $317.41

1433/SEE 795/A 1340/B 1471/A 1114/A 1080/A 2050/A 982/A 1080/A 2063/A 1420/A 2015/A 948/P 948/A 1225/A 1580/A 1437/A

$121.42 $345.91 $242.54 $326.31 $310.59 $402.78 $217.07 $458.25 $425.93 $256.91 $380.28 $275.41 $322.78 $347.35 $289.80 $262.66 $372.65

1152/A 1536/A 2957/A 3170/A 2052/A 1264/A

$299.48 $270.18 $230.30 $217.35 $307.02 $268.99

1/1, 2/1,0,2, 3/2, 4/3,

656/A 1314/A 1463/A 2606/OTH

$335.37 $273.97 $384.83 $231.39

$720,000 $772,500 $225,000 $229,000

3/2, 5/4, 2/1, 2/1,1,

1639/A 3035/A 806/A 864/A

$439.29 $254.53 $279.16 $265.05

Whispering Leaves DR #C Sandpiper PL #57 Vista Del Canon #B Long Oak DR Remer CT Nandina LN #202 Eucalyptus WAY #102 Quigley Canyon RD Amelia LN

$265,000 $330,000 $375,000 $460,000 $530,000 $295,000 $315,000 $1.165M $1.325M

2/1,0,1, 3/2, 3/3, 2/2, 3/3, 2/2, 2/2, 4/4,0,1, 4/3,

864/A 970/A 1132/A 1198/A 1794/A 883/A 943/A 3756/AP 3510/A

$306.71 $340.21 $331.27 $383.97 $295.43 $334.09 $334.04 $310.17 $377.49

Robin AVE Barbacoa DR Falling Star LN Jeffers LN Onlee AVE Paragon DR Alaminos DR Seco Canyon RD #163 Crestline High Sierra TRL Glen Canyon PL Garnet Canyon DR

$245,000 $422,500 $510,000 $536,000 $550,000 $555,000 $590,000 $399,000 $759,000 $820,000 $825,000 $825,000

2/1, 4/2,0,1, 3/2, 3/2,0,1, 3/2, 3/2, 4/3, 2/2,0,1, 4/2,1, 5/3, 5/3, 5/3,

799/A 2072/A 1460/A 1289/A 1442/A 1279/A 2061/A 1059/A 3170/A 2962/S 3050/A 2850/A

$306.63 $203.91 $349.32 $415.83 $381.41 $433.93 $286.27 $376.77 $239.43 $276.84 $270.49 $289.47

AREA/St#

St Name

28357 Mirabelle LN 28444 Casselman LN #357 20308 Amorette CT 20533 Brookie LN 28253 Maitland LN 22537 Jeniel CT STEVENSON RANCH 25735 Perlman PL #H 25851 Webster PL 25406 Fitzgerald AVE 26308 Mitchell PL 25511 Hardy PL 26048 Tennyson LN 26869 Alcott CT 24917 Greensbrier DR VALENCIA 27465 Coldwater DR 27176 Manor CIR 26607 Sierra CT 23886 Bennington DR 27361 Chesterfield DR 27302 Weathersfield DR 27338 Weathersfield DR 29352 Via Milagro 24431 Trevino DR #V3 Del Monte DR #231 23709 23659 Via Clasico 23615 Via Primero 25218 Via Valentina 23504 Via Amado 24004 Bridgeport LN #3 23809 Bayview CT 22933 Magnolia Glen DR 28404 Vista Del Rio DR 24931 Hearth CT 25852 Anzio WAY 24468 Stonechat CT 26216 Chiswick CT 24207 Nottingham CT 27045 Timberline 26994 Pebble Ridge PL

Sold Price

Br/Ba

$400,000 $421,500 $605,000 $625,000 $639,000 $1.3 Mil

2/2, 2/3, 3/2, 4/3, 4/3, 5/4,

1404/A 1440/A 1924/A 2702/A 2046/A 3394/A

Sqft

Price/ SqFt

$284.90 $292.71 $314.45 $231.31 $312.32 $383.03

$435,000 $650,000 $678,000 $825,000 $835,000 $950,000 $1.18 Mil $1.375M

3/3, 3/2, 3/3, 4/3, 5/3, 4/5, 5/4,0,1, 5/4,

1348/A 1589/A 1950/A 2752/A 2997/A 3474/A 4124/A 4233/A

$322.70 $409.06 $347.69 $299.78 $278.61 $273.46 $286.13 $324.83

$507,500 $510,000 $527,500 $600,000 $745,000 $760,500 $839,900 $685,000 $330,000 $380,000 $560,000 $573,000 $615,000 $735,000 $495,000 $899,000 $515,000 $607,000 $1.030M $705,000 $868,000 $1.0735M $1.129M $1.142M $1.265M

3/3, 3/3, 3/2,0,1, 3/3, 5/3, 5/4, 4/4, 3/3, 2/2, 2/2, 3/2, 3/2, 4/2, 3/3, 2/3, 4/3, 3/2, 4/3, 4/3,0,1, 4/2, 5/3, 5/4,0,1, 4/4,0,1, 4/4, 5/5,

1761/A 1416/A 1433/A 1488/A 2750/A 3489/A 3489/A 3427/A 1041/A 940/A 1384/A 1336/A 1808/P 2300/E 1307/A 2572/A 1263/A 2134/A 3370/AP 1678/A 3137/A 3648/A 3480/A 3539/A 4129/A

$288.19 $360.17 $368.11 $403.23 $270.91 $217.97 $240.73 $199.88 $317.00 $404.26 $404.62 $428.89 $340.15 $319.57 $378.73 $349.53 $407.76 $284.44 $305.64 $420.14 $276.70 $294.27 $324.43 $322.69 $306.37

Based on information from the Southland Regional Association of REALTORS®/ Multiple Listing Service for the week ending on 8/24/18. All data, including all measurements and calculations of area, is obtained from various sources and has not been, and will not be, verified by broker or MLS. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information.

S E P T E M B E R 2, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 19

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220 0 ·· SSUUNNDDAY S I IGGNNAALL AYS

Opinion

MB E R 2, 2018 SSEEPPTTEEM 2018

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

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

OURVIEW

Bail Reform: California’s The Benefits of Fasting, Answer Misses the Mark in More than Just Our Diets By The Signal Editorial Board

here’s a reasonable argument to be made that California’s criminal bail system needed... something. Some kind of reform. After all, if you have two people charged with the same crime, and their bails are set identically at, say, for the sake of argument, $100,000, and one is a multimillionaire and one works in fast food... You can easily bet which one will await trial at home, and which one will await trial behind bars. Traditional bail is a system that favors the well-to-do versus the poor, and it’s reasonable to say that it doesn’t treat everyone fairly. It’s no surprise, then, that Gov. Jerry Brown this week signed into law Senate Bill 10, which virtually eliminates the traditional cash bail system from California and replaces it with “risk assessment” and judicial discretion. On its face, you might think it’s just another one of Brown’s “get out of jail free” cards. After all, the governor seemingly hasn’t met a category of criminal he wouldn’t gladly return to the streets of California. But a funny thing happened on the way out of jail toward Park Place

By David Hegg

and Boardwalk: Many who favor bail reform reversed course on SB10, and came out against it in its final days before passage, citing changes in the legislation that they say will only perpetuate the bail system’s unbalanced treatment of the poor and people of color. And, in fact, they contend that it will not result in less incarceration at all, which was one of the stated goals of those advocating bail reform. Even the American Civil Liberties Union, which advocates bail reform to reduce unnecessary incarceration and eliminate predatory lending practices in the bail bonds industry, withdrew its support at the 11th hour. “We oppose the bill because it seeks to replace the current deeply flawed system with an overly broad presumption of preventative detention,” said a statement released by the ACLU. “This falls short of critical bail reform goals See OUR VIEW, page 22

K, so I came home from vacation in July to find many of my favorite clothes had shrunk while I was away lounging around, eating, reading, eating, writing and eating. You get the picture. So, I decided to join the ranks of those committed to intermittent fasting. I chose the 16:8 model, which allows the intake of calories during an eight-hour span only. For me, that means I do all my eating between 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. And actually, I’m almost always finished eating for the day by 6:30 p.m. Yes, that means no bowl of Vanilla Moose Tracks at 9:30 p.m. Here’s why it has worked so well for me. Unlike diets, IF allows me to focus on what I don’t do rather than what I can’t do. It also fits into my schedule very well, giving me an extra hour in the morning for other things. I have found my mental acuity has increased while my weight has gone down. And, given all these good things, I’ve found it easier to make better eating choices when I do have a meal. It may

not work as well for you, but for me it is a tremendous benefit to my health and general well-being. But this column is not about eating habits. I actually want to encourage you to consider intermittent fasting in other areas besides food. Take your social media intake for example. It’s a safe bet you’re addicted to your phone’s texts, emails, notifications and apps. And just like too many calories and too much junk food can bring unwanted results physically, you’re actually killing yourself emotionally. A good friend recently told me he went away for a month of vacation and purposely turned his iPhone into an iPod. He removed all the apps so his iPhone would only play music. During the month he didn’t check email, or phone home. A broad smile broke across his face as he explained how his mental focus, physical health, emotional balance and spiritual satisfaction were greatly elevated, allowing him to return much more energized to re-enSee HEGG, page 22

READERLETTERS

What Qualifies as Homeless? Maybe the city's new committee on homelessness can finally identify what exactly qualifies as homeless in the Santa Clarita Valley. As I see it, there are three groups that fall under this homeless "umbrella." First are those who by their own choosing desire to be homeless nomads. They may choose to live in their own vehicle and stand at street corners with their dog or children as props soliciting donations. Get a job or two. Much of this is nothing more than a scam.

Second is the mental and physical group who need assistance because the government closed all the treatment facilities or severely limited service to veterans. Remember Camarillo State Hospital? Their solution is to "let the police handle society's problems." We know how that worked out. They are not trained mental health workers. Last are the legitimate homeless who can easily be identified through a valid count by the city. They need assistance and it can and should be provided according to specific needs, i.e., med-

ical, shelter, (not a tent or cardboard box), jobs and child care. OK, homeless committee... have at it. Kevin Eliason, Santa Clarita

No Surprises in Baker Diatribe It never ceases to amaze me how The Signal can give Brian Baker the number of column inches it does. Consider Baker’s latest diatribe, See LETTERS, page 21

2S 1 IGNAL E P ·T ESMUBNEDR AY 2, S2018

PTEM S U N SDEAYS I GBNE RA L2, 2018 · 21

Opinion

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

BLACK&WHYTE

D R AW I N G CO N C LU S I O N S R I C K M C K E E

Newspapering, the Opinion Page and Norm By Tim Whyte Signal Editor Sam Malone: There are three types of women I don’t get involved with: married, underage or comatose. Norm Peterson (to Cliff Clavin): He’s added one!

was reminded of this exchange from my all-time favorite sitcom, “Cheers,” the other day when I was contemplating an explanation of my approach to editing The Signal’s opinion pages. It goes something like this: There are four kinds of submissions I won’t run: potentially libelous, in poor taste, known plagiarism and incoherent ramblings. Some of you who remember me from my first tour of duty at The Signal (1989-2007) might be inclined to say, like Norm: “He’s added one.” The upshot is, we strive to run just about every opinion submission we get, so long as it’s local. You should notice that we run letters and commentaries from all walks of politics, including those that criticize us. Sometimes, maybe, we even let the crazies get a little too crazy. But, occasionally we will say no. I remember a conversation I had with a reader in the late-1990s. She submitted a letter to the editor and I declined to run it. I forget the reason, but it was one of those listed above. I explained my decision to her when she called to ask why her letter wasn’t running. “But,” she argued, “you’re violating my First Amendment rights!” “No,” I countered. “I’m exercising mine.” Well, technically I was exercising the paper’s rights. But you get the

point. The First Amendment guarantees the right to freely publish material without prior restraint from the government. It doesn’t require anyone to publish anyone else’s material. Of course, the game has changed since the ’90s. Anyone with a social media account or a blog can reach audiences of thousands, at minimal expense. But a community newspaper remains as a valuable gathering place of ideas and opinions. Even some ideas and opinions that you may find abhorrent. I bring this up now because we have an election coming up in November and, whether you are on the left or the right (or, in the forgotten middle), I can pretty much guarantee that you will find SOMETHING on our opinion pages between now and then that you will find abhorrent. That’s OK. Take a deep breath, pour a glass of wine and write a response. We will have just a few ground rules. Blatantly personal attacks will not be allowed. Plus, the other stuff I mentioned above. I’m not super picky about word counts, but if you ramble, we reserve the right to edit for length. Shorter letters usually get published sooner. If you keep it under 500 words you should be in pretty good shape. Guest columns get to stretch their legs a bit more — say, 750 words. Also, we will announce a submission deadline — probably sometime a couple weeks before the election — after which election-related letters and columns will not be guaranteed to run. After all, we need some lead time to allow all that extra space. Don’t expect to turn in a letter on Nov. 3 and have it run before the See WHYTE, page 22

