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Looking back: Impacts of 9/11 on SCV

Signal Staff Writers

On Dec. 12, 1941, five days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the ranchers and small business owners of Santa Clarita awoke to The Signal headline: “Newhall Calm Under Impact of War.” It would be nearly seven decades until the news team at the paper had to once again inform readers that their country’s mainland had been attacked in an act of war — and how that attack of Sept. 11, 2001, would impact the community.

As their predecessors had done 70 years before, The Signal reporters left their office chairs the morning of Sept. 12, 2001, with the knowledge that they had to flush out the local connections, but as a daily paper rather than a weekly, they would have less than 24 hours this time.

“An Act of War” ran across the top of page A1 on Sept. 12, followed by a single story pulled from the Associated Press detailing what was known up to that point about the terrorist attack. The rest of the column inches were filled with the details of how one of the most horrific days in American history impacted a small, West Coast community.

Articles informed parents that local schools would remain open despite a number of them having gone into an emergency lockdown during the morning drop-off a day before. Signal Staff Writer Diana Sevanlan was able to track down former Valencia resident John Keysor, who watched the attack unfold from the ground on Wall Street.

Another front-page piece reported the reactions from local residents, saying that there was a mixture of “remorse, anger and sorrow after the worst act of terrorism ever committed on American soil.”

Reporter Patti Shea was able to reach Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon in Washington, D.C., eventually learning that hundreds of members of Congress and their supporting staffs were saved due to the heroic actions of the passengers on Flight 93, who fought to purposefully crash their hijacked plane instead of letting it crash into the nation’s Capitol.

“It boggles my mind,” McKeon said at the time of the incident. “I’m shell shocked.”

The final story at the bottom of the page, another authored by Shea, detailed how 900 residents had already lined up at the local chapter of the American Red Cross to donate blood.

“People need to feel like they can do something,” Deborah Alter, a Red Cross representative, told The Signal for the Sept. 12 issue. “I’ve seen this before at Oklahoma City.”

In The Years To Follow

On Sept. 11, 2002, a year after the attack, The Signal published a front-page headline that both delivered the hard news of the day, while also — whether intentionally or not — expressed through proxy an emotion that was being felt by so many around the nation.

“Terror Alert Level at ‘High Alert’” followed by, “Bush administration closes nine U.S. embassies, heightens security at landmarks.”

City of Santa Clarita employee Robert Murphy recounted to then-Signal City Editor Leon Worden about losing his brother, Lt. Raymond Murphy, 46, a lieutenant on the New York Fire Department’s Ladder 16, when the towers fell.

Murphy’s testimony was paired with a collection of reflections from other community members, Santa Clarita Valley first responders recalled their experiences assisting in the rescue effort at Ground Zero, and a number of ceremonies were organized by SCV residents to pay tribute to their countrymen killed 3,000 miles away.

Much like that one-year anniversary, the front pages on subsequent anniversaries would both inform readers of the news of the day, while also providing future generations with a time capsule into the nation’s state of unity and social-emotional health as time marched on.

For example, in 2004, three years after the attack, The Signal ran a photograph of the World Trade Center Towers shortly after being struck, the smoke billowing from the side of each obscuring the headline: “The memory remains.”

On the anniversary five years removed from the attack, tragedies were still being told and reflection was still being met with “heavy hearts,” said the Sept. 11, 2006, headline. However, prominently displayed above that: “Feeling Safer from Terror,” reflecting the shifting sentiments of the time.

On the 10-year anniversary, the full likeness of the Twin Towers was again placed on the front

This page: Members of the Hart High Show Choir sang the National Anthem in front of 2,977 American flags placed on the lawn in front of Hart High School. Next page: Eighteen years after 9-11, Brooklyn native Julie Johnson, a history professor at College of the Canyons, described to a group of students her own escape from Manhattan on that fateful day. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

page, but without smoke spilling out from the inside. “Local agencies grow more cautious” introduced the bottom of the package, but the words written for the stories entitled “SCV Remembers” and “Heroic Response” filled out a silhouette of the skyscrapers — towering over all buildings and competing pieces on the printed page once again.

Now, 20 years later, The Signal continues the tradition established over two decades of remembrance.

Remembering 9/11 from the front lines

As the public information officer for the Los Angeles Fire Department, one of the first things former Capt. II Rick Godinez did when arriving at the media office as part of his morning routine was turn on the TVs that lined the wall.

“As I was turning these TVs on, everything was happening, and things were already starting to develop,” the Santa Clarita resident said. “And I remember just standing there watching as every monitor was lit up with the World Trade Center.”

As a firefighter, Godinez had been part of many high-rise building fires and remembered the unusual feeling as he watched the World Trade Center burn, knowing just how dangerous it was for his fellow first responders.

A Timeline of the Morning of September 11, 2001

On the morning of September 11, 2001, 19 terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes bound for California. The planes departed from airports in Boston, Massachusetts; Newark, New Jersey; and Washington, D.C. September 11 would become an infamous date in American and world history, and the events of that day would forever change the world. As the world commemorates the 20th anniversary of 9/11, the following timeline, courtesy of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, can help people fully understand how events unfolded on that late-summer morning more than two decades ago.

5:45 a.m. Two of the hijackers pass through security at Portland International Airport in Maine. The men will take a short flight to Boston Logan International Airport, where they will join three other hijackers and board American Airlines Flight 11.

6:00 a.m. Two of the hijacked planes, American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175, will eventually crash into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center complex in New York City. The day was a significant one on the New York City political calendar, as polling stations opened at 6 a.m. for primary elections.

“Then, as the towers collapsed, all I could think about was, how many firefighters were in there,” Godinez added. “My heart just sunk.”

Soon, Godinez would find himself on a plane to New York, not to fight the fire, but to support his fellow firefighters who were searching the rubble for their own as part of a critical incident stress team.

The distinct smell and visuals of a 110-story building collapsed into a four- or five-story pile of rubble have stuck with Godinez all these years, he said.

“Everything was pulverized,” Godinez added. “It was just dust and debris and large chunks of concrete and metal.”

Nothing from these offices — whether desk, chair, computer or telephone — was recognizable.

“It was very surreal,” he added. “Every street corner, park, tree, bush was littered with debris, dust everywhere.”

In that dust, firefighters and police officers had written messages to the fallen, saying, “‘Johnny, we’re coming to get you,’” Godinez recalled.

Godinez said he couldn’t help but feel as though these men and women were his family, and though the feeling of loss will never go away, he said it made an incredible impact on his life.

