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SEPTEMBER 30, 2018

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SEPTEMBER 30, 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS NEWS FEATURES

NEWS OF THE WEEK

Celebrating the Special Olympics • Jennifer Marshall discusses home and set life • Student film to air at COC • Fall traditions • Hitting the trails: Vasquez Rocks Girl Scout officials on theft by Saugus woman • Senior Center touch-a-truck event • Charlie Fire 85 percent contained • Meet ‘Miss Patootie’ • Rare liver disease puts Hart student on transplant list

CITY MANAGER

Recognizing an award-winning city

SPORTS 15 Soccer talents heads home to help

REAL ESTATE

This week in real estate • HOA pool fun and liabilities

OPINION

15 SOCCER DREAMS

30 SCV HIKES

Our View, David Hegg, Tim Whyte

SCV CALENDAR

TIME RANGER

KIDS & FAMILY

Donna’s Day: Get creative for pets

ENTERTAINMENT 27 The Guess Who coming to The Canyon • Museum mania

TRAVEL 29 The nation’s Capitol

SCHOOLS

36 PROFILE: REENA NEWHALL

School menus • Pumpkin facts

YOUR HOME

Plumbing 101, part 2

FOOD

SUNDAY SIGNAL STAFF

The SCV’s best breakfasts • Blackberries

PERSONALITY PROFILE

Reena Newhall

HEALTH & FITNESS

Why do we have hair there • When you might need physical therapy

GARDENING

Seasonal blooms to watch

SENIORS

An homage to adversity • Changing tastes and scents

BRAIN GAMES

The Village Idiot: Travel tips

On the cover: PHOTO BY DAN WATSON

39 40 45

SignalSCV.com Richard Budman Perry Smith Tim Whyte Brad Lanfranco Doña Uhrig Trish Galloway Joel Z. Rosario

Publisher Sunday Signal Editor Signal Editor Advertising Director Production Manager Graphic Designer Graphic Designer

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S C V F E AT U R E

Inclusion matters Special Olympics Santa Clarita on 50 years of inclusion By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

n grade school, Santa Clarita resident Jackie Hartmann didn’t see anybody with intellectual disabilities on campus. “When I went to school, there was no one with any disability,” she said. “Today, we’re seeing kids with disabilities in schools. There’s been so much progress with them being accepted into the community, schools and workplace.” She and her family have been a part of that progress for 19 years with Special Olympics Santa Clarita & Tri-Valley, one of the 10 Southern California regions offering yearround sports training and competition in multiple Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Their work started when Keri, Jackie and Tom Hartmann’s daughter, who has Down syndrome, began

competing as an athlete in trackand-field events for Special Olympics Santa Clarita. “I’m not so good at sitting around and doing nothing,” said Jackie, who became a track-and-field coach, helping athletes with proper warmup and other skills. In 1999, Jackie started the Santa Clarita region’s bowling program, volunteering as the tournament coordinator, and later as head coach. She currently oversees about 110 athletes, practicing at the Valencia Bowling Center. Participation only widened in 2001, when the family moved into their Sand Canyon home, built with a tennis court. With seven athletes, they started the tennis program. Today, Tom — who was a competition manager for the 2015 World Games in UCLA for tennis — and Jackie coach about 20 athletes at Golden Valley High School, after the group outgrew the backyard court. Their involvement has helped accelerate and keep the program running, Special Olympics Santa Clarita Director Laura Mayo said. Their second child has also become involved Left: Jackie Hartmann coaches about 20 athletes at Golden Valley High School along with her husband, Tom. Below: Jackie began her work with the group when daughter Keri started competing in track and field with the Special Olympics.