LETTERS

Continued from page 20

"Knight vs. Hill" (Aug. 24), in which he does a puff piece on Steve Knight while hauling out all the old stereotypical trash talk labels when it comes to describing his congressional opponent, Katie Hill. Well, a shill is a shill. But let us consider only one point in Baker’s lauding of Knight: his being a former police officer and an upholder of law and order. The former assertion is irrelevant when it comes to running for political office, but the latter assertion raises questions. Why? Because if one is for law and order then one must be in favor of a strong judiciary, starting with the Department of Justice, the top law and order enforcement agency in the land. That department, though the head is appointed by the president, is there to serve the people, be for the people, and to uphold the Constitution. It is not there to become a tool for the president to vilify and bring down his political opponents, critics, or impede investigations. That is dictatorial. What we have then is a contradiction in Knight; he cannot

both support law and order and be in favor of Trump. That is the height of personal hypocrisy and a dilemma that is facing the entire Republican Party. Until Knight clarifies his position one way or the other, he is a flawed candidate, despite his years of experience. Perhaps change is in order. Howard H. Gething, Santa Clarita

Turned to Comics Instead of Baker I just noticed on the opinion page of your Aug. 24 issue that there is a piece by Brian Baker titled, "Knight vs Hill: I'll Take Knight." I didn't read the piece (I can't bear any more Baker) but I'd like to comment about the title: What a surprise! No, I didn't read the piece. I turned instead to page A13 and the other comics in the paper. Richard Myers, Valencia Submit a Letter to the Editor

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

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SSEEPPTTEEMMBBEERR 2, 2, 2018 2018

Opinion

HEGG

Continued from page 20

ter his everyday life. Take a self-test: How do feel when you get somewhere and realize you forgot your phone? Naked? In danger? Disconnected from life? Do you grab your phone to read and respond to texts, IMs, and other data splat when you’re with friends or spouse, not realizing you’ve just been rude to those you’re supposedly engaged with in real conversation and relationship? Ha! Don’t worry, you’re not alone. We’re all in the same pitiful situation. Try IF in your social media world. Commit to only doing Facebook a couple days a week. I promise you, you won’t miss out on anything monumental. And how about leaving your phone in the car when you meet that client, friend, or special person for lunch? We need to take charge of our lives and fast from social media interruptions from time to time. Dealing with addictions can be horrible, but you’ll thank me later. And what about broadcast news, in its various forms? Few things frustrate us like the news these days, especially when

WHYTE

Continued from page 21

election. Won’t happen. AND THIS: Election letters under our regime are free. You might think this is a given, but apparently some genius on a former management team of The Signal decided in 2012 to start charging 10 cents a word for election endorsement letters. You know, like a classified ad: GARAGE SALE: Everything must go! Household goods, old TV (black & white, no remote), recliner in good shape except for minor rodent damage, assorted 8-track tapes and an oil painting of dogs playing poker. Vote for Ken Dean! If you submitted a 500-word letter, it would cost you 50 bucks. Yep. In 2012 The Signal’s then-owner took the “free” right out of “free speech.” We won’t do that here. Not on our watch. Keep writing. We’ll keep publishing. No charge. A few other newspapering housekeeping items:

it comes in short, incomplete, biased bursts. My advice is simple. Stop watching and listening for a few days or weeks and limit your information intake to a few well-researched and written articles by real reporters rather than pundits. Better yet, find a scholarly book that will force you to put facts and arguments together to form a conclusion. And stay away from those who have a political axe to grind … on both sides of the aisle. When I came home from vacation and admitted there was just too much of me around, I determined food wasn’t going to run my life and ruin my health. But there are other things that, while good and beneficial in the proper amount, are harmful when overdone. Maybe it’s time we all took charge of our lives in terms of what is allowed into our bodies, minds and hearts. Try saying “no” to something you’re addicted to. You just might lose some pounds and frustrations, and find some thoughtful engagement that breathes life into your soul. David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church and a Santa Clarita resident.“Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.  DID YOU KNOW... I had a conversation with a big-city reporter who was in town a couple weeks ago and she had assumed that all of our columnists and community contributors were paid staff members. She visited the office and wanted to see where all their desks were. That’s cute. Community newspapers rely a great deal on the community. You know all those rotating Republican and Democrat columnists who contribute to the opinion pages? Nope. Not paid. They all have day jobs. We appreciate them all — Republicans, Democrats and the inbetweeners — for contributing just for the love of it. Likewise with some of our other contributors who make some of our specialty pages possible, everything from “Our Community” to the advice columns on topics like business, home improvement and more. We don’t thank them enough — and it bears pointing out to readers that a great many of them are volunteers, not employees. OUR APPROACH TO REPORTING

OUR VIEW

Continued from page 20

and compromises our fundamental values of due process and racial justice.” Good points, but we don't want to throw out preventative detention with the bathwater, either. We believe it still has its place, particularly for cases involving violent crimes. For those who are charged with serious crimes but might be good candidates for release, a new system should be created to incentivize them to stick around until their legal processes are complete, rather than skipping town. That was the idea behind bail: It's an incentive to stay put. Even if you use the services of a bail bondsman, it's a powerful influencing factor to make you think twice about missing a court date. Meanwhile, you get on with your life, go to work, participate in the preparation of your defense, and hopefully stay out of trouble while you await trial. Without bail, we face one of two

Since I arrived back at the paper in June, I have had no fewer than two public information officers for local public agencies “tell” me how it’s going to work: All communications must flow through them because that’s how they’re set up. To reiterate what I told them both: That’s not how WE are set up. Our reporters are instructed to call the most appropriate sources for each story. If that’s the PIO, fine. But if it’s someone else who fills a specific role at a public agency and is clearly the right person to talk to, that’s who we will call. And, if the appropriate person declines comment, or tells us that they can’t talk because they’re instructed that all comments must flow through the PIO, that is their prerogative. No one HAS to talk to us and we know that. But when they refuse to talk to us, or are made unavailable, you can bet your patootie we will say so. It’s all about transparency. Or, at least, our pursuit of it. PLAGIARISM I’m not going to light this person

scenarios: In one scenario, many more of those facing criminal charges will be released, perhaps to commit other crimes, and perhaps to flee since there’s no longer any financial incentive not to. Or, as the ACLU fears under SB10, we’ll continue having high incarceration rates that disfavor the poor. Another side effect: It could saddle taxpayers with the cost of not only creating new "risk assessment" mechanisms, but also we could still be left with the cost of incarcerating many people who might otherwise not need to be incarcerated. We hope California doesn’t let this be the last word on bail, at least as it regards serious crimes. We would favor a system that is more fair than the old one, but still incentivizes defendants to return for court dates and be on their best behavior. Our view on bail and “preventative detention” differs a bit from most bail reform advocates, including the ACLU, but the one thing we can all agree upon is this: The bail system needed something, but SB10 is the wrong answer. 

up by name publicly, but one of those aforementioned unpaid contributors was guilty of plagiarism before Richard Budman bought the paper and before I returned in June. We became concerned about it when we heard about it on social media. It had to do with copying-and-pasting background info from the internet. I have, as a result, discussed it with the unpaid contributor. I am confident that this person understands it is wrong and that we will not tolerate that sort of thing, and that the next time will be the last time. Since the original offense did not happen on my watch, and it was discussed internally at that time by the previous management team, we are going to abide by that, but remain vigilant. Under our watch: Zero tolerance for plagiarism. I think Norm Peterson would be pleased. Tim Whyte is editor of The Signal. His column appears Sundays. Email: twhyte@signalscv.com. Twitter: @TimWhyte. 

S E P T E M B E R 2, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 23

THIS WEEK’S CALENDAR

ONGOING Santa Clarita City Council Meetings second and fourth Tuesday of every month 6 p.m. Council meetings are also broadcast live on SCV TV channel 20 and on the city's website. Santa Clarita City Hall, City Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Blvd., Santa Clarita. Info: City Clerk's office Clerk's office: (661) 255-4391. Sundays 7:30 a.m. Dragon Boat Paddling. Experience a long Dragon boat with the Castaic Lake Dragon Boat team and a two-hour physical workout. Free, no experience necessary. Paddle and PFD personal flotation device provided. Info: https://teamdragoneyes.my-free.website (213) 447-5707. Saturdays and Sundays 1-4 p.m. The Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society invites guests to visit Heritage Junction Historic Park inside William S. Hart Park in Newhall. Tours are held every Saturday and Sunday, 1-4 p.m. 24101 Newhall Ave, Newhall. Info: https://scvhs.org. Tuesdays 7:30-8:30 p.m. Remo Community Drumming Experience is an hour of fun entry-level experiential music making with drums and percussion that is accessible to everyone. Family-friendly environment with facilitator. All ages and levels of ability are welcome and no prior musical experience is necessary. Drums and percussion instruments provided at no cost. Free. Info: santaclaritaarts.com. Saturdays thru Dec. 8 8 a.m.-noon. Trails & Open Space Beautification Projects. Join a group of dedicated volunteers and help clean up and maintain City trails. Interested volunteers must pre-register at SantaClaritaVolunteers.com. Saturdays 11 a.m. Family Nature Walk and a Native Live Animal Presentation at 1 p.m. Free. Placerita Nature Center, 19152 Placerita Canyon Road, Newhall. Info: www.placerita.org. Second Saturday of the month 8 a.m. a docent led Bird Walk for beginning to advanced birders. Bring binoculars, a field guide, and water. 19152 Placerita Canyon Road, Newhall. Info: www.placerita.org. First, second and third Thursdays of each month 6-9 p.m. ARTree Figure Drawing. Visit ARTree Community Arts Center for a chance to really explore your creative potential using a live model. Just drop in and bring a pencil and paper. $10 donation. ARTree Community Arts Center, 22508 6th St., Newhall. Info: http://theartree.org.

Saturdays and Sundays (except rainy days and holidays) 9:30 a.m.-noon. The Gibbon Conservation Center is open to the public. A tour is given at 10 a.m. and self-guided tours are available at all times. Admission: $15 (adults); $12 (teens and students); $10 (seniors); $5 (children 6-12); $0 (Children under 5). Gibbon Conservation Center, 19100 Esguerra Road Saugus. Info: http://www.gibboncenter.org Now thru Oct. 1. “Pettable Paintings,”is animal-themed artwork by Santa Clarita artist, Janine Cooper Ayres where guests are encouraged to touch the artwork. Newhall Community Center, 22421 Market St., Newhall. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Info: jbarber@santa-clarita.com or www.SantaClaritaArts.com. Preschool Storytime. Mondays, 10-11 a.m., thru Sept. 17. Listen to stories, sing songs, learn rhymes, and do other fun activities. Ages 3-5 with an adult caregiver. Castaic Library, 27971 Sloan Canyon Road, Castaic, (661) 257-7410, lacountylibrary. org/libs/Castaic/. Baby-Toddler Storytime. Wednesdays, 10-10:45 a.m., Aug. 15-Sept. 12. Listen to stories, sing songs, learn rhymes and do other fun activities. Ages 0 - 3 with an adult caregiver. Castaic Library, 27971 Sloan Canyon Road, Castaic, (661) 257-7410, lacountylibrary.org/libs/Castaic/.