See REMEMBER, page 18

7:59 a.m. American Airlines Flight 11 takes off from Boston with 11 crew members, 76 passengers and five hijackers on board. The plane, which will eventually crash into the North tower at the World Trade Center, is filled with more than 76,000 pounds of fuel.

8:15 a.m. United Airlines Flight 175 takes off from Boston with nine crew members, 51 passengers, and five hijackers on board. This flight also is loaded with 76,000 pounds of fuel.

8:19 a.m. American Airlines ground personnel are alerted by flight attendant Betty Ann Ong that Flight 11 is being hijacked. This call lasts roughly 25 minutes and Ong reports that the cockpit is unreachable. In the moments before Ong’s call, one of the hijackers stabbed Daniel M. Lewin, who was sitting in front of him in first class. Lewin is likely the first person killed in the 9/11 attacks.

8:20 a.m. American Airlines Flight 77 takes off from Washington Dulles International Airport. The flight has 49,900 pounds of fuel and is carrying six crew members, 53 passengers and five hijackers.

8:21 a.m. The transponder on Flight 11 is turned off. This device is meant to allow air traffic controllers to identify and monitor the flight path of a plane.

8:24 a.m. One of the hijackers of Flight 11 unwittingly broadcasts a message to air traffic controllers alerting them to the attacks. The hijacker was attempting to communicate with passengers and crew within the cabin.

8:30 a.m. Around this time, roughly 80 people have already begun gathering on the 106th floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center for a financial technology conference. The conference is one of many events on the Trade Center schedule that day.

8:37 a.m. The Boston Air Traffic Control Center alerts the military that a hijacking is under way.

8:42 a.m. United Airlines Flight 93 takes off from Newark International Airport. The flight was due to take off at roughly the same time as the other hijacked planes, but was delayed due to routine traffic. Seven crew members, 33 passengers and four hijackers are on board. The flight is filled with 48,700 pounds of fuel.

See TIMELINE, page 16

How to Help Ease Your Dog’s Allergies

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

For a dog owner one of the most frustrating experiences is dealing with your pet’s allergies. A treatment that may work for a while often does not turn into a long-term solution for some dogs who quickly return to licking themselves raw, or scratching the fur or hair off their bodies.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the first step is to get a proper diagnosis.

Allergy or Yeast

To treat your dog correctly you need to have the proper diagnosis, is it allergic dermatitis? Or could it be a yeast infection?

Your veterinarian can conduct the proper tests to determine if your dog has yeast or an allergy.

The most common canine skin allergy is allergic dermatitis or atopic dermatitis. Allergic dermatitis is an inflammatory, persistent skin condition that occurs when a dog’s immune system overreacts to a particular allergen. Allergens can be anything from plant pollen to mold spores to food to pests.

Many dogs are allergic to a variety of grasses and dust mites, as well as chicken and other components found in many dog foods.

Yeast infections can occur anywhere on a dog’s body but tend to favor, warm, moist areas like ears, between toes on the paws and under a dog’s legs. Crusty and flaky skin around the affected area resembles dandruff. The skin may also change color or texture, become pink or red, or turn gray or black. Your dog’s ears and paws may also have a smell resembling corn chips.

Ear infections marked by regular head shaking are also an indication of a yeast infection.

Allergy Tests

Allergy testing can help dog owners identify substances that trigger allergies.

Many veterinarian offices offer allergy testing services, which can be pricey. Dog allergy tests are also available online, but accuracy can vary from provider to provider.

If your dog’s allergy seems serious a

veterinary dermatologist can perform allergy tests, skin biopsies and other diagnostic tests to determine what is causing your pet’s problems.

Medications and Treatment

For general itchy skin problems many dogs are treated with one of several injectable medications.

Cytopoint is an injection that a veterinarian gives under your dog’s skin. The itch usually is reduced within a few days and the effect lasts for 4 to 8 weeks.

Apoquel is an anti-itch, anti-inflammatory pill that you give your dog orally every day.

Cytopoint has fewer potential side effects than Apoquel, and that is often a reason to select it as a first choice therapy.

However, neither Cytopoint nor Apoquel are effective in every dog. Some dogs do not respond to either therapy, or respond initially and then stop responding eventually.

For yeast infections vets often prescribe oral medication including systemic antifungal medications including Ketoconazole, Itraconazole or Fluconazole.

For yeast infections in the ears your vet will normally administer an antifungal medication in the ears or send you home with cream and ear drops.

Dr. Robert Bishop, a member of the AMVA with a certificate in veterinary

dermatology, recommends washing “yeasty dogs” regularly with an antifungal shampoo to control yeast infections on the body.

“Start with baths three times a week with the shampoo, make sure to let the shampoo sit on the skin for at least 10 minutes and be sure to get the soap between the toes on the paws and all areas affect by the yeast,” he said. “After two weeks reduce the baths to twice a week, then after two weeks to once a week.”

Bishop said many dogs respond to the topical yeast treatment better than the oral antifungal pills and with less side effects.

KetoHex by VetOne is one of the shampoos Bishop recommends.

Allergy Treatment

When a diagnosis of environmental allergies is made for your dog, it is important to keep known allergens away from your dog. If a test reveals your dog is allergic to dust mites, try to vacuum every day.

The most common food allergens in dogs are proteins, especially those from dairy, beef, chicken, chicken eggs, soy, or wheat gluten. Remove those allergens from your dog’s diet to promote healing and relief from constant itching.

If you dog is tested and the source of its allergies are confirmed you can have a serum made for your

dog, (usually around $600) that will be given to your dog in a course of treatment that should “desensitize” your dog to the allergen and provide symptom relief, much like human allergy treatments.

Dogs are also able to take human allergy medications such as Benadryl. However, check with your vet before using any over the counter product for proper dosage and safety of use.

Natural Treatments

Many pet owners have found natural treatments, including many that emphasis probiotics and organic foods, can be effective treatments to relieve itching and scratching, especially for “yeasty” dogs.

Yeast infections in dogs can be very stubborn.

Treatments include using a diluted apple cider vinegar “soak” for paws and ears.

Natural organic yogurt with probiotics added to foods, as well as Omega-3 salmon oil can help restore “gut” health and improve skin.

Veterinary Specialists

Some veterinarians that offer full spectrum vet services also have specialized training in dermatology. Ask your vet if they have specialized dermatology training. If not, find out who your vet recommends by asking for a referral. 

IMAGE BY KATRINA_S FROM PIXABAY

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

For those of us who love pumpkin spice season the arrival of this joyous time of year can’t come too soon!