Jackie, Keri and Tom Hartmann. PHOTOS BY MICHELE LUTES.

with the organization, volunteering in the SCV and for Special Olympics San Diego. While the Hartmanns enjoy coaching in sports they love themselves, its all about inclusion, they said. “Like any kid who plays sports, Special Olympics offers a sense of belonging,” said Jackie. “There’s the opportunity for a person, however old, to practice and compete, win or lose, just others get to experience.” The Santa Clarita region and the rest of the Special Olympics organization is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with the launch of their campaign, “The Revolution is Inclusion.” The campaign aims to end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities, create a fully inclusive world and raise $100 million for the Special Olympics movement. “We’re launching the campaign, led by our athletes, because, despite progress, exclusion is still the reality for millions of people with intellectual disabilities in every aspect of their lives …” said Timothy Shriver, Special Olympics chairman, in a statement. Inclusion has changed the lives

Jackie Hartmann works with a Special Olympics athlete.

of the Hartmanns, but most importantly Keri’s, Jackie said. “There was such an increase in confidence as she competed and practiced. This gave her an outlet to shine, a chance to be a part of something.” As an athlete of more than 10 years, Keri has participated in multiple sports and activities, with a broader focus in tennis, bowling, bocce and dance. While Keri and other Santa Clarita Valley athletes now have a variety of sports and activities to participate in, the Hartmanns believe “we still have a long way to go.” See INCLUSION, page 8

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Jennifer Marshall

Santa Clarita resident talks acting, being a veteran four children. Initially, auditions were rough, she said, as she competed with peoor Jennifer Marshall, ple who had been auditioning since who’s recently starred on they were in high school or earlier. “Stranger Things” and “You have to work 10 times as “Hawaii Five-O,” being an hard as the people who’ve been actress isn’t the most important doing it way longer, who you’re part of her life. competing with, who have extendThe Santa Clarita resident said ed reels and all this other stuff,” she values a work-life balance. she said. “It was difficult because Between auditions, she works of my age. I knew I wasn’t going hard to hone her craft by taking to be the skinniest, prettiest, most acting classes, working nonstop to well-connected person. But I did improve — and not keeping track know my work ethic is excellent. of how many shows she’s booking. I’m very business-savvy, organized She also volunteers, devotes time and I really prided myself on being to her four children and helps con- prepared and working hard.” nect veterans in the industry with Marshall has guest starred on media opportunities. shows such as “FBI: Criminal Pursuit” and “Colony” since 2013. She landed the role of Susan Hargrove Acting was something that “hap- on the second season of “Stranger Things” last year, and was shocked to pened by accident” for her, Marsee her phone blowing up with messhall said, well into her adult life. sages after the season premiered. “Acting was never one of those “I didn’t even realize how big it things where it was like, ‘I’ve wanted to be an actor since I was 8,’” she was until my inbox was flooding, and my friends said. were texting me Marshall grew and all that,” she “I KNEW I WASN’T up in a suburb said. “It was so of Colorado, and GOING TO BE surreal, and I served in the THE SKINNIEST, didn’t even reU.S. Navy for five alize the magniPRET TIEST, MOST years. After her tude of the show service, Marshall WELL-CONNEC TED until the season saw acting as a PERSON. BUT I DID premiered. way to deal with “It was also KNOW MY WORK emotions — a great because I contrast to the ETHIC IS EXCELLENT.” grew up in the environment ’80s, and the she was in in the Duffer Brothers Navy. did such a great job capturing the “In the military, you have to feel of that era,” she said. compartmentalize emotions,” she

By Crystal Duan Signal Staff Writer

Acting

said. “And acting is the opposite. It encourages expression and it encourages honesty.” Marshall came to the Greater Los Angeles area in her early ‘30’s, choosing to settle in Santa Clarita in 2011 with her husband and

Veterans Marshall’s success has mounted since her booking of “Stranger Things,” and she credits her start in acting to the veteran acting community.