EVENTS BY DATE Thursday, Sept. 6 ~ 6:30-8:30 p.m. Top 30 Plants for the SCV Not sure what plants to use in your landscape? We’ve taken the guess work out by identifying the top 30 plants that look beautiful and grow well in the SCV. They’ll make a great addition to your landscape. Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency, 27234 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus 91350. Info: https://yourscvwater.com/index.php/event/ top-30-plants-for-the-scv/ Friday, Sept. 7 ~ 5:30-7:30 p.m. Hiking and Snake Bite Prevention and Treatment. This is a free community event and will focus on hiking in and around the SCV. A naturalist from Placerita Canyon Nature Center will discuss snake prevalence, identification, and safety measures to take while in snake country. Live snakes will be on hand. An emergency room nurse from Henry Mayo will discuss venomous snake bite treatment. Limited seating. Registration is required. Henry Mayo

= Family Friendly Event Fitness and Health, 24525 Town Center Drive, Valencia, Community Education Center Room 2. Info: (661) 200-2300. Friday, Sept. 7 ~ 8 p.m. Cocktails on the Roof to benefit the WiSH Education Foundation. Enjoy food, signature cocktails and mocktails. Dance to the live DJ, enjoy the rooftop party atmosphere. Tickets at www.WiSHscv.org or www.cocktailsontheroofscv.org and are $85 per person/$65 for designated drivers. 21 and older only. WiSH funds programs in SCV junior and high schools. Info: Wishscv.org. Friday, Sept. 7 ~ 6-9 p.m. Autumn Wonders Artists reception. Santa Clarita Artists Association's new show, Autumn Wonders, free reception. Exhibit thru Oct. 28. The public is invited to meet the artists; enjoy hors d'oeuvres, wines and dessert. Howard Marcovitch’s underwater photography will be displayed at this exhibit. Santa Clarita Artists Association Art Gallery, 22508 6th St., Newhall. Info: http://SantaClaritaArtists.org. Friday, Sept. 7 ~ 8-10 p.m. Comedy Mashup is a monthly series that brings together working comedians from all over Southern California for a night of laughs. The evening includes both stand up and improv performances. Tickets: $10

advance/$15 at door. Adults, ages 18 and older. Beer and wine will be available for purchase at the bar. Doors open one hour before showtime. The MAIN, 24266 Main St., Newhall. Info: http:// atthemain.org. Saturday, Sept. 8 ~ 5-9 p.m. Route 66 Classic Car Show. Free admission for spectators, $10 vehicle registration fee. SCV's longest running Classic Car Show. The 19th year hosting 125+ classic cars and trucks. Fundraiser for SCV Safe Rides. Safe Rides have been offering Safe Rides to SCV high school students for over 30 years. Live band, raffle prizes, food and bar. Route 66 Classic Grill, 18730 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country. Info: http://route66classicgrill.com.

LABOR

201

SAL

Saturday, Sept. 8 ~ 7 p.m. The Local Group Astronomy Club Observing. Location: Chuchupate Ranger Station, 34580 Lockwood Valley Rd., Frazier Park, 93225. Monthly club observing outing up by Mt. Frazier. The public is welcome. You do not need a telescope. Sundown is at 7:09 p.m. Be considerate and arrive before sundown and park with your lights facing away from the telescopes. Red flashlights only. Restrooms, no running water. Cellphones do not work in this location. For detailed directions visit: www.lgscv.org. 

SPECIAL EDITION!

! NSuper NPlush ! IN Pillow ! Top Queen Mattress WIW IW CONGRATULATIONS to Homer Temple of Canyon Country — the winner of $100 for correctly identifying the artwork as being from the Medrano's advertisement on page 27 of our Aug. 19 issue.

Twin $

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

Mail your entry to: The Signal – Contest 26330 Diamond Place | Santa Clarita, CA 91350 Or email to: contest@signalscv.com Advertiser: Page # Name: Address:

Phone:

(N This week’s entries are due Wed. Sept. 12th. Winner to be announced in 2 weeks.

24 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

S E P T E M B E R 2, 2018

Balloon dancing in Bouquet Canyon

t’s been splendiferously mild for a Santa Clarita summer drifting into September. Not bad weather to take with us into yesteryear. We’ve a most compelling trek into the back trails of SCV history. There’s gunfights, cattle rustlers and cows with bulletproof vests to inspect, along with murderers, horrific fires and killer bulls. What say we, dear saddlepals? Shall we mosey into the good and not so good olden days?

The Time Ranger A weekly trailride through Santa Clarita Valley History by John Boston WAY BACK WHEN & THEN SOME

• Originally, in 1863, State Sen. Jim Vineyard was one of three men to earn a contract to build a road linking southern and central California. At the time, a big gold rush was booming in Central Cal. Problem? Couldn’t get the simplest supplies because there wasn’t any decent road linking L.A. to the San Joaquin. Poor Vineyard. He died in a boating accident and couldn’t fulfill his contract. A complicated historical figure, Gen. Edward Fitzgerald Beale, would get the plump contract. Bonus? He’d use free government troops from Fort Tejon to complete the job.

SEPT. 2, 1928

• The Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic wasn’t always the Big House. The maximum-security jail started out as a pristine dairy farm, owned by a former U.S. congressman. A surprise state inspection gave the ranch a glowing report. It was the cleanest dairy in all of California. • Farm life is often far from idyllic. A Plum Canyon bull smashed through its fence and into the pasture of a neighboring rancher. The bull pinned a prize thoroughbred to the ground and disemboweled it. The bull’s owner killed his prize breeder and paid for the dead thoroughbred. • On a lighter note, one of the crazes of the Roaring ’20s was balloon dancing. Way up Bouquet Canyon, at Camp No. 4, Mrs. Francis Weston won the balloon dance and a whopping $20 first prize. Balloon dancing can be rather painful. Ladies would tie balloons to their ankles and do the Charleston with their partners. Last couple with an unpopped balloon was declared winner.

SEPT. 2, 1938

• Up until the 1970s, cattle rustling was a big problem here in the SCV. Castaic rancher Al Swanson fought a two-headed enemy. He had so many

run-ins with cattle rustlers, he contemplated offering them a “hemp poultice firmly applied around the neck” and leave them hanging from low branches to deter future steer liberators. Swanson’s second problem was deer hunters, who invaded his property and shot at anything that moved, or didn’t. (Swanson, like other ranches, had jackasses with rifles filling his water tanks with bullet holes.) The Castaic cattleman kiddingly suggested equipping his livestock with bulletproof vests. SEPT. 2, 1948

• Up until the 1950s, Happy Valley was part residential, but also part farm. Lots of horse, poultry and small cattle enterprises dotted the oak-lined dirt roads. Sure would kill to have one of their signs, but the Spic ‘N Span Poultry’s world corporate headquarters (telephone No. 8723-J4) were there on DeWolfe. So were a ba-zillion chickens. The chicken-fixin’s company would deliver a pan-ready dinner to your front door, anywhere in the SCV.

“My Little Chickadee.” John Wayne was the key to rebuilding Melody Ranch. The current owners, the Veluzat family, used a photo of The Duke standing in a doorway as a template when they rebuilt it after purchasing the property from Gene Autry. SEPT. 2, 1968

• I can’t believe this was just 50 years ago. Canyon High opened its doors to the very first class of students Sept. 3, 1968. Since then, tens of thousands of Canyon Cowboys have come and gone. Hmm. Can’t resist this one. From that first class in 1968, next year Ricky Deising will graduate. Maybe… • Ten juvenile delinquents were given a choice: kitchen detail or fire detail. The Camp Scudder boys, ages 16-18, were assigned to fight a 10,000-acre fire above Azusa. They were laying firehose when the flames shifted. Seven never made it back to the SCV minimum security youth prison. Three suffered serious injuries.

SEPT. 2, 1978

• We missed the World Series by two runs. Cerritos downed the William S. Hart squad 4-2 and went on to the PONY championship. One of the players on that team was Todd Zeile, who played Major League Baseball for a staggering 16 years for 11 teams, including the Dodgers. He Todd Zeile is the ONLY MLB player to have hit at least one home run for at least 10 teams. Super trivia? His mom, Sammee, was once the publisher of The Signal. • I have a close friend who, at this very moment, is asking: “Why does it have to always be Canyon Country?” On this date, Honorary Canyon Country mayor Bob Rider was involved in a minor traffic accident with a 17-year-old. Rider Fire burns Melody Ranch. flashed his mayor’s badge and told the youth he was a law enforcement officer and to get ready to AUG. 28, 1962 feel the full extent of the law falling on his long One of the worst in SCV history, the Placerita Fire hair. A REAL law enforcement officer showed up consumed nearly all of Gene Autry’s Melody Ranch and arrested Rider for drunk driving and imperand movie studio. For three days, nearly 18,000 sonating an officer. acres burned. Luckily, no humans or animals were John Boston, aka, Mr. Santa Clarita Valley, has killed. Some 800 patients fled the Newhall Sanitaribeen writing about and teaching the history of um. Flaming cinders were landing 40 miles away in the SCV for more than 40 years. Recipient of The Downtown Los Angeles and more than 1,000 men Will Rogers Lifetime Achievement Award and 119 battled the blaze. Elvis Presley was at Melody that major journalism honors, he is also author of the day on a photo shoot. He manned the water buckhistorical tome, “Images of America: The Santa et brigade to save the house where W.C. Fields shot Clarita Valley.”  SEPT. 2, 1958

• One thing we are so blessed by and take for granted is auto safety. The fatalities, injuries and accidents were absolutely staggering not only here in the SCV, but also all over America. Four more people were killed in car wrecks locally, bringing the year’s total so far to 53. One poor hitchhiker was killed on old Highway 99. He had just 15 cents in his pockets.

S E P T E M B E R 2, 2018

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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 25

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tudents may need some time to adjust at the beginning of a new school year. Summer vacations typically lack the structure of the school year, and it might be unfair to expect kids to seamlessly slip back into their more regimented lives as students. While some early school year sluggishness might be normal, that should be wearing off by now as school moves into its third week. If not, and students appear to be struggling to get motivated for their schoolwork, parents can try various strategies that should help reignite youngsters' passions for learning. • Make your home more school-friendly. Summer is a relaxing time of year when parents have a tendency to relax rules around the house. But come the school year, parents must make sure their homes are as conducive to studying as possible. Resist the urge to turn the television on each night so students are not distracted from their studies. Keep the home quiet so students are motivated to focus on their studies. • Encourage participation in extracurricular activities. Various studies have examined the relationship between extracurricular activities and academic performance. A 2002 study published in the journal Sociology of Education found that participation in extracurricular activities is associated with improved grade point average, increased college attendance and reduced absenteeism. The link between participation in extracurricular activities and improved academic performance is still in need of study, but such

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participation may help children acclimate to the structure of the school year more quickly than they might if they do not participate in such activities. • Encourage curious youngsters. Kids are curious, and fostering that curiosity can be a great way for parents to get their kids excited about learning. Whether it's during the school year and part of their curriculum or on summer break, encourage kids to engage in subjects that interest them. As kids learn more about the topics and subjects that interest them, they may develop a passion for learning that they can then take with them to the classroom. • Express an interest in the subjects children are studying. Another way to motivate students at the dawn of a new school year is to express an interest in the subjects they're studying. Ask questions about their studies and encourage them to share their thoughts and opinions. Engaging students about the subjects they're studying can motivate them to explore those subjects more deeply than they otherwise might.