This year, add to your seasonal enjoyment by indulging in not just the commercial products offered with pumpkin spice flavoring and a daily pumpkin spice latte, but craft a few of your own treats to enjoy throughout the fall and winter months. When it comes to pumpkin spice, there are many options for easy and fun treats to make, bake and eat.

Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats

Everyone loves Rice Krispie treats, make them special by adding pumpkin pie spice.

8 tablespoons butter

8 cups mini marshmallows

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

8 cups Rice Krispie cereal

Melt butter in a large saucepan on medium-low heat, continue heating butter and stirring until butter starts to slightly brown. Be careful not to let butter burn.

Add mini marshmallows to melted butter. Stir marshmallows until completely covered in melted brown butter.

On medium-low heat, stir marshmallows continually until completely melted. As soon as marshmallows are melted, take pan off heat.

Add pumpkin pie spice to marshmallow mixture and mix well. Add Rice Krispies cereal.

Fold together until cereal is covered in brown butter marshmallow mixture.

Pour mixture into a buttered 9×13" pan.

Lightly press mixture into pan. Smooth top with a spatula or butter your fingers and pat down top. Let Rice Krispie Treats cool, cut into squares.

Pumpkin Spice Ginger Cookies

These are the perfect cookies to enjoy while sipping your pumpkin spice latte.

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons ground ginger

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Pumpkin Spice

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1/4 teaspoon salt

8 tablespoons butter, melted and just warm

1/4 cup mild or full-flavored molasses

1/2 cup granulated white sugar

1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 large egg

About 1/2 cup turbinado or granulated sugar for rolling In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and salt. Mix thoroughly with a whisk. Set aside. Combine warm butter, molasses, white sugar, brown sugar and egg in a large bowl and mix thoroughly. Add flour mixture and stir until well mixed.

Dough will be soft. Cover and refrigerate dough for at least 2 hours, or overnight, for best flavor and texture.

Form dough into 1-inch balls. Roll balls in sugar and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 350° F.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until cookies puff up and crack on the surface and then begin to deflate in the oven. For chewier cookies, remove them from the oven when at least half or more of the cookies have begun to deflate; for crunchier edges with chewy centers, bake a minute or so longer. Set pans on cooling racks. Cool cookies completely before storing. Cookies keep for several days in an airtight container.

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

These cupcakes are tender and topped with a tasty cream cheese frosting that is not too sweet.

Cupcakes

3/4 cup butter, softened

2 1/2 cups sugar

3 large eggs, room temperature

1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin

2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1 cup buttermilk

Frosting

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup butter, softened

4 cups confectioners’ sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

Preheat oven to 350° F. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well.

Add pumpkin. Combine flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, baking soda and ginger. Add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well.

Fill 24 paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes, move to wire racks.

To make frosting, in a large bowl beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla and pumpkin pie spice. Beat until smooth. Frost cupcakes. Refrigerate leftovers.

Pumpkin Spice Fluffy Cream Pie

This is an elegant, light and fluffy pie that is easy to make.

1 pre-made store bought graham cracker pie crust in pie tin

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature

1/2 cup white sugar

1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree

1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1 spray can whipped cream

Beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar together in a large bowl with an electric mixture until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in pumpkin puree until completely incorporated.

Fold whipped topping into pumpkin mixture; stir in nutmeg and pumpkin pie spice. Pour pumpkin mixture into graham cracker crust. Cover pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Remove plastic wrap and decorate with canned whipped cream.

Pumpkin Spice Dip

Great for parties and family get-togethers, this Pumpkin Spice Dip is a sweet treat everyone will enjoy.

2 cups heavy cream

1 (3.4-oz.) box instant vanilla pudding mix

1/2 cup canned pumpkin

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

Ginger snap or shortbread cookies, marshmallows, apple slices, graham crackers for serving.

In a stand mixer, beat heavy cream and vanilla pudding mix until stiff peaks form, 1 to 2 minutes. Add canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice and stir to combine, then chill one hour. Dip ginger snap or shortbread cookies, marshmallows, apple slices or graham crackers. 

FROM THE CITY MANAGER Volunteer at the 28th Annual River Rally Cleanup

By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

Each year, it is an incredible sight to see over a thousand Santa Clarita residents volunteer and devote their morning to enhancing the cleanliness and well-being of our City. This year marks the 28th Annual River Rally Cleanup and Environmental Expo, which has turned into a tradition for numerous families, neighborhoods and local organizations. This endeavor not only contributes to our local environment, but also provides an enjoyable and rewarding experience, as well as fostering new connections.

Registration is mandatory in order to take part in the River Rally Cleanup, which is coming up soon on Saturday, September 16 from 8 - 11 a.m. The event will take place at the Newhall Community Center (22421

Market Street), where there is easy access to the Santa Clara Riverbed.

Beyond being a valuable volunteering opportunity, the River Rally Cleanup holds great significance in preserving the riverbed. The Santa Clara River faces a notable challenge due to the debris entering through the surrounding storm drain system. The range of items cleaned up by our volunteers is astounding, from typical trash such as bottles, cans and plastic bags, to unexpected and more bulky items like shopping carts and even a basketball hoop.

To prepare for a morning filled with cleaning up the Santa Clara River, make sure to wear closed-toe shoes,

comfortable clothes, as well as a hat and sunscreen to shield yourself from the heat. To make sure all volunteers are staying hydrated, a water refill station will be provided by SCV Water. Volunteers are urged to bring reusable water bottles from home to promote both hydration and waste reduction. Participants are also encouraged to make use of our extensive biking trails and cycle to the event. Incycle will also offer a free bicycle valet for the event’s duration, ensuring secure bike storage while volunteering.

Before or after your volunteer efforts, the Environmental Expo will be available inside the Newhall Community Center offering educational discussions and the opportunity to gain insight from multiple experts. Over two dozen booths will be onsite, featuring non-profits, community groups and governmental organizations, providing tips on conserving our local watershed, preventing pollution and recycling.

Our City volunteers are incredible

and we hope to welcome back our regular participants as well as newcomers. The volunteer experience promises not only fulfillment, from contributing to keeping our riverbed clean, but also an engaging time with friends and family. Together, we can continue to positively impact the City by preserving the Santa Clara River and safeguarding its ecosystem for generations to come.

To learn more about the River Rally Cleanup and Environmental Expo and to pre-register, visit GreenSantaClarita.com. For inquiries regarding volunteer registration or volunteering within the City, reach out to volunteers@santa-clarita.com. We look forward to seeing you all at the 28th Annual River Rally Cleanup and Environmental Expo.

Ken Striplin can be reached at kstriplin@santa-clarita.com. The views expressed in his column are those of the City and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal. 