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S E P T E M B E R 2, 2018

THINGSTO DO

Oh yes to By Michelle Sathe

Ojai!

or a quick getaway, Ojai has a lot to offer. It’s just an hour from Santa Clarita, yet once you’re driving along the rolling hills of highway 150, it feels a world away. Ringed by the Los Padres National Forest, your eyes will feast upon the endless rolling hills with huge, ancient trees and expansive citrus groves dotting the landscape. Further down the road, mission-style buildings start popping up, a foreshadowing of the main style of architecture found in the heart of town, where art galleries, restaurants and shops beckon. As you cruise onto Ojai Avenue, the town’s main drag, mile high palm trees line the streets for a unique Southern California flair. The Hummingbird Inn, located at the beginning of Ojai Avenue, looks nondescript on the outside, but has beautifully updated interiors. The clean, open rooms have white walls, hardwood floors and cool-toned glass tile countertops. There’s a mini-fridge and small microwave, as well as premium, spa-scented toiletries. Several of the rooms are pet friendly, welcoming dogs along with their human guests. Upgrade to the patio room for a large, lovely tiled outdoor space with high fencing, the perfect place to hang out and enjoy a cup of complimentary coffee. Feel like a swim? Grab a plush towel at the front desk and jump into the pool. Sunseekers can lounge in an enclosed deck on comfortable chaises. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, food options in Ojai are almost overwhelming for such a

small town. There are wine bars and Mexican restaurants, chain sandwich shops and funky, independent joints all competing for your attention. One standout is Azu Restaurant & Bar, a wide-open space with industrial, artsy touches and tattooed young servers. It’s got a hipster vibe and a menu with an international array of delights such as the AZU Paella ($29), a braised lamb pita sandwich ($20) or plate ($30), and a Syrian chicken salad ($16) to name a few. If there are two or more people in your party that are willing to share, the small plate options are a fun and tasty way to go. Honey baked brie topped with candied walnuts ($13) is gooey, cheesy, crunchy heaven when spread on toasted slices of stellar baguette. The rosemary garlic fries ($7) feature thin matchstick potatoes fried to delicious crispiness and showered with herby, garlicky goodness. Gambas al ajillo (sautéed shrimp with garlic, butter, chili flakes and white wine — $12) feature six plump, perfectly cooked shrimp, with lots of that tantalizing sauce left over to dip fries or bread into (don’t judge, it’s amazing). To cut through the richness, order a salad — the AZU chop salad ($13) is fresh, bright, and abundant with chickpeas, ripe avocado, roasted beets and yam, tomato, cucumber, and romaine tossed in a homemade tahini dressing. Work off those calories by strolling down the street and sopping galleries that showcase everything from modern metal statues to African painting and textiles to photography of the local landscape.

Bart's Books is a must-see destination for any book lovers. There are thousands of used books for sale and an open air patio that invites lingering to people watch. COURTESY PHOTOS

The patio at the Hummingbird Inn makes for a pleasant space to watch the stars or enjoy a morning cup of coffee.

You could opt to take a more ambitious walk through one of the many parks and miles of paseos that weave throughout town. Or you could be naughty and grab a cone or sundae at Ojai Ice Cream, See OJAI, page 30

S E P T E M B E R 2, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 27

Summer fun lingers on, but Fright Fest looms on the horizon

By Michele E. Buttelman

t’s September and the Santa Clarita Valley is still a lively and entertaining place to get your “fun” on. Here’s a few “hot” suggestions.

Another JAM Session is scheduled for Newhall on Sept. 6. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

Street Party

Sept. 20: 7-10 p.m. Main Street in downtown Newhall. Old Town Newhall takes on an East Coast feel as Main Street transforms into Coney Island for this month’s SENSES Block Party. Join in the Mermaid parade, marvel at the World’s Strongest Man, or play a classic carnival game. Enjoy adult beverages from Newhall Refinery, food trucks and live music. Info: http://thursdaysatnewhall. com/senses.

Car Shows

Saturday, Sept. 8: 5-9 p.m. Route 66 Classic Car Show. Free admission for spectators. $10 vehicle registration fee. SCV's longest running Classic Car Show. The 19th year hosting more 125+ classic cars and trucks. Fundraiser for SCV Safe Rides. Safe Rides have been offering Safe Rides to SCV high school students for more than 30 years. Live band, raffle prizes, food and bar. Route 66 Classic

Cocktails on the Roof to benefit the WiSH Foundation is scheduled for Sept. 7. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

Grill, 18730 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country. Info: http://route66classicgrill.com. Thursday, Sept. 13: 7-9 p.m. Variety Night: Revved Up. Hop in your wheels and cruise on over to Old Town Newhall. Support the Santa Clarita car scene at this local car meet up open to all types of vehicles. Family-friendly car event. Enjoy the sights of clean lines, the sounds as engines roar and smells of pure exhaust as fast cars, classic cars and everything in between line Main Street. Have a car you want to show for this event? Sign up at: http://thursdaysatnewhall.com/ varietynight/revved-up-application/At Main Street and Market Street in Old Town Newhall, Newhall 91321. Info: http://thursday satnewhall.com/varietynight/ Saturday, Sept. 15: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Annual Elks Lodge Car & Bike Show (judged and trophies), Chili Cook Off (free entry, judged and trophies), Boutique (lots of vendors), bake sale, hot dogs, tri-tip sandwiches, beverages, Catch 22 Live Band, photo booth hysteria (free fun photos), Magic Castle magician, prizes, and more. Something for everyone in the family. Free entrance, $20 pre-registration of cars and bikes/ $25 at event. Santa Clarita Elks Lodge 2379 17766 Sierra Highway, Canyon Country, 91351. Info: Text Shelly at 661-310-4423, Sharon at (661) 645-2616, Anthony at (805) 298-2707, Grace at (661) 992-7034.

Music

Wednesday, Sept. 5: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Western Music Association Showcase.

Musicians and cowboy poets perform stories and songs of the romantic Old West, contemporary music of the American West and songs of the open range and the American cowboy. Free. Food and beverages for purchase. To perform your Western music or poetry email wmacc@westernmusiccalifornia.org. El Trocadero Steakhouse 24274 Main St., Newhall, 91321. Info: westernmusic california.org. Thursday, Sept. 6: 7-9 p.m. JAM Sessions, Old Town Newhall Library, patio area, 24500 Main St., Old Town Newhall. This month features salsa dancing. Dance to the beat, play an instrument and experience fun, interactive music and dance events. The evening integrates live dance instruction from professional instructors with live band performances. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and bring a chair if you just plan on listening to the music. JAM Sessions are participatory and centered around movement and music. All JAMs are free and all ages and skill levels are welcome. Info: http:// thursdaysatnewhall.com/jamsessions/ Friday, Sept. 7: 7-10 p.m. Live music on the Patio of Route 66. Every Friday night, thru October, enjoy live music, featuring Dave Lemasters. Food and beverages for purchase. Route 66 Classic Grill, 18730 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country, 91351. Info: www.route66classicgrill.com

See SEPTEMBER, page 28

ENTERTAINMENT

September still simmers

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S E P T E M B E R 2, 2018

SEPTEMBER

Continued from page 27

Sunday, Sept. 9: 5 p.m. SCV Blues Society Monthly Blues Jam. Food and a full bar are available. All ages are welcome. $5 entry fee, under 21 free. Young Blues musicians are encouraged to join in. Host band Andy Roth and Stunt Road. American Legion Post 507, 24527 Spruce St., Newhall. Info: www. scvblues.com. Sunday, Sept. 9: 5:30-10:30 pm. Motown in Town 3 to benefit the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center. Features the leading Motown Band Stone Soul. Dinner, concert, dancing, silent auction, art show. Hyatt Regency Ballroom, 24500 Town Center Drive, Valencia. Dinner tickets $65; Show tickets $40. Info: intownscv.com or (661) 312-3422. Thursday, Sept. 13: 7-9 p.m. Note by Note Showcase. Free evening of music of all genres at Note by Note, a musical showcase presented by Valencia Auto Center. Bands, duos and soloists will play their blend of music for your listening pleasure. Come enjoy a wide range of music styles, including rock, folk, Celtic, Americana, blues, jazz, country, experimental, Western. The MAIN, 24266 Main St., Newhall. Info: thursdaysatnewhall.com/notebynote.

Theater

Thursday, Sept. 6: 7 p.m. 10 by 10: Variety Show. Free monthly variety show in Old Town Newhall featuring music, film, storytelling, magic, comedy and more. September lineup: Storytelling by Ty Fance; Magic by Raul Fernandez; Music by GRIT; Comedy by Buck Ball; Film, “The Sin Washer” directed by Iram Parveen Bilal; Music by The New Mexican; Storytelling from Andrew Solmssen; Ventriloquist Dan Sachoff; Music by Abby Lyons and Comedy by Jeff Johnson. The MAIN, 24266 Main St., Newhall, 91321. Info: http://thursdaysatnew hall.com/10by10/ Saturday. Sept. 8: 8 p.m. "The Society Improv Show" includes improvised music, comedy, scenes, the works. If you’ve seen “Whose Line is it Anyway,” you have an idea of what kind of hilarious, energetic comedy that team improv can create. This is a clean show and is appropriate for all ages. Tickets:

$15. The MAIN, 24266 Main St., Newhall, 91321. Info: www.atthemain.org. Saturday, Sept. 22: 8 pm; Saturday, Sept. 29: 8 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 30: 2 p.m. “Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical.” Dr. Henry Jekyll accidentally unleashes his inner demons along with a man that the world would come to know as Mr. Hyde. Murder and chaos are pitted against love and virtue in this sweeping gothic adaption of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic story. This production is not suitable for younger audiences. Tickets: 21-$17. Box office: (661) 7992702 (Beginning Sept. 4). Info: www. canyontheatre.org. Friday, Sept. 28: 7 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 29: 11 a.m., 2 p.m. Olive Branch Theatricals presents “Little Red Riding Hood.” This is a fun-filled, interactive new twist on one of your fairy tale favorites. Follow Little Red Riding Hood as she skips through the dark and dingy forest followed by ... wait and see. A howling good time will be had by all. Doors open 30 minutes prior to show time. Seating is first-come, first-serve. The MAIN, 24266 Main St., Newhall, 91321. Tickets: $12 at https://www. eventbrite.com/e/little-red-riding hood-tickets-47962004647.

Fun Stuff

Friday, Sept. 7: 8 p.m. Cocktails on the Roof to benefit the WiSH Education Foundation. Enjoy food, signature cocktails and mocktails. Dance to the live DJ. Enjoy the rooftop party atmosphere. Tickets at www.WiSHscv.org or www.cocktailsontheroofscv. org and are $85 per person/$65 for designated drivers. 21 and older only. WiSH funds programs in SCV junior and high schools. Info: Wishscv.org. Friday, Sept. 7: 8-10 p.m. Comedy Mashup is a monthly series that brings together working comedians from all over Southern California for a night of laughs. The evening includes both stand-up and improv performances. Tickets: $10 advance/$15 at door. Adults, ages 18 and older. Beer and wine will be available for purchase at the bar. Doors open one hour before showtime. The MAIN, 24266 Main St., Newhall. Info: atthemain.org.

SENSES block parties in downtown Newhall continue in September. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

Saturday, Sept. 15: Fright Fest at Six Flags Magic Mountain on select days Sept. 15 to Oct. 28. Be prepared to be scared as zombies and ghouls take over the park. Enjoy rides and activities during the day and a frightening evening after the sun goes down. At Fright Fest, you won’t have any place to hide with several mazes and scare zones located throughout the park. The stuff of nightmares lurks around every corner as the dark of night and dense fog hovers over the park. The ghouls are set free for their daily hunting rituals. Info: https://www.sixflags. com/magicmountain/special-events. Friday, Sept. 21-Sunday, Sept. 23: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The Santa Clarita Chalk Festival is presented by the Old Town Newhall Association. Over the course of three days, artists from all over the area, professional, amateur, students and the public, will take to the pavement armed with pastel chalks to create masterpieces. The theme of the event is “Wit, Wonder and Whimsy.” This is a family-friendly event. Main Street, between 6th and the Roundabout. Info: http://otna.org.

Big Shows

Saturday, Sept. 22: 8 p.m. Veronica

Swift at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center. This buzz-worthy 23-year-old vocalist set the jazz world on fire after her second-place finish at the 2015 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition, in which she wowed judges Dee Dee Bridgewater, Al Jarreau and Patti Austin. Combining technical skill with a depth of feeling that belies her age, Swift is a jazz superstar in the making. Tickets: $75, $60, $50. Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Valencia, 91355. Info: www.canyonspac.com. Saturday, Sept. 22: Sinbad, comedy. Doors open 6 p.m. Headliner 9 p.m. Ranked by Comedy Central as one of the top 100 standup comedians of all time, Sinbad will appear at The Canyon – Santa Clarita. Sinbad is internationally known for his starring appearances in hit movies like “Jingle All the Way,” playing opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger and he has starred in the television sitcom “A Different World” as well as his own series, “The Sinbad Show.” Tickets: $28 - $58 + applicable fees. Westfield Valencia Town Center, 24201 Valencia Blvd., Suite 1351, Valencia 91355. Info: https://wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com/canyon-santa-clarita/ events/ 

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

The Curtain Rises on Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues at Canyon Santa Clarita Sept. 9 By Stephen K. Peeples

he curtain rises for Justin Hayward on Sunday night, Sept. 9 as The Moody Blues’ gifted lead singer, lead guitarist and chief songwriter brings his acclaimed solo show to the Canyon Santa Clarita. Hayward has much to celebrate with his SCV fans this year, starting with the 51st anniversary of “Days of Future Passed” last year and the 50th anniversary this year of “In Search of the Lost Chord,” the first two of The Moody Blues’ seven classic psychedelic-era albums. It’s also the 50th anniversary of the British band’s groundbreaking debut U.S. tour. A half-century and 55 million albums later, 2018 kicked off with the Moodies’ long-overdue induction into the Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame (unfortunately, founding member Ray Thomas checked out just a few months before the ceremony in April). Later in September and October, The Moody Blues – Hayward, John Lodge (bass-vocals-songs) and Graeme Edge (drums) and their stellar backing group – will spend autumn in Las Vegas, as The Moody Blues play The Wynn. (Catch up with the Moodies at www.moodybluestoday.com.) Meanwhile, Hayward has been flooring audiences at his intimate solo shows, which he’s done since the first band hiatus, 1975-1979. Right now he’s on the latest North American leg of his “All the Way” tour, backing his album of the same name. The career-spanning collection’s 15 tracks include Moody Blues classics from the ’60s to the ’80s like “Nights in White Satin” and “The Story in Your Eyes,” favorites from Hayward’s seven solo albums from 1975-2013 from “Blue Guitar” (1975) to “The Western Sky” (2013), his 1978 worldwide hit “Forever Autumn” (from Jeff Wayne’s “War of the Worlds” musical), and even a brandnew song, “The Winds of Heaven.” (Find out more about “All the Way”

at www.justinhayward.com/.) While the Moodies’ recordings and concerts, with all that glorious production, have struck a familiar chord with so many fans worldwide for so long, it’s a revelation to hear Hayward perform his cinematic, uplifting songs essentially unplugged. “It's the most beautiful way of performing these songs,” he said. “It's closer to the original demos I made all those years ago.” The experience underscores the timelessness of Hayward’s songs, and the enduring strength of his voice; at 71, he can still nail those high notes with the power and precision of a much younger singer. “My acoustic solo tours give the perfect balance to the big production of the Moody Blues concerts,” he said. “I’m so lucky to have both.” Hayward’s not completely solo on this leg of his “All the Way” tour, though. “I'm with two wonderful players,” he said. “Mike Dawes is a Guitar Player of the Year. Julie Ragins is the most wonderful musician, songwriter and vocalist. She's been with me a long time.” “I'm doing songs a lot of people will know from the Moodies and some solo hits,” Hayward said. “I get to do ‘Forever Autumn’ and deeper cuts from the Moodies' and solo albums, songs I've never done on stage before that work really well in this context. Of course, I do more recent things from ‘Spirits of the Western Sky’ (2013) and even newer songs.” Hayward’s candid, often hilarious stories about the songs add even more context. “There's something for everybody, particularly those who remember the first seven Moodies albums and the stories from the '70s and '80s,” he said. “It's a lovely show, a joy to do.” ***** Find the Canyon Santa Clarita on the ground floor of the Westfield Valencia Town Center. Get tickets at the box office 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, by phone at 888-6455006, or via TicketMaster.com. For

more info, visit WheremusicmeetstheSoul.com. Stephen K. Peeples is a Grammy-nominated record producer and award-winning radio

“Lovely to see you again, my friend/ Walk along with me to the next bend…” -Justin Hayward

producer and journalist based in the Santa Clarita Valley. He has covered the SCV music scene for local media since 2004. Contact him via stephenkpeeples.com. 

LABOR DAY 2018

SALE

SPECIAL EDITION! Plush Super Pillow Top Queen Mattress

Twin $139

King $299 Twin $179

King $399

SANTA CLARITA 91350

26537 Bouquet Cyn Rd. #G (Next to Trader Joe’s and Best Buy)

(661) 430-8660

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OJAI

Continued from page 26

a fun, old-fashioned place with a few dozen flavors, lots of candy, and friendly service. About a quarter mile off of Ojai Avenue is Bart’s Books, a must-see destination for any book lover. It has a massive selection of used tomes surrounding a lovely, open air patio that begs you to sit and linger with your purchases. Juices and waters are available to quench your thirst as you

take advantage of the spectacular people-watching opportunities. A cool, rather stern looking resident cat provides additional entertainment. Just a few miles down the road is the Meiners Oaks area, which has a main street of its own with small funky shops and intriguing restaurants such as the Farmer and the Cook, an organic market & bohemian café. It specializes in

vegetarian Mexican fare and salads. At night, it seems the whole neighborhood is hanging out on the Farmer and the Cook’s huge patio — adults, kids, couples — all enjoying live music under a twinkling canopy of lights. For more information on visiting Ojai, visit ojaivisitors.com. 

S E P T E M B E R 2, 2018

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SCVSCHOOLS

CLIP N SAVE

SCV school districts

Elementary School Menus (choice of one entree, seasonal fruit and milk)

Monday, Sept. 3 Tuesday, Sept. 4 Wednesday, Sept. 5

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

LABOR DAY Breakfast Bagel Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit Maple Burst'n Mini Pancakes Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit

Thursday, Sept. 6

Breakfast Quesadilla Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit

Friday, Sept. 7

Breakfast Pizza Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fruit Juice

• Castaic USD Menus courtesy of Santa Clarita Valley School • Newhall USD Food Services which serves: • Saugus USD • Sulphur Springs USD

'Lil Kahuna Double Dog Chicken Nuggets PBJ Sandwich & String Cheese Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar Teriyaki Chicken over Rice Dippin' Chicken & Sauce Cheeseburger Smart Choice Pizza* Seasonal Salad Bar Chocolate Chip Cookie Carnitas Quesadilla Cheesy Quesadilla Chicken Sandwich Spicy Chicken Sandwich Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar Chicken Sandwich Spicy Chicken Sandwich PBJ Sandwich & String Cheese Smart Choice Pizza Manager’s Choice Seasonal Salad Bar

School district OKs deal to help students in need By Brennon Dixson

ollowing the welcomed addition of the district’s first social worker, leaders of the Newhall School District approved an agreement with K to College on Tuesday that will help school sites address the material needs of their transient and foster populations, which is a growing focus for school districts across the Santa Clarita Valley. K to College, or K2C, is a nonprofit corporation that assists homeless and impoverished families as they work toward self-sufficiency, according to its website. “Second to hunger, unmet material needs are one of the most immediate and impactful consequences of being poor,” the program’s website states. “A lack of access to basic-needs

items like diapers, hygiene supplies, school supplies and other goods creates barriers to health, education, childcare and employment for low-income families.” This is why the Sulphur Springs Union School District hired a social worker this summer and is preparing to open a resource center. It’s also why K2C will provide free hygiene and school supply kits, as well as other materials that are pertinent to academic success of the Newhall School District students who are homeless or enrolled in the free or reduced-price meal programs. “A lot of agencies are coming forward and providing these services at low or no cost to these students and families, which is great because we know our students who are foster youth usually come from low-income

situations,” said Larry Brunson, Newhall School District director of student support services. The city of Santa Clarita is trying to tackle the issues that surround their foster and homeless youth populations, so accepting the program’s proposal was pretty much a no-brainer, he added. With the addition of the new social worker to the district this year, Brunson said the Newhall district will continue to focus on establishing programs that support a child’s mental, physical and emotional well-being. “I’ve told people for years — and this is my 20th year in the district — that academics and social-behavioral needs go hand-in-hand,” Brunson said. “If one is not met, then the other can’t be met, either.” 

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YOURHOME

Give your home a million-dollar look THESE SIMPLE TIPS CAN MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE By Marina Anderson

aving just moved back to Santa Clarita and purchasing a townhome, I was overwhelmed with repairs and revamps needed. An avid viewer of all those home flipping and remodeling shows, I could hardly wait to get started on all the changes. I wanted it to look like the million-dollar estates and mansions in the expensive, glossy magazines and I wanted to make my new sanctuary a healthier environment. But there was a hitch. I didn't have an estate-type budget. Snivel. Enter Scott Harris, as we literally crashed carts in the lighting aisle of a home building store. He looked a bit familiar to me and seemed friendly, so I asked for his opinion on a ceiling light I was considering. As we chatted, I found he was the same person I had read about in one of those high-end publications, who built the LEED platinum certified home for actor-environmentalist, Ed Begley Jr., and was named Malibu's Choice Award for Green Construction 2017. Scott is also the same person I saw on HGTV and heard on the radio. His company, Building Construction Group is known in Los Angeles for building crème de la crème, multimillion-dollar homes. So, I commented to Scott, “I’m having a difficult time focusing on choices ... there's just so much to do ... I don't know where to start first, but I know I want my place to be extra special." He gives me a big grin and like an ancient, wise proverb, says, "I feel your home should be more than just a place to hang your hat. It should be a place that heals your heart." Something inside me clicked. Ahhhhah. My confusion seemed to suddenly crystalize into a laser-focused decision. Fast-forward, I'm standing in front of Scott's new construction site with breathtaking views — the Tilos property in the legendary Outpost Estates going up for sale.

In lieu of typical wall paneling, create an illusion by using thin molding strips on top of the drywall and section off into "panels” to give depth. PHOTO BY LAURA HULL

This prime area in reclaimed or anthe Hollywood hills is tique stone fire"IT'S THE a development from place surrounds LITTLE the 1920s steeped in and mantels. the city's star-lit hisIn lieu of typiTHINGS THAT tory. A few celebrities cal wall paneling, that occupied Tilos at create the illuMAKE A one time are actors, sion by using thin Melanie Griffith, Ormolding strips on DIFFERENCE." lando Bloom, Bela top of the drywall – SCOTT HARRIS Lugosi and American and section off into writer Gore Vidal. "panels." You can Absorbing the do this on a ceiling "million-dollar feeltoo. Paint the trim ing," I ask, "So, how can I get my in a shade darker than the ceiling to home to look more like one of these, give the illusion of depth." but on a budget?" Before we parted company, Scott No matter what architecture gave me his top three trade secrets a person's home is, there are key on this matter. elements Scott suggests that can give any home that "million-dollar touch." "It's the little things that make In a weekend, you can transform a big difference. One of the things your yard into a private sanctuary. we do for our projects are custom Want more privacy? hoods for kitchen stoves in copper Try what's called "podocarpus" or wood or whatever ties into the (evergreen shrubs and trees), formkitchen. Makes a beautiful, unique ing a hedge or wall-like effect. It's shroud to crown the stove — the very affordable and readily availkitchen's major focal point for a able. Add a romantic touch by crehome. For a fireplace, we often use ating a curved gravel path and line

Landscaping

it with mosaic or other decorative solar lights. For a spa-resort atmosphere, water features soothe the soul and are budget friendly. To dramatize any landscaping, lights that point up into trees or other plants are very effective. They also improve curb appeal.

Interior

Scott thinks colors are like the music for your home. Keep choices limited to three that look harmonious together and "play" that through your home. Stick to a theme of materials too. No more than three ... your favorite metal finish like brushed nickel or oiled bronze, then (choose one) stone/tile or wood for the floor and another material for the counters.

Lighting

His motto: "Less is best" for the luxury touch when lighting a home. Lighting should be soft, warm and make you feel comfortable. For more ideas go to www.build ingcgroup.com. 

S E P T E M B E R 2, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L Î&#x2021; 33

FOODSTUFF

Throw a Hot-Pot dinner party

eat up your next get-together by inviting family and friends over to try a DIY trend, the hot-pot party. It can be easy to prep and your guests can enjoy cooking and customizing their own meals. First, prepare a rich, flavored broth and serve steaming-hot in a slow cooker or multi-cooker. Next, offer a selection of meat, seafood and veggies for dunking. Cook for a few minutes then garnish with sauces and various toppings to match individual tastes. A traditional East Asian hot-pot broth is flavored with beef stock, soy sauce, chilies, ginger and garlic. Try a Mexican-inspired version by serving a spiced chicken broth with ancho chile pepper, cumin and oregano, or offer a taste of the Caribbean with a coconut milk broth and fresh papaya pica sauce. Learn more about this hot-pot trend and all the latest flavor trends in McCormickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2018 Flavor Forecast at FlavorForecast.com.