Free Up Time for Family Fun with These Sliders

Busy fall schedules often leave little time for the things that matter most - sharing special moments with those you love. This year, as time seems to speed up during another school year, making family bonding a priority in your household can start with a few simple tricks.

Connect with your loved ones this fall while juggling hectic routines with this advice:

Schedule Family Nights

Desiring evenings spent with your nearest and dearest and actually making them happen are two separate things entirely. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season with days that feel too long and evenings that are often too short. Putting dedicated family nights on the calendar is a good way to avoid last-minute commitments that take away from important bonding time. Incorporate some favorite activities, whether your loved ones are board game enthusiasts or movie buffs, to give everyone something exciting to look forward to.

Make Cooking Together a Family Activity

Making dinner for the family shouldn’t take up valuable time that could be used for quality moments together. Seeking out quick and easy recipes leaves more hours in the day to spend with family members - or you can even make preparing dinner a family activity.

Teaching kids how to make your favorite recipes creates great memories and can maximize time spent together. From making kid-approved lunchbox sliders together to preparing time-saving, weeknight-friendly sliders as a family after school, King’s Hawaiian Rolls and Slider Buns have the power to help unite busy parents and picky kids. Plus, they’re soft and fluffy with the right touch of sweetness, and sliders are customizable, easy, fun and always a crowd pleaser.

These Ham and Swiss Sliders or Peanut Butter, Jelly and Banana Sliders offer ways kids can help, from layering meats and cheeses to spreading peanut butter. Everyone can lend a hand in the kitchen while enjoying quality time together.

Encourage Extracurricular Participation

Beyond those special moments at home, there are plenty of ways to connect with your kiddos. Encouraging them to participate in extracurriculars, like sports, band, theater, dance, choir or other activities, provides a great way to enjoy something together as you watch your children branch out and try new things.

If they happen to try an activity you used to (or still do) participate in, it’s an easy way to make a unique connection by sharing your own memories, offering helpful tips or even passing down old equipment like sports gear or an instrument.

Find more inspiration for family bonding with delicious meals and snacks by visiting KingsHawaiian. com. (Family Features)

Ham and Swiss Sliders

Total time 25 minutes

Servings 4-6

1 stick butter

1 package (12 rolls) King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls

1 pound shaved deli ham

1 pound thinly sliced Swiss cheese

Heat oven to 350 F. Melt butter and set aside. Cut entire pack of rolls in half horizontally, keeping all top and bottom halves intact.

In 9-by-13-inch pan, place bottom halves of rolls and cover with ham and cheese.

Cover ham and cheese stacks with top halves of rolls. Drizzle butter mixture over tops of rolls. Bake, uncovered, 15-20 minutes. Separate rolls for serving.

Peanut Butter, Jelly and Banana Sliders

Prep time 5 minutes

Servings 4-6

1 package (12 rolls) King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls

4 tablespoons salted peanut butter

4 tablespoons strawberry jam

2 bananas, sliced

Cut entire pack of rolls in half horizontally, keeping all top and bottom halves intact.

Spread peanut butter on bottom halves followed by strawberry jam. Top with banana slices then top halves of rolls. 

Peanut Butter, Jelly and Banana Sliders

Ham and Swiss Sliders

ENTERTAINMENT

‘Bottoms’ Makes Fun, While Embracing High School Movie Stereotypes

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer ‘Bottoms’

 (out of four)

Orion presents a film directed by Emma Seligman and written by Seligman and Rachel Sennott. Rated R. In theaters.

I'm not sure real-world teens are into making pacts, but High School Movie Teens are always making pacts about losing their virginity and having one last crazy night and stuff like that — a trope that is twisted and bent in utterly ridiculous and smart and cleverly satirical fashion in director/co-writer Emma Seligman's subversively fantastic “Bottoms.” I've got your backto-school viewing assignment right here in this queer, dark-comedy sendup of films such as “Superbad” and “American Pie.”

In keeping with teen comedy tradition, we start off with the obligatory BFF duo, wonderfully played by

the “Ayo and Rachel Are Single” duo of Ayo Edebiri (whom we also love on “The Bear”) and Rachel Sennott, who co-wrote this screenplay and starred in Seligman's “Shiva Baby” and was also terrific in “Bodies Bodies Bodies,” so kudos to the casting. Sennott's PJ and Edebiri's Josie are classic teen movie outcasts — not because they're gay, but because they're socially awkward and “ugly, untalented gays,” as they put it.

Determined to lose their virginity before graduation (“Do you want to be the only girl virgin at Sarah Lawrence?” says PJ to Josie) and inspired by a rumor they spent the summer in “juvie,” which makes them appear to be badasses when they are not, PJ and Josie come up with the whack idea of creating a self-defense group with distinct echoes of a fight club. Sure, why not.

The club is really just a ruse for Josie and PJ to make their moves on the hot cheerleaders in school, including the impossibly tall and

gorgeous and seemingly icy Brittany (Kaia Gerber), who has a bedroom the size of a pricey condo, and the sweet but apparently clueless Isabel (Havana Rose Liu), who is dating the philandering football star Jeff (a very funny Nicholas Galitzine), a

Top 10 Movies

1. Gran Turismo (PG-13) David Harbour, Orlando Bloom

2. Barbie (PG-13) Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling

3. Blue Beetle (PG-13) Xolo Maridueña, Bruna Marquezine

cartoonishly dopey jerk who listens to “Total Eclipse of the Heart” on his headphones because he thinks he's sensitive, but he's not — he's really and truly not. (In one of the movie's many over-the-top yet hilarious running gags, Jeff and his fellow morons on the football team wear their uniforms all the time. It also appears as if there are about 14 guys on the team, tops.)

Of course, if you're going to have a sanctioned club that meets on school property, you need a faculty adviser — so ladies and gentlemen, here's the former NFL running back Marshawn “Beast Mode” Lynch absolutely killing it as the social studies teacher Mr. G., who is one of the worst instructors in the history of high school movies.

“Bottoms” pokes fun at high school movie stereotypes while at the same time embracing the cliche, as when PJ gets power-drunk and turns into the very type of bully she abhors. PJ and Josie lose sight of who they really are and what their friendship is all about as they get caught up in their newfound popularity, and the girls in the club get their revenge against the misogynistic Jeff with a prank that starts off innocently enough before blowing up, big time. It's all very familiar and yet rendered in a manner that's quite weird and surreal.

Irene as she once again comes face -to -face with Valak, the demon nun.