Caribbean Hot-Pot Broth with Papaya Pica Sauce Prep time: 45 minutes Cook time: 3 hours Servings: 10

Caribbean Hot-Pot Broth: 2 2 1 1/2 8 1/4 1

pounds smoked ham hocks cups sliced yellow onions cup diagonally sliced carrots cup diagonally sliced celery cups water, divided container (32 oz.) Kitchen Basics Original

Chicken Stock 1 whole chile pepper, such as Scotch bonnet or habanero 2 McCormick Bay Leaves 1 teaspoon McCormick Thyme Leaves 1 teaspoon McCormick Ground Turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper salt, to taste 2 tablespoons cornstarch 2 cans (13.66 ounces each) Thai Kitchen Coconut Milk 2 tablespoons lime juice

Papaya Pica Sauce:

3 cups cubed fresh papaya 1/2 cup cider vinegar 1/4 cup chopped, seeded Scotch bonnet (chile pepper) 1/4 cup chopped yellow onion 1/4 cup yellow mustard 1 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Garlic Powder 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Ground Ginger 1/4 teaspoon McCormick Ground Cloves 1 pound uncooked bay scallops 1 pound uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined cooked rice toasted shredded coconut (optional) fresh red or green bell pepper slices (optional)

To make broth: Place ham hocks, onion, carrots and celery in 6-quart stockpot. Cook on medium heat 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add 8 cups water, chicken stock, chile pepper, bay leaves, thyme leaves, turmeric, allspice and pepper. Add salt, to taste. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 1 hour, skimming fat occasionally. Remove cover and simmer 30 minutes, skimming fat occasionally. Remove ham hocks and skim fat. In small bowl, whisk cornstarch and remaining water. Add to pot with coconut milk. Cook on medium heat 30 minutes. Skim fat. Stir lime juice into broth. To make Papaya Pica Sauce: In food processor on high speed, process papaya, vinegar, chile pepper, onion, mustard, salt, allspice, garlic powder, ginger and cloves until smooth. Transfer to medium saucepan. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer, uncovered, 10-15 minutes. Pour into

medium bowl. To serve, pour broth into heated 6-quart electric slow cooker or hot pot. Cook shrimp and scallops in broth about 5 minutes, or until cooked through, stirring occasionally. Place some rice in bowl then ladle broth and seafood over top. Stir in Papaya Pica Sauce and top with shredded coconut and pepper slices, if desired.

Asian Hot-Pot Broth with Tangy Chili Sauce Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Servings: 10

Original Beef Stock 1/4 cup Thai Kitchen Red Curry Paste 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar 1 tablespoon McCormick Garlic Powder 1 teaspoon McCormick Ground Ginger 2 tablespoons lime juice

Tangy Chili Sauce:

Hot-Pot Broth:

2 teaspoons vegetable oil 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced 2 containers (32 ounces each) Kitchen Basics

1/2 3 1

cup Thai Kitchen Sweet Red Chili Sauce tablespoons lime juice pound flank steak, thinly sliced Simply Asia Lo Mein Noodles, cooked See HOT-POT, page 42

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S E P T E M B E R 2, 2018

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

BELLA CUCINA: A Bellisimo Italian Experience quite excellent without any adornment. The rolls are made with imported superfine Caputo flour, which also provides the starting point for the pizza dough, sandwich rolls and 17 different kinds of pastas made at Bella Cucina. There are 19 sauces, too, all made from scratch by Toumadi and his kitchen team.

By Michelle Sathe

o you ever daydream about visiting Italy and indulging in a languid, luxurious meal? The kind that makes you forget all about the world outside? Bella Cucina brings just that kind of vibe right here in Santa Clarita. Once you enter its doors, you’re whisked into a joyful, Tuscan-colored universe where you’re welcomed like family and cooked for like a VIP. You’ll be greeted by owner Jay Hamzei or Chef Luca Toumadi. Both are excellent hosts — Hamzei with his accommodating manner and stealth attention to detail, Toumadi with his engaging personality and passionate focus on food. Together, they’re a master class in customer service. Need a gluten-free option? No problem. Something vegan? Of course. A different kind of pasta? Absolutely. “We are open to whatever our guests want,” said Toumadi. Bella Cucina, or “beautiful kitchen,” offers a full bar with an extensive wine list and many crowd-pleasing Italian classics, ranging from ravioli and gnocchi to pollo marsala and pizza (in the

Next level

Chef Luca Toumadi, left, and owner Jay Hamzei. PHOTOS BY MICHELLE SATHE

$15 to $28 range). What really makes each dish something special is the authenticity of Campania native Toumadi’s cooking and use of only the highest quality ingredients. Start with the fresh-baked garlic rolls, which are reason enough to come here. They’re served warm, with a golden brown exterior glazed with oil and flecks of fresh garlic, and a soft, chewy interior. Butter and olive oil are available, but these are

What might be a simple pink sauce somewhere else is next level here. “We don’t just mix marinara with heavy cream,” Toumadi explained. “We start with shredded Padano cheese, melt in heavy cream and mix in the juice of fresh cherry tomatoes.” In addition to the regular menu, Toumadi creates a roster of nightly specials that showcase his incredible creativity. The fusion salad ($19.95) is a stunning way to kick things off. It’s an edible work of art, with pretty edible flowers, a sweet cake dotted with caviar, and small pools of tangy balsamic vinaigrette surrounding a silky piece of housesmoked salmon topped with goat cheese and tender, marinated asparagus spears. The goal is to get a bit of each flavor onto the fork and when

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

Fusion salad.

Lamb shank with risotto.

you do, magic happens. A pappardelle special ($23.99) features an artful array of wide, al dente homemade noodles cloaked with luscious olive oil and topped with plump shrimp and a large mussel. Nestled within are burnished cubes of smoky pancetta, chunks of roasted garlic, briny kalamata olives, spicy red chili flakes and a fresh note from vibrant green peas. It’s a captivating dish for both the eyes and the taste buds.

Layers and textures

Toumadi’s skill of layering flavors and textures is abundantly apparent in a lamb shank with saffron risotto ($24.99). The meat is so tender it falls off the bone. Cut it into small pieces to mix with the golden-hued, fluffy rice, which holds little jewels like caramelized golden raisins and toasted cashews glazed in honey mustard, for a savory, succulent, and very satisfying experience. At night, whether you opt to sit in the elegant

18 0 2

Voted “Best Of” Most Romantic Restaurant 6 years in a row by Signal Readers

restaurant or dine al fresco on the pretty covered patio, Bella Cucina is a romantic hot spot that’s perfect for a date or special occasion. By day, the restaurant is a great place for business meetings or a relaxed meal with friends. And with Bella Cucina’s $7.99 lunch specials, available daily from 11:30 am to 2 pm, you can enjoy smaller (but still generous) portions of pasta favorites (carbonara, chicken tequila fettucine and penne alla vodka to name a few), salads and paninis (such as meatball or eggplant or chicken parmigiana). The sandwiches are served on bread that’s baked when you place your order. Touches like that have kept Bella Cucina in business over the last 17 years with Hamzei at the helm. He could retire, but believes that restaurant life, as hectic as it can be, is his calling. “I tried to stay home once but after an hour, I missed it. My fun is here,” Hamzei said. “If you cook with love and passion, the customer feels it. I enjoy making people happy.” Bella Cucina, 27911 Seco Canyon Road, Santa Clarita. Open Sunday to Thursday, 11 am to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am to 10 pm. Catering and private parties available. For more information, call (661) 2631414 or visit www.bellacucinascv.com. 

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S E P T E M B E R 2, 2018

PERSONALITYPROFILE

h g i H g n i y l F

SCV teen is accomplished glider pilot

By Cheri Jensen

was driving around our community looking for inspiration for the Sunday Signal’s series on interesting hobbies. Joggers here, soccer practice there, even families at the mall. They probably have numerous tales that would make interesting news stories. But a friend suggested I needed to look right underneath my nose, my daughter Lexie Peltola of Stevenson Ranch. Oh yeah. She has moxie. It just comes natural to her. Stand out in a crowd. A “go for it” type of kid. Lexie likes to fly, whether it is in a cheerleading gym or in the wild blue yonder, thousands of feet in the air. During Lexie’s first year of cheer at SCV AllStars, I was so nervous of her team putting on her shoulders at competitions that I couldn’t watch and turned around.

Now, about 12 years later, I still get sweaty palms, but my girl is flying 11,000 feet in the air. “It was a different world…” “It was as though they had been plunged into a fabulous dream. This, thought Harry, was surely the only way to travel — past swirls and turrets of snowy cloud, in a car full of hot, bright sunlight, with a fat pack of toffees in the glove compartment...” — Author J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Rowling’s character Harry Potter may have said it right. Flying is like no other feeling. It is a different world. It is a dream – at least to Lexie. The 17 year old is already flying the on campus with a glider to demonstrate friendly skies, yet she is still a high school how it works. Once in the classroom, they student. She is passionate about something played a flying-related game. The prize for that is a little different than most teens her first place was a ride in a glider. She said, age. She likes to fly. Not merely flying in “The person who won didn’t want to do it, a commercial jet going on vacation. Lexie so I got the flight because I was in second wants to be a pilot. place. Then when I came The Hart High seto Hart as a sophomore, nior recently got her FAA I finally got to use the student pilot’s license for " I T I S N OT A S prize, and we turned it gliding. S M O OT H A S into an actual lesson inShe is also a cadet memstead of a joy ride. I was YO U E X P E C T, ber of the Soaring Society instantly hooked.” THOUGH. FOR of America. Gliding has been A glider is “basically a M Y F I R S T F L I G H T, known to have a calmplane without an engine,” I T F E LT W E I R D, ing effect on pilots and Peltola said. “It is meant passengers, but Peltola L I K E I WA S to be light. You are flying W E I G H T L E S S , Y E T says it is a different senon lift instead of motorsation being up in the ized power.” WITH A ROLLER sky without the rumbling According to the first CO A S T E R T Y P E or buzz of an engine. “It man on the moon, asis not as smooth as you O F S E N S AT I O N ." tronaut Neil Armstrong, expect, though. For my “Gliders, sail planes, first flight, it felt weird, they're wonderful flying like I was weightless, yet machines. It's the closest you can come to with a roller coaster type of sensation. It being a bird.” is like you are on top of a roller coaster Lexie’s love of flying began in a high and just as you drop, your stomach feels school physics class her freshman year. The like it is going into your throat. It is not Southern California Soaring Academy was Lexie Peltola

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PERSONALITYPROFILE COURTESY PHOTOS

for everyone but if you like roller coasters, you will love it.” She added, “It is actually not that quiet up in the cockpit as you might expect because we have to fly at a certain airspeed, and it starts to get pretty loud. It is a whooshing wind type of sound.”

Checklist

Before each flight Lexie goes over a checklist for safety. “I go over it verbally.” For example, she checks and inspects different parts of the glider, including the instruments, safety equipment, tow rope, emergency landing procedures, etc. to make sure they are all fit for flight. She also checks the direction of the wind, which indicates which direction she needs to take off. When she is ready, her instructor will say, “Your aircraft.” “I then repeat, ‘My aircraft.’ That means I am now in command.” The glider is essentially towed by a small plane to a certain altitude and then the tow rope is released. Then she is airborne. Glider pilots rely on weather conditions and surroundings to catch lift and soar like an eagle. Lexie already has her FAA student pilot’s license. And she is only months away from solo flight. “I eventually will take the FAA private pilot test. Pass and then becomes a certified private pilot. Then I will able to take passengers, other than the

instructor, up there.” She jokingly added, “I’m going to get my pilot’s license before getting my driver’s license.” Lexie is a student pilot at the Southern California Soaring Academy, considered a premier soaring site. It is, approximately 45 minutes from the Santa Clarita Valley at the Crystalaire Airport. “Almost every day is flyable. Great weather,” said director Julie Bennett. “Lexie has a great future in front of her. One of our pilots, a U2 and fighter pilot, called Lexie a ‘rock star’. She is commanding talking to air traffic,” said Bennett. The soaring academy offers glider rides, lessons, storage, tows and specialized instruction. You must be at least 16 for a private pilot’s certificate with a glider rating. They stress safety and knowledge as well as actual flight time. The nonprofit academy also has a special wounded or disabled veterans program for service people to experience the thrill of flight.

Skill of gliding

I’ve heard from a lot of pilots that they wish they started with gliders instead of engine planes because it is easier to gain more control of a motorized aircraft.” Lexie. It could save yourself in an emergency rather than relying on just the engine. Like Sully.” In 2009, Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger,

saved 155 people on a US Airways Airbus when it crash landed “on” the Hudson River instead of “in” the Hudson when See PILOT, page 43

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

Explaining common terms found on

hen shopping for groceries, some consumers may feel as if they need a degree in nutrition sciences to determine just what it is they're buying. Food labels can be complex and include various terms that may be unknown to consumers. Understanding these terms can help people make sound decisions regarding the foods they eat.

· Cage free: Eggs labeled "cage

free" means that the hens that laid the eggs were not raised in caged housing systems, which the Humane Society of the United States has described as inhumane. The organization Food and Water Watch notes that living conditions for hens raised in cage-free environments may still be poor.

· Daily value: According to the

medical resource WebMD, daily value indicates the percentage of a certain nutrient in a food, based on a 2,000-calorie-per-day diet. WebMD notes that 8 percent is general considered to be good.

· Dietary fiber: The Mayo

Clinic notes that dietary fiber refers to the parts of plant foods that the human body cannot digest or absorb. Fiber is typically classified as soluble, which refers to types of fiber that dissolve in water, and insoluble, which is used to describe types of fiber that promote movement of material through the digestive system. Soluble fiber can help lower blood cholesterol and glucose

Food Labels

levels, while insoluble can help people who suffer from constipation or irregular stools.

· Enriched: Foods that are la-

beled as "enriched" have had nutrients added to them to replace those that were lost when the food was processed.

· Fortified: Fortified describes

foods that had nutrients added to them that were not present initially. A common example of a fortified food or beverage is milk, which is fortified with vitamin D to help the body absorb the calcium present in milk.

· GMO: GMO stands for "geneti-

cally modified organisms," which are organisms that have had their genetic material artificially manipulated in genetic engineering labs. The Non-GMO Project says that a growing body of evidence has connected GMOs with an assortment of health problems and environmental damage.

· Grass fed: Grass fed implies

that the animals used to produce meat and dairy were fed only grass. Consumer Reports advises consumers to look for seals such as American Grassfed or PCO Certified 100% Grassfed to ensure that manufacturer claims have been verified and that the animals were fed 100 percent grass and raised on pasture.

· Hormone free: The federal

government of the United States prohibits the use of hormones to

Food labels can be complex. Understanding them can help consumers make sound decisions regarding foods they eat. COURTESY PHOTO

raise poultry and hogs, so manufacturers who label their foods as "hormone free" have not gone above and beyond to make their foods healthier.

· Organic: The United States

Department of Agriculture has strict criteria in regard to labeling foods as "organic." To be labeled "organic," dairy, eggs, meat, and poultry can come only from animals that were not given antibiotics or growth hormones. Fruits and vegetables can only be labeled "organic" if they were produced without conventional pesticides, fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients, bioengineering, or ionizing radiation.

· Processed: Many consider

processed foods to be bad and loaded with additives. But that's not always the case. The USDA

defines processed as foods that have undergone a change of character. For example, cut, prewashed spinach qualifies as a processed food.

· Sodium: Otherwise known as salt, sodium is necessary to maintain nerve and muscle health. However, many people consume too much sodium, oftentimes because of processed foods. WebMD notes that sodium intake should be limited to 2,300 milligrams or less per day. Certain people, such as those over the age of 51, African Americans or those with certain conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes, should consume no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day. – Metro Connection 

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GARDENING

Selecting the right fertilizer for your needs

or plants to truly flourish, the right growing conditions and soil that offers the right nutrients is of paramount importance. Fertilizer enhances soil so that plants and flowers can thrive. However, fertilizer is not a one-size-fits-all mix. Choosing fertilizer can be a little overwhelming thanks to the variety of formulations available at neighborhood lawn and garden centers. Shelves contain all-purpose products, such as those billed as vegetable fertilizer, and even formulations geared toward specific flower varieties. Others may feature buzz words like "all-natural" or "organic," and consumers may not be sure just what they need to keep plants healthy. The following guidelines can help any would-be gardener or landscaper grow more vibrant plants.

Start with a soil test

It's difficult to determine what plants need without an accurate picture of what's going on in the ground. A soil test can paint a picture of what's going on and indicate if any nutrients are lacking. A common misconception is that gardeners fertilize plants. But fertilizer amends the soil that feeds plants, according to the soil-testing lab professionals at Virginia Tech. Soil types vary by region, and conditions may even vary between spots on a landscape. Testing where the plants will be placed can yield the most accurate results. Soil tests are available at gardening centers and online. Otherwise, landscaping professionals can conduct tests.

Know the N-P-K ratio

Most fertilizers will come with information concerning the nutrients within. Most notably it will have a breakdown of how much nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) is in the mix. Judging by the soil test, gardeners can choose a product that will give them the right ratio to amend the soil for the type of plant they are hoping to grow. Complete fertilizers often have NPK in the formulation. Incomplete fertilizers may have only one or two nutrients. This allows a person to customize fertilizer even more without overdoing it with a particular nutrient.

Grow plant knowledge

A cursory knowledge of the plants being planted in the garden also can be helpful. Gardeners must recognize that some plants will not tolerate excess amounts of a particular fertilizer component, while some may need more. Checking books out of the library, seeking information online and consulting with landscaping experts will help expand homeowners' knowledge about plant types and the needs of each particular plant they hope to grow.

Solid and liquid fertilizer

Fertilizers are generally sold in pellets, spikes and liquid forms. Pellets or granules are dispersed over large areas and will gradually

Fertilizer is not a one-size-fits-all mix. COURTESY PHOTOS

offer nutrients when the soil is watered. Liquid fertilizer is concentrated and fast-acting. These may be used for container plants or smaller areas. Spikes usually are placed in houseplants or to feed individual trees or shrubs. Depending on the formulation, fertilizer may need to be reapplied once a month or more. Consult the product packaging for the correct application advice. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Metro Connection ď&#x201A;&#x203A;

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S E P T E M B E R 2, 2018

SENIORLIVING

Grandparents Day

p a G e h t g n i w o r r a N

By Martha Michael

hen we talk about various generations – Baby Boomers, Gen X or Y, the Greatest Generation, Millennials – we tend to accentuate the challenges stemming from the differences between them. It seems they’re dissimilar in almost every way, from the music they like to the language they use. Bringing them together in celebration is one way to shorten the gap between them, which everyone gets the chance to do on Grandparents Day, which is officially Sunday, Sept. 9. The Santa Clarita Senior Center is hosting a Grandparents Day party on Friday, Sept. 7 at lunchtime, with a fitting theme – Senior Centers: Building Momentum – Growing, Learning, Giving, Connecting. September is National Senior Center Month, and because Santa Clarita’s new Senior Center is getting close to opening its doors, it reflects the personal momentum local seniors can experience when they receive recognition, dignity and a little time in the spotlight. “The innovative programs and opportunities at the SCV Senior Center are changing the perception of aging, empowering older adults, and ‘building momentum towards the future of aging,’” said Robin Clough, volunteer & recreation coordinator for the SCV Senior Center. The luncheon tables will include forget-menots, the official flower of Grandparents Day, and guests can hit the dance floor when Tess and ‘N Motion Band plays their favorites. “It is a day set aside to appreciate all the joy and wisdom of older adults,” Clough said. Here in Santa Clarita, a special partnership is aimed at joining young and old this year. Kids at The ARTree in Old Town Newhall have spent time drawing portraits of grandparents to display at the Senior Center’s celebration. The aim of the artwork is to express their love and gratitude for grandparents and the senior population in general. The kids were asked, “What does a grandparent look like?” and children of all ages who attended The ARTree’s monthly Flutterby class were able to draw their own image of a grandmother or grandfather in answer to that question. “Their personal interpretation,” said Terrie Castillo, a volunteer at both The ARTree and the

Senior Center. “I’m always fascinated to see what they come up with.” After retirement, Castillo began as a classroom assistant at The ARTree, and now she typically teaches the class for 5- to 7-year-olds. In addition to a six-week session of classes called “Art Sampler,” The non-profit holds an open studio called Flutterby on the first Saturday of the month. This weekend the theme was “drawing,” so the kids could create the portraits of seniors, which will hang in the Senior Center’s multipurpose room for the event. The Grandparents Day collaboration between The ARTree and the SCV Senior Center came about organically, considering Castillo’s volunteerism at both. She works with Robin Clough as an events coordinator, helping her with planning the events alongside several volunteers who help with the themes, all serving in various capacities. “This will certainly make the occasion

Sharing a meal at the SCV Senior Center. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

especially meaningful as seniors view the art and its touching sentiments,” Clough said. According to historical records, National Grandparents Day came about because of the efforts of a West Virginian advocate for the elderly, Marian McQuade. She had 43 grandchildren of her own and began campaigning in the 1970s for a day to be set aside to honor grandparents. Even as a child, she and her grandmother spent time delivering gifts to seniors in their neighborhood, and when her 15 children were grown she began petitioning leaders to recognize the elderly. The United States Congress passed legislation in 1978 proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day. A presidential proclamation was signed by President Jimmy Carter, and thus began the observation of this special holiday. 

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LOCALNEWS

Six Flags Magic Mountain announces new coaster By Crystal Duan

A West Coast Customs car sits in front of the Sky Tower at Six Flags Magic Mountain as park officials announce the newest roller coaster — West Coast Racers. PHOTO BY CORY RUBIN

VETERANS

Continued from page 10

program, tutoring, equine therapy, mentorship, financial education classes, veterans benefits assistance and an urban community garden, according to an information fact sheet from Homes 4 Families. Building these homes was just one way the celebrities could say thank you to members of the armed forces that fight for the country, they said. “This is my second time out with this group. It was an incredible day of hard work and fun. It was such an incredible cause, I swore I would be back,” said actor Judd Lormand, who plays Lt. Commander Erik Blackburn on the TV show “SEAL Team.” “My family is full of military heroes. Our troops are over there doing what they do so we can do all of this stuff back at home. I think it’s super, super important to take care of those guys when they get home. To all the veterans, thank you. It's not a cliche, from the bottom of my heart thank you for everything you've done for us.”

Participants n Jon Huertas (“This is Us”) n Neil Brown Jr. (“SEAL Team”) n Judd Lormand (“SEAL Team”) n Toni Trucks (“SEAL Team”) n Keesha Sharp (“Lethal Weapon”) n Johnathon Fernandez (“Lethal Weapon”) n Chandler Kinney (“Lethal Weapon”) n Brad Sharp (musician/actor) n Raegan Revord (“Young Sheldon”) n Alison Haislip (“Battlebots”) n Tate Ellington (“The Brave”) n Nichole Bloom (“Superstore”) n Reed Diamond (“Designated Survivor”) n Tanner Buchanan (“Cobra Kai”) n Shantel VanSanten (“Shooter”) n Victor Webster (“Continuum”) n Edwin Hodge (“Six”) n Aldis Hodge (“Turn: Washington’s Spies”) n Michael Irby (“Mayans MC”) n Elvy Yost (“The Catch”)

Six Flags Magic Mountain representatives announced Wednesday the latest addition to their repertoire of coasters: the West Coast Racers. With this addition in 2019, the theme park will break a world record of having the most roller coasters, said Six Flags Magic Mountain President Neal Thurman. The new racing coaster, also the first of its kind, will feature two side-by-side tracks with four individual high-speed launches, Thurman said. It is planned to be produced in partnership with West Coast Customs, an automobile repair shop headquartered in Corona that focuses on vehicle customization. The ride will be three minutes long and go in two laps while racing the other cars on the track, with speeds of up to 55 miles per hour by the time riders cross the finish line. There will also be 14 track crossovers and a “high-five” area where riders can

nearly high-five guests on the opposing train. Additionally, there will be a “pit stop experience,” which occurs between the two laps and will be narrated by Ryan Friedlinghaus, the West Coast Customs CEO. The ride is set to open in 2019 and will be located in a new L.A.-centric urban-themed area where Apocalypse and the Cyclone 500 Go Karts are presently located. Apocalypse, a wooden coaster, and the Go Karts will undergo re-theming, while the entire area will undergo renovations, Thurman said. The theme park is also announcing the start of 2019 season pass sales with a flash sale through Labor day weekend. From Friday to Monday, guests can receive a free upgrade to a Gold Season Pass with every pass purchased, which includes admission to all Six Flags theme parks. Guests can also receive 50 percent off their membership if purchased during the flash sale.