Since giving up his life as a government assassin, Rober t McCall has struggled to reconcile the horrific things he’s done in the past and finds a strange solace in ser ving justice on behalf of the oppressed

1:00 3:10 5:25 7:40; Mon to Thu: 1:00 3:10 5:25 7:40

BOTTOMS, a refreshingly unique raunchy comedy, focuses on two girls, PJ and Josie, who star t a fight club as a way to lose their virginities to cheerleaders

G O L DA C Sun: 10:30 AM

Golda is a ticking- clock thriller set during the tense 19 days of the Yom Kippur War in 1973 Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meirr faced with the potential of Israel’s complete destruc tion, must navigate over whelming odds

G R A N T U R I S M O: B A S E D O N A T RU E S TO RY C Sun: 10:00 1:10 4:10 7:15; Mon: 1:10 4:10; Tue to Thu: 1:10 4:10 7:15

Gran Turismo is based on the unbelievable true stor y of a team of unlikely underdogs - a struggling working- class gamer, a failed former racecar driver, and an idealistic motorspor t executive Together, they risk it all to take on the most elite spor t in the world

to Thu: 1:20

To live in Barbie Land is to be a per fec t being in a per fec t place Unless you have a full- on existential crisis Or you’re a Ken

4. Oppenheimer (R) Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt

5. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (PG) Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr.

6. Strays (R) Will Ferrell, Jamie Foxx

7. Meg 2: The Trench (PG-13) Jason Statham, Jing Wu

8. Retribution (R) Liam Neeson, Noma Dumezweni

9. The Hill (PG) Colin Ford, Dennis Quaid

10. Talk to Me (R) Ari McCarthy, Hamish Phillips

2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

At times playing like a cross between “But I'm a Cheerleader” and “Heathers,” with a number of other satires such as “Cruel Intentions” coming to mind as well, “Bottoms” has a cheerfully warped sense of humor with a sharp bite of social commentary, as when the girls who have joined the club talk in casual terms about all the men they've had to fend off, from stepfathers to stalkers. No topic is off-limits, from rape to bulimia to suicide to murder.

Not every joke lands, but with a brisk running time of 1 hour and 32 minutes, director/co-writer Seligman displays a keen sense of timing and a real awareness of how to make a point with edgy wit and then move on to the next target as we're still admiring her willingness to go there, and there, and also there.

Copyright 2022 Chicago Sun-Times

PHOTO COURTESY IMDB

Written and direc ted by Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer is an IMAX®-shot epic thriller that thrusts audiences into the pulse -pounding paradox of the enigmatic man who must risk destroying the world in order to save it

‘Carving Out Time’ Tips for Moms and Caretakers

Carving out some “me time” is not just good for your mental health, physical wellness and confidence, as many moms know, it can actually make you a better parent. According to a survey of moms conducted by Hutchinson and Cassidy, those who had higher self-esteem had higher levels of perceived parenting confidence.

Here are three ways to practice selfcare:

Get some rest We live in a goal-oriented society where the value of rest and relaxation is not always emphasized. Whether it’s a spa day with your best friend or curling up with a good book at home, be sure your schedule includes adequate time to recharge your batteries.

Take care of your smile One of the best ways to foster self-confidence is with a clean, healthy smile. In fact, a 2020 Cigna Dental Report found

that smile satisfaction is one of the top three drivers of self confidence among U.S. adults.

Give yourself the gift of innovative brushing technology. The iO Series 5 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush from Oral-B, for example, allows you to personalize your brushing experience with its five smart modes: daily clean, intense, whitening, sensitive and super sensitive.

No ordinary toothbrush, this one is designed to help you brush smart-

er and more safely. To help protect gums, a smart pressure sensor displays a red light when you’re brushing too hard and a green light when you’re brushing just right, and its dentist-inspired round brush head cleans with micro-vibrations and oscillating action.

Plus, a connected app tracks brushing behavior to ensure you’re targeting all six zones of your mouth, and a vibrating timer lets you know when you’ve brushed for the dentist-recom-

mended 2 minutes.

Take care of your mind So much of motherhood is ensuring everyone has what they need, and often, your own needs can fall by the wayside. There are many ways to take time to check in with yourself though.

You could buy yourself a beautiful journal and jot thoughts down for a few minutes each evening or check out apps like Headspace, which can help get you started on a meditation practice. Even a 10 or 15 minute walk at lunchtime can be a powerful mood-booster and an opportunity to reflect.

You might also consider taking up a hobby that offers the chance for self-expression, such as painting, poetry, music or crafting.

When it comes to parents and caretakers, the importance of self-care can’t be overstated. Kick-off new routines that boost your self-confidence and your well-being. (SPT) 

GARDEN

Picking the Right Outdoor Flooring for Your Yard

Want to live your best backyard life? Experts say outdoor flooring can help you do it.

“Outdoor flooring can keep grass healthy by providing a solid path over high-traffic areas and define areas of your yard for different uses,” says landscape designer Doug Scott of Redeem Your Ground.

“However, as with interior decorating decisions, the materials you select can impact how you can use those spaces. And because you’re outside, there is Mother Nature to consider.”

To help homeowners make smart outdoor flooring decisions, Scott has partnered with lawn care equipment manufacturer, Exmark, to offer these insights:

Moss Moss and other “steppable” living ground covers are perfect for areas with minimal foot traffic, such as shady retreat spaces. The major concern is your yard’s ecosystem. If growing conditions are right, it’s incredibly low maintenance. But when conditions aren’t favorable, it can become a maintenance nightmare.

Mulch Mulch is an affordable option that keeps outdoor spaces looking natural. Mulch can be used to decorate landscape beds and as flooring for pathways, play areas, and dining or living areas. While maintenance is low, mulch will need to be replenished periodically as colors fade and the elements wear it down.

Aggregates Aggregates include crushed granite, pea gravel and slate chips. Aesthetically versatile, cheap and easy to install and maintain, aggregates add a natural look, and make a great option for areas with drainage issues. Because they tend to get worn down or washed away, you’ll need to replenish them occasionally or build a border with stone or brick.

Before moving forward, consider that pea gravel is great if you want a softer flooring option, but note that its give can create unstable footing.

Wood Wood flooring is incredibly versatile. It can be cut, customized, painted and stained to fit any style and space and provides a smooth, level surface for entertainment and

furniture. The type you choose should depend on your budget and how much maintenance you’re willing to do. Manufactured wood can be expensive, but thankfully requires very minimal maintenance. Natural wood, on the other hand, requires regular staining and sealing.

Concrete If you’re looking for a flat, stable surface, concrete is the best choice on the market. While it might seem less chic, it can always be beautified with stains and stamp patterns mimicking brick or stone. While fairly low-maintenance, concrete is prone to cracking, and stamped concrete will need to be sealed periodically. Those repairs can become annoying and expensive down the line.