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HOT-POT

Continued from page 33

assorted mushrooms, sliced (optional) baby bok choy, coarsely chopped (optional) crunchy Chinese noodles (optional) To make broth: In 6-quart stockpot over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add onion; cook and stir until tender, about 3 minutes. Stir in beef stock, curry paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder and ginger. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 20 minutes. Stir lime juice into broth before serving. To make Tangy Chili Sauce: In small bowl, mix red chili sauce and lime juice. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. To serve, pour broth into heated 6-quart electric slow cooker or hot pot. Cook steak in broth about 2-3 minutes, or until it reaches desired doneness. Place lo mein noodles in bowls then ladle broth and steak over top. Stir in Tangy Chili Sauce and top with

mushrooms, baby bok choy and Chinese noodles, if desired.

Puebla Hot-Pot Broth with Avocado Crema Prep time: 45 minutes Cook time: 45 minutes Servings: 10

Puebla Hot-Pot Broth:

3 tablespoons McCormick Gourmet Ancho Chile Pepper 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons oregano leaves 2 teaspoons McCormick Smoked Paprika 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Sicilian Sea Salt 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 cup finely chopped white onion 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped 2 containers (32 ounces each) Kitchen Basics

Original Chicken Stock 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes 2 ears fresh corn, shucked and cut into 1-inch rounds 2 tablespoons lime juice

Avocado Crema:

1/2 medium avocado, peeled, pitted and coarsely chopped 1 cup sour cream 1 tablespoon lime juice 1/4 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Sicilian Sea Salt 1/4 teaspoon McCormick Garlic Powder 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips 1 chayote, peeled and cut into matchsticks avocado, chopped (optional) fresh cilantro, chopped (optional) crunchy tortilla strips (optional)

To make broth: In small bowl, mix chile pepper, ground cumin, oregano, paprika and salt. Set aside. In 6-quart stockpot on medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until softened. Stir in chicken stock,

crushed tomatoes and 1/2 of seasoning mixture. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer 20 minutes, adding corn during last 10 minutes of cooking. Remove corn to plate. Stir lime juice into broth. To make Avocado Crema: In food processor on high speed, process avocado, sour cream, lime juice, salt and garlic powder until smooth. Transfer to bowl; cover. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Coat chicken strips with remaining seasoning mixture. To serve, pour broth into heated 6-quart electric slow cooker or hot pot. Cook chicken and chayote in broth 4-5 minutes, or until cooked through, stirring occasionally. Ladle broth with cooked chicken and vegetables into individual bowls. Top with Avocado Crema and avocado, fresh cilantro and tortilla strips, if desired. – Family Features 

S E P T E M B E R 2, 2018

PILOT

Continued from page 37

birds took out the engines. Sully is known to have credited his glider piloting experience for helping save all onboard. Tom Hanks portrayed Sully in the movie “Sully” a few years ago. For Lexie, a few interesting circumstances have arisen in flight. “My instructor and I were lifting up to the mountains. There is a road for cars and bikers,” she said. “We saw a car driving down there just as we were flying overhead. My instructor decides to ‘race’ the car. He pushes the plane nose down to gain speed. So we are chasing this car at 90 knots (about 103 mph). We chased them for about 30 seconds before we had to pull up in order not to run into the mountain.” The best part of learning at the Soaring Academy, Peltola says, is “the people you meet. Everyone at the academy makes it fun. There is never a dull moment on the runway. The instructors know what they are doing.” “The first question people sometimes ask me is why I want to fly,” she said. “A lot of times people think it is weird that a teenager is flying planes before driving a car. The second question they ask is whether I will take them up when I get my official pilot’s license. They are sometimes shocked at first because it is very different than 99 percent of the population. But they always think it is really cool.” She says there are many aspects of flying that help her in everyday life, such as confidence and leadership skills. Lexie and a glider.

Taking control

“Take control. You cannot be meek in flying. You have to know what you are doing and have to go for it. For example, ordering food in a restaurant. I was a little anxious when I was younger to talk to a stranger, but I have to talk traffic control. Now it is so much easier to talk to people.” “Flying helps with leadership. You have to talk to air traffic, the tow pilot and communicate with everyone, plus pilots in other gliders to let them know where I am, and what I’m doing so there are no problems.” An interesting fact, she said, was “because I am left handed, I have to learn how to control the aircrafts controls with my right hand.” She really admires Chuck Yeager for “all he has down for aviation and he is a really good guy.” Her own goal is to become a commercial airline pilot. She is looking forward to flying internationally, especially to England and Japan. “This may be a little cheesy,” she said, “but Wayne Gretzky said, ‘You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.’ I’m going to take those shots.” “Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” – Leonardo da Vinci 

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BRAINGAMES

44 Î&#x2021; S U N D AYS I G N A L

Relax Give your mind a workout with these brainy exercises!

S E P T E M B E R 2, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 45

CROSSWORD TIME Answer to Sunday 8/26 Crossword

Tips for a fun family night out on the town

Choosing the right restaurant is important. METRO CREATIVE

n its 2016 National Dining Survey, Zagat found that the average person dines out 4.5 times per week. That figure may seem high to some, especially parents with young children at home. While parents of young children may not dine out as often as the average person, there are ways for families to plan fun nights out on the town, no matter how young their kids might be.

· Find family-friendly restaurants.

The establishments where families choose to do their dining can make all the difference. Trendy hotspots or upscale restaurants may not be great choices for family nights out. Such establishments may be too expensive or fail to offer kid-friendly fare, and parents of especially young children may feel uncomfortable if their tots begin to cry in the middle of dinner. When choosing a restaurant for a family night out, parents should look for a spot that's naturally more noisy so a crying baby or excited child won't make moms and dads or other diners uncomfortable. Diners or chain restaurants tend to offer kids' menus in addition to plenty of dishes that kids will readily consume. · Choose the right time. Dining out at night can be difficult for families, as kids might be growing tired. Instead of a night out on the town, book a mid- to late-afternoon out. Restaurants tend to be less busy

during these times of day, and parents can relax and enjoy the company of their children while still getting out of the house for a family meal together.

· Bring along some entertainment.

Some kid-friendly restaurants may provide crayons and placemats that kids can use to create their own artistic masterpieces. But parents should bring backup entertainment just in case. Pack some crayons and coloring books or bring along a book to read to your children while you wait for your meal to be delivered. Bring along a couple of toys to keep especially young children occupied as well. · Practice your night out. Parents of young children who have yet to try dining out as a family can make a few practice runs at home. Choose a night at home to teach kids how to behave at restaurants. If kids tend to squirm a lot or take long periods of time to eat meals at home, explain to them that such behavior is unacceptable at restaurants, encouraging them to sit still and focus on eating their meals during your practice run. Nights out on the town as a family may make parents of young children nervous or hesitant. But there are a handful of ways to make sure such excursions are fun for kids and parents alike. – Metro Connection

46 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

S E P T E M B E R 2, 2018

LOCALNEWS

Santa Clarita bus ridership sees decrease By Crystal Duan

Santa Clarita bus ridership has decreased slightly in recent years, which city authorities say reflects a changing demographic. In 2015, the local bus ridership was 2.68 million and decreased 9 percent in 2016 to 2.44 million people. From 2016 to 2017, it decreased 8 percent to 2.25 million people. “We’ve seen an overall decrease in ridership that Metro’s been struggling with throughout the region,” said city Transit Manager Adrian Aguilar. Aguilar said there are changing demographics within those breakdowns. Among them: More people

City officials cite the increase in ridesharing apps and a change in work commutes as some of the reasons for the fall in ridership seen by Santa Clarita Transit. PHOTO BY CORY RUBIN

commute into Santa Clarita for work now, whereas before many went out into Los Angeles. In April 2017, ridership was at 225,786, and in April 2018, it was 224,739. The decrease between the corresponding months of 2017 and 2018 has

ESTES

Continued from page 12

days were spent with family and friends eating and laughing around her dinner table. It’s hard to imagine that Rita will no longer be here to take care of us or make us laugh. Her bigger-than-life personality will be sorely missed in all of our lives and although the world is not as bright as it once was with her in it, all those who were lucky enough to know her have now gained a beautiful angel to look up to. Rest in peace, sweet Rita. Please join us for a memorial service for Rita on Wednesday, Sept. 5, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 23233 Lyons Ave., Santa Clarita, California, 91321, with a celebration of life to follow at The Oaks Club at Valencia, 26550 Heritage View Lane, Valencia, California, 91381. In lieu of flowers, SCV Food Pantry is accepting donations in Rita’s name.

DELIVERY

Continued from page 12

She had been trying to contact family once she knew she was in labor, but was unable to reach her mother until the paramedics had arrived. “I was asleep, and my phone was buzzing,” Love said. “I clicked, and I saw her on a gurney holding a baby and a video, that’s when I screamed out to my other daughter, ‘Kesha had the baby at home.’”

been consistent, except for in July. In July 2017, ridership was at 179,667, but increased to 181,926 in 2018. “A lot of little things add together to create a larger impact, too,” Aguilar said. “We’ve seen student enrollment level off, which has

been a part of our ridership base. And also the popularity of Uber and Lyft, as well as big travel patterns in terms of commuting for work. Those things have changed significantly in the past few years. “But that’s a big part of our

THERE’S NO DOUBT, THOUGH, HER SENSE OF HUMOR AND ABILITY TO ALWAYS SIMPLY BE HERSELF WAS UNMATCHED. THE WAY SHE COULD MAKE YOU CRY LAUGHING WITH A QUICK-WITTED JOKE ARE THE MOMENTS THAT WE’LL ALL REMEMBER MOST.

When Love arrived at the hospital, her daughter and son-in-law were in a room with the baby, and nurses were checking their vital signs. Their baby girl is now one month old. The family is still searching for the 911 dispatcher and paramedics who assisted Eric in delivering his daughter safely into this world. “I am forever grateful. It made the delivery so much smoother, kept my husband and I calm and kept the baby safe,” Holloway said.

new transportation development plan,” he added. “To take a look at what future demand and development will do for transit, and how to reshape the services we’re providing.” Aguilar said the transit is typically more popular in March and October, as people return from vacations or get ready for vacations. “We usually see a drop when school lets out, and it increases as it comes back up,” he said. The city recently partnered with College of the Canyons to offer students subsidized $20 bus passes. Aguilar said they have sold 34 semester passes since Aug. 22, which accounted for 225 local trips and 34 commuter trips.

BULLYING

Continued from page 11

and/or administrator and finally resolution with possible discipline.” The policy addressing bullies at Castaic has been tweaked over the years, primarily in recent years to address the impacts of social media and cyberbullying. “It used to be that bullying was a Monday to Friday thing. Now, with social media, kids are bullied 24-seven,” he said.

William S. Hart Union High School District

The board at the William S. Hart Union High School District updated its policy on bullying on Feb. 3, 2016. “The policy is set up so that there are repercussions,” Hart District spokesman Dave Caldwell said. “Anytime there’s a situation where punishment is warranted, that punishment might involve suspension or other means of corrective action,” he said. Hart’s policy reads: “Cyberbullying includes the creation or transmission of harassing communications, direct threats, or other harmful texts, sounds, or images on the internet, social media, or other technologies using a telephone, computer, or any wireless communication device. Cyberbullying also includes breaking into another person’s electronic account and assuming that person's identity in order to damage that person’s reputation.” Phone calls and emails left with the Sulphur Springs Union School District were not returned.

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