“If your outdoor space is above tree roots or areas prone to settling, concrete is probably not the right choice for you,” says Scott.

Stone Both natural stone and manufactured pavers are durable and a great way to transition from formal to natural in your yard. Natural stone is generally the most expensive choice, but its durability and versatility makes it well worth it. Manufactured pavers come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes, and have the added benefit of affordability. While both options require periodic sealing and staining to retain appearance and durability, if done right, they’ll last you many years.

Scott offers more insights in “Outdoor Flooring,” a recent video from Exmark. To watch the video, visit Backyard Life, which is part of a unique multimedia destination with a focus on helping homeowners make the most of outdoor spaces.

“Now that you have a variety of outdoor flooring ideas handy, all there’s left to do is bring your dream yard to life,” says Scott. (SPT) 

DIY Tips for Installing Decorative Crown Moulding

If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to dress up a room in your home, crown molding can be a simple way to add elegance and class with minimal investment.

Crown molding is most commonly applied as a decorative trim where the walls meet the ceiling. It is often painted the same color as the baseboards, door frames and other woodwork, but can be colored to match the ceiling or a different shade to create extra drama.

Though the corner angles may be especially daunting for do-it-yourself types, installing crown molding is a project you can tackle without the assistance of a professional. However, it is a good idea to ask for help along the way, as all the measuring, marking and holding up pieces for nailing can be a bit much for one person.

This step-by-step guide can show you how to create a striking design element in your home:

1. Measure the perimeter of your room, remembering to take into account any insets or bump-outs that add additional inches. Be sure to pad your total when purchasing materials to allow for a mistake (or two).

2. Prime and paint the molding, front and back, and allow it to dry completely.

3. Mark the studs near the ceiling on all walls so you can securely attach the molding.

4. Measure from the ceiling down the depth of the molding and mark this point. Using a level, establish a base-

line for the length of each wall.

5. Use a miter saw or coping saw to trim angles for corner pieces. Remember the molding as it lays on the saw table is the inverse of its fit to the wall, so you may want to make a few practice cuts to be sure you’re trimming angles properly. A good rule of thumb: For outside corners, the top edge is longer; for inside corners, the longer edge is on the bottom.

6. Attach molding using a nail gun, making sure to hit as many studs as possible for secure attachment.

7. On the sections that fit in corners, nail the center of the molding first, leaving the corner end loose. Use a wood shim or screwdriver behind the bottom edge of the molding to make adjustments and eliminate gaps before securing the corners.

8. Where you join two pieces for a long stretch of wall, be sure the seam falls over a stud, so you can nail both ends firmly in place. For the most polished look, fit the ends of these pieces together with complementary 45-degree angles.

9. If your nails aren’t fully sunk, use a nail set to press them deeper. Use wood putty to cover nail holes.

10. Caulk all seams using a thin stream and use a finger dipped in water to smooth away excess.

11. Touch up paint, especially over putty spots and seams.

Find more tips for upgrading your home at eLivingtoday.com. (Family Features) 

By Dana Jackson

QIs Kaley Cuoco’s series “The Flight Attendant” returning for a third season? I saw that she was in another show on Peacock. Is she able to act in both shows, at least once the strikes in Hollywood are over?

— L.J.

AIt used to be that when an actor had a regular role on more than one series at a time, it was considered rare. Think Heather Locklear in both “Dynasty” and “T.J. Hooker” back in the 1980s, Christopher Meloni on “Law & Order: SVU” and “Oz” in the early 2000s, to multiple examples during the modern streaming years. One of those fortunate, highly employable celebrities is Kaley Cuoco. Once her smash hit sitcom “The Big Bang Theory” ended, she landed

(HBO) Max’s “The Flight Attendant,” which has lasted two seasons. Cuoco then starred in the movie “Meet Cute” with Pete Davidson as well as the Peacock thriller series “Based on a True Story.”

When asked back in 2022 if “The Flight Attendant” will be back for a third round, she told People magazine, “I think for me, at this moment, the plane has landed.” However, a source from Max told TVLine.com that “no official decision” about fu-

ture episodes has been made.

QIn “Star Wars: Rogue One,” there’s a scene on the spaceship where a trooper is passing a “tape” of something to the other side of the door just before Darth Vader comes on board. Is that person played by Leonard Nimoy? It looks and sounds like him.

— J.F.

AI watched the scene you’re re ferring to and did some digging, including asking some of my “Star Wars” expert friends, and I don’t believe it’s Leonard Nimoy. Best known as Spock from the original “Star Trek” series and several of the subsequent films, Nimoy didn’t appear in any of the “Star Wars” movies. He passed away in 2015, while “Rogue One” premiered in 2016. It’s certainly possible he could have filmed it before his death, but sadly, that’s not the case. I’m also unsure of the actor’s name who looks like him in that scene.

If you want to see Nimoy in his last on-screen role, I recommend the film “Star Trek Into Darkness.” Directed by J.J. Abrams (“Star Wars: The Force

Awakens” and “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”), it features an all-star cast with Chris Pine playing an alternate version of Capt. Kirk, Zachary Quinto as Spock, Zoe Saldana as Uhura and Benedict Cumberbatch as Khan. Nimoy makes a special cameo as Spock Prime.

QDid they ever find out the cause of LeBron James’ son’s heart attack? Will he be able to continue playing basketball?

— H.I.

ALos Angeles Lakers star Lebron James’ oldest child, Bronny, suffered a cardiac arrest while practicing basketball at the University of Southern California this summer. Fortunately, he recovered after a stay in the ICU and hopes to be able to play college ball.

Bronny underwent evaluations in California and at the Mayo Clinic, which led to the discovery of a congenital heart condition that is said to be treatable. According to ESPN, his family expects him to return to the court. 

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Kaley Cuoco in “The Flight Attendant.” Photo Credit Courtesy of Max

Martinez: Understanding Pneumococcal Pneumonia

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Dodger outfielder and designated hitter J.D. Martinez is prioritizing his lung health this baseball season. He has asthma, an underlying medical condition that puts him at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia. It’s a potentially serious bacterial lung disease that can disrupt your life for weeks and can even put you in the hospital or be life-threatening. J.D. doesn’t want pneumococcal pneumonia to get in his way of doing what he loves on the field.

Read tips from J.D. on how he’s helping protect his health this baseball season.

Q You’re prioritizing your lung health, why should others?

J.D. Because I’m an adult with asthma, I’m at increased risk for certain illnesses like pneumococcal pneumonia.

That’s why I’m partnering with Pfizer to help other adults 19 or older at increased risk understand the importance of getting vaccinated. I don’t want to let pneumococcal pneumonia strike me out.

Q Are there any other factors that put people at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia?

J.D. Yes. Adults aged 19 or older with certain underlying medical conditions like diabetes, chronic heart disease, or chronic lung disease-in

addition to asthma-are at increased risk. Same goes for those 65 or older: even if they are healthy, their age puts them at increased risk. It’s important to me that they know there are steps they can take to help protect themselves-like asking their doctor or pharmacist about vaccination.

Q Even if someone’s had a pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine in the past, should they still ask about pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination?

J.D. Yes! Even if you’ve been vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia before, your doctor or pharmacist may still recommend another vaccination for additional protection. Everyone’s situation is different, so it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider who can give their professional advice.

Q Do I need to wait for flu season to get vaccinated against PP?

J.D. Pneumococcal pneumonia can strike any time of year, and vaccination is available all year round. Don’t wait for flu season to strike, stay ahead of the game and ask your doctor or pharmacist about vaccination at any time.

Q Thanks so much for the information, J.D. Where can people find out more?

J.D. To learn more about the disease, risks, vaccination, and more, visit KnowPneumonia.com. (BPT) 

We are hosting a special event in our Valencia office

September 11-15, 2023

Your hearing is an integral part of your overall health and wellbeing. Studies show that untreated hearing loss has been linked to many health issues, including cognitive decline and dementia.

Have us take a look

• FREE Hearing Consultation

• FREE Otoscope Exam: Hearing loss or just earwax?

• FREE Clean & Check on current hearing aids

• FREE Familiar Voice Test

• FREE Demo of Starkey’s latest hearing technology!

TIMELINE

Continued from page 5

8:46 a.m. Five hijackers crash Flight 11 into floors 93 through 99 of the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Hundreds, including everyone on board the flight, are killed instantly. The crash severs all three emergency stairwells, trapping hundreds of people above the 91st floor.

8:46 a.m. Police, paramedics and firefighters are sent to the North Tower.

8:50 a.m. While visiting an elementary school in Florida, U.S. President George W. Bush is notified that a small plane has hit the North Tower.

8:52 a.m. A flight attendant aboard Flight 175 reaches a United Airlines operator in San Francisco and reports the flight is being hijacked. By 9 a.m., various passengers on Flight 175 have called family members.

8:55 a.m. The Port Authority informs people inside the South Tower via a public address system that the building is secure and there is no need to evacuate.

8:59 a.m. The Port Authority Police Department orders both towers evacuated. One minute later Captain Anthony Whitaker expands the order to include all civilians in the entire World Trade Center complex.

9:02 a.m. An evacuation order is broadcast in the South Tower.

9:03 a.m. Five hijackers crash Flight 175 into floors 77 through 85 of the South Tower. All onboard the flight are killed, as are an unknown number of people inside the building. Two of the three emergency stairwells are impassable and most elevator cables are severed, trapping many people above the impact zone and inside elevator cars.

9:03 a.m. A second call for mobilization brings the total number of New York City Police Department officers responding to the scene to roughly 2,000. In addition, the FDNY issues a fifth alarm and deploys several hundred additional firefighters to the scene.

9:05 a.m. President Bush is informed that a second plane has crashed into the World Trade Center.

9:12 a.m. Flight attendant Renée

A. May calls her mother and tells her that hijackers have seized control of Flight 77. When May’s call is disconnected, she calls American Airlines.

9:30 a.m. Amidst reports of additional hijacked planes, the Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management at 7 World Trade Center is evacuated.

9:37 a.m. Hijackers crash Flight 77 into the Pentagon. All 53 passengers and six crew members perish, and 125 military and civilian personnel on the ground are killed in the fire caused by the crash.

9:42 a.m. The Federal Aviation Administration grounds all flights, ordering all civilian planes in United States airspace to land. Departures also are prohibited.

9:45 a.m. Evacuations at the White House and the U.S. Capitol begin. Both the House of Representatives and Senate are in session at the time the evacuation begins.

9:58 a.m. Flight 93 is flying so low to the ground that passenger Edward P. Felt is able to reach an emergency 911 operator in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.

9:59 a.m. The South Tower collapses after burning for 56 minutes. The tower collapses in just 10 seconds.

See TIMELINE, page 19

Aiden Leigh plays taps during the 2019 Trinity Classical Academy 911 memorial. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

REMEMBER

Continued from page 5

“I think back over the years, and I feel fortunate to have been there and played a role in that to help in some way,” Godinez said, adding it was one of the highlights of his career to be able to respond to such a significant milestone in the nation’s history. “As sad as it was, I still feel proud that we were able to go and at least help out.”

Looking back, Godinez said it’s the patriotism that stood out and he hopes that Americans will continue to remember.

“People shouldn’t forget. They need to remember these events and how we preserved and came through it and are still America and are still a great nation,” Godinez added. “Despite the pandemic, despite things that are going on the world, we are the best country with more opportunities, so I think there needs to be an appreciation for the people that have paid the ultimate price to protect it.”

‘America the Beautiful’

Eleven-term Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon, who represented the SCV during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, said this week he remembers seeing the first plane hit the tower on the news, thinking, “What a sad accident” — until the second one hit.

McKeon joined other leaders on the steps of the Capitol later that day as they addressed the nation, recalling the feeling when someone started singing “America the Beautiful.”

“Everybody joined, and it was a very emotional time,” McKeon said. “When I went home, all the cars had flags on them. … It was a time of the country really coming together.”

It’s this sentiment that has stuck with McKeon all these years as the nation is again put through tremendous strain, hoping America can once again come together in the ongoing pandemic.

Good Guys vs Bad Guys

Castaic resident Marc Manfro was a New York police officer in September 2001, and spent the weeks and

months following the attack guarding a handful of “terrorist target” locations, like the subway tunnels.

Since then, Manfro has battled an ailment many of his fellow first responders have come to know all

too well — a respiratory condition dubbed “World Trade Center Cough.”

While Manfro has endured a number of surgeries and additional health problems due to his time at Ground Zero following the attacks, he said he is still proud to have aided in the efforts.

Manfro’s father was a police officer and now his son is an officer, too — both just trying to do their part for public service, Manfro said, adding that he hopes to continue inspiring others to do the same.

“(We) need to step forward to support all the organizations that the public needs to be protected … the police, firefighters, military, medical professionals,” he added. “It’s a cycle of the good guys continuing to battle the bad guys … so, maybe that cycle can inspire others.”

The annual 911 Never Forget Project event held September 11, 2019 at Trinity Classical Academy. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

TIMELINE

Continued from page 16 of Shanksville, Pennsylvania. All 33 passengers and seven crew members on board perish. Passengers and crew had stormed the cockpit, and the plane ultimately crashes just 20 minutes’ flying time from Washington, D.C.

gon collapses.

Rudolph Giuliani urges the evacuation of lower Manhattan.

9:59 a.m. Continuity-of-government procedures are implemented for the first known time in American history.

10:03 a.m. Four hijackers crash Flight 93 into a field near the town

10:15 a.m. The E Ring of the Penta-

September 12, 2001

10:28 a.m. The North Tower collapses after burning for 102 minutes. More than 1,600 people are killed as a result of the attack on the North Tower.

11:02 a.m. New York City Mayor

12:16 p.m. The last flight still in the air above the continental United States lands. Within two and a half hours, U.S. airspace has been cleared of roughly 4,500 commercial and general aviation planes.

September 11, 2011

Electric Intelligence. Pure Performance.

SOLUTIONS

That Tribalism Is Off-Putting

Reading today’s opinion page (Sept. 6) I am struck by the defensiveness of the writers. Gary Horton, Lois Eisenberg, Thomas Oatway, it’s not your liberalism that is so off-putting. A robust discussion of differing viewpoints is a necessity in a healthy democracy. What is so off-putting is your tribalism. You demonize those you disagree with and give a complete pass to those you agree with.

Many of your criticisms of Donald Trump are well-founded. Yet, I have never seen a single criticism of the left side of the spectrum from any of you. And there is plenty to criticize. You can’t seem to either see or acknowledge the good things from the other side. (You may as well save your breath from the inevitable “there is no good from the other side” response. I’ll just assume you’ve said it and we can move on from there.)

Perhaps, if there was some shred of evidence that you held the politicians on your side of our great divide to the same standards you hold the other side, you wouldn’t be dismissed as propagandists for your “team.” When you ignore the truly reprehensible deeds of your “team” it kills your credibility.

Gary, you have written some truly beautiful columns that thoroughly moved me. The first time I see the word “Trump” or “MAGA” in your column, however, I stop reading. Why should I read the same vitriolic column I’ve read dozens of times before?

Lois, I wish you would step back and write a letter about anything but Mr. Trump and the MAGA Republicans. By now, you aren’t going to change anyone’s mind and I think you know it. We all already know how you feel. I think you should evict Mr. Trump from your mind because he takes up entirely too much real estate there. What other things could you write about? I would gladly read any of your letters dealing with any other subject, even if I disagreed.

Thomas, I would love to see a letter from you regarding your response to the current administration’s corruption issues. How about your opinion of George Gascón? What’s your opinion of how one-party rule is working out in California? Any changes you would like to see in the Gavin Newsom administration?

I’m no more thrilled with Republican tribalism, but this letter is already too long and all three of you were in today’s Signal.

Michael Sandeen Canyon Country

Logic? Letting the Fox in the Henhouse?

In re: Kimberly M. Zamlich, “Sick of the Utility Monopolies,” letters, Aug. 31. Let’s see if I have this right, Ms. Zamlich. Your solution for abusive monopolistic utility companies is to have them “taken over” by the same inept California government that gave them those monopolies in the first place? I’m searching for the logic in this but it seems to be eluding me!

Rick Barker Valencia

ETHICALLY SPEAKING

Start Your Future Today

By David Hegg

Let’s be honest. At some point, we’re all victims. Life is rough, disappointment is common, tragedy is inescapable, and injustices, both large and small, envelope every life. The question isn’t, “When will I be victimized by people, processes, and circumstance,” but, “When, and how many times will I be offended, hurt, abused, and unjustly treated?”

As a pastor, I’ve sat across the room or coffee shop table and cried with those who have been brutalized, oppressed, raped, fired, demeaned, unjustly accused, or damaged in any number of ways we humans have designed to hurt one another. And here’s what I’ve learned. You cannot change the past, but you can change the future your past is heading for. But, to do so, you have to answer two essential questions.

Question No. 1 asks whether you will allow what you have endured to be determinative. That is, will you embrace your victimization and allow it to identify who you are, and become the lens through which you now view all of life? If so, you will dedicate yourself to increasing levels of victimhood, and demand that what you have suffered be the focus of your life, and the lives of those around you.

This first question can be answered differently, but to do so requires that you understand a very important point. Choosing to escape victimhood status as a life identifier does not mean you have not suffered greatly. It does not mean those who have perpetrated evil should get away with it. It only means that you refuse to allow what has happened in the past to continue renting space in your heart and head. It means you intend to change the future the past was heading for by recognizing what happened to you does not define you.

Question No. 2 asks the simple question: How will I go forward, living my life in ways that are righteous, helpful and effective? Once you decide being a lifelong victim will not facilitate human flourishing, you must demand of yourself ways of thinking and living that will. You must continually affirm that, while the hurts of the past are real, they will not be allowed to define your attitudes and behavior going forward. Rather, you determine to focus on ways of thinking and acting that contribute

positively to the world around you.

Essentially, those who embrace victimization as a lifestyle are asking the rest of us to order our lives around them, carefully walking on eggs in order not to bruise their selfishly fragile souls. Rather than work to move on from the pain of their past, they expect us all to rehearse it with them, over and over again, demanding that what they have endured releases them from being responsible for their own lives.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Many who have been brutalized by the evils of this broken world have overcome their past to live productive, satisfying and honor-filled lives. We call them heroes, and their stories inspire us to jump over our own life hurdles, and run the race set before us, fixing our eyes on the goal of living lives that are worthy of the One who gave us life in the first place.

The Bible’s King David knew a little about life’s disappointments. At the beginning of his reign he was chased around the Judean wilderness by Saul, who wanted only to end his life. And near the end of his reign, his son Absalom rebelled against him and attempted a massive coup. But David refused to allow these circumstances to define him because he knew he wasn’t fighting life’s battles alone. He’d already written a psalm about the Good Shepherd who stayed with him through the valley of the shadow of death, and instead of leaving him to his own designs, always led him in the ways of righteousness.

Times have changed but the realities of pain and injustice are as present today as ever. Yes, life will disappoint you, even hurt you deeply. But, no matter what you have endured, it cannot determine your future unless you let it. Vengeance and anger won’t change what has happened, and even justice and restitution can’t erase pain suffered. You can’t change the past, but you can refuse to live as a victim, and instead, chart your own future in ways that are productive, healthy and satisfying.

And if you get discouraged along the way, just turn around. We’re all cheering for you, and are here to help!

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