PHOTO BY DAN WATSON

The actress volunteers with Veterans in Media and Entertainment, an organization devoted to helping veterans in the entertainment business get a start. “If any veteran says, ‘I want to get into this business,’ I want to help them and help them avoid pitfalls of this industry which can be tough,” she said. “I’ll give them the tough love they need. I’m happy and grateful acting has given me the opportunity to really advocate on behalf of veterans.” A veteran himself sat down with Marshall when she was beginning auditions and gave her insider tips that she has tried to give back to the community, she said. One example is casting directors have recently started going to veteran actors such as Marshall if they are trying to cast an amputee for a

storyline on their show. “Of course, the gig has to pay well and it has to be a non-exploitative storyline,” she said. “But veterans want to tell their own story, if these stories are going to be about them. And casting a veteran for these roles, a person who understands the significance of the uniform they wore and the weight of what they went through — that’s really important.” In her spare time, Marshall also volunteers by delivering meals for the Santa Clarita Senior Center, helping at the Santa Clarita Veteran Center and participating in Pin-ups for Vets, a nonprofit dedicated to helping active-duty personnel and injured veterans recover. Marshall and other veteran women dress up as World War II-era pin-up girls and visit veter-

S E P T E M B E R 30, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7 Right: Jennifer Marshall plays Susan Hargrove in the second season of “Stranger Things” on Netflix. COURTESY PHOTOS

ans in hospitals and nursing homes, sharing experiences from serving and providing a base for connection. Ultimately, Marshall strives for a way to have a balanced life between being a “CASTING A VETERAN mother, wife, veteran FOR THESE ROLES, and community member beyond being an A PERSON WHO actress. UNDERSTANDS “A lot of this business THE SIGNIFICANCE is working hard, doing what you say you’re goOF THE UNIFORM ing to do and not taking THEY WORE AND it personally when you THE WEIGHT OF get rejected,” she said. “I used to have thin skin, WHAT THEY WENT and that’s a dealbreaker THROUGH — THAT’S in this business. I became levelheaded about REALLY IMPORTANT.” it. If they don’t want a woman with red hair for a part, I’m not going to get it. I try to have perspective that it’s not the most important thing in the world, and nothing in art is a linear progression. But the way to succeed in acting — in anything — it’s being confident in who you are.” 

If You Watch

“Strange r Things” is set in t Indiana, he fiction in the 19 8 of friend al town o s helping 0’s, with its plot revolving f Hawkins, ties navig a myster io another ate the strange m us girl with psyc around a group dimensio h onsters t n. argeting okinetic abiliWhile th the town the disap e first season fo from c p occurren earance of one o uses on the inves c t f attempt es are happening the friends whil igation into s of the c e , t superna he seco h monster isn’t quit aracters to return nd season deals w tural e vanquis it to norma Marsha lity — b h the in season ll plays Susan Ha hed. ut the rg field, wh two. Hargrove is rove, a new char t o a fight mo moves to Hawkin he mother to Ma cter introduced x n nist from sters and locate s in season two a ine “Max ” MayEleven, t n season o he psych d helps the team ne. Marshall okinetic protagoseason N confirmed her c o. 3. haracter w ill be retu “Strang rning for season is er Things” is now slated to streamin g premiere during su on Netflix. The th ir mmer 20 19.  d

Left: PHOTO BY DAN WATSON

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S C V F E AT U R E

INCLUSION

Continued from page 5

“We are seeing that more is available for this population, but inclusion could be widened,” said Jackie. “Acceptance is about starting at a very early age, and hopefully this and future generations realize what people can accomplish and what they’re capable of.” Santa Clarita Valley Special Olympics, also joined by the San Fernando and Antelope valleys, serves more than 2,000 athletes and has about 700 coaches and 600 volunteers annually, according to Mayo. Athletes as young as 8 years old can choose

from 12 sports to compete. One of the latest programs offered includes a wellness program, where athletes learn healthy eating and other life skills. Among the many events, the region hosts is the Fun in the Sun Chili Cook-Off, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 20 at the Jack Bones Equestrian Center. Proceeds benefit the region. For more information about the event and Special Olympics Santa Clarita, visit www.sosc.org/scvtv. 

Fun in the Sun

Chili Cook-Off By Signal Staff

There are nearly 35,000 athletes throughout Southern California whose lives are enriched by the Special Olympics games, as well as the volunteers who give their time to make the experience so special for both groups. In the Santa Clarita Valley, in fact, the 1,400 athletes are supported by more than 1,200 volunteers. “Having fun, developing skills and building self-esteem is the life of a Special Olympics athlete,” according to the organization’s website. “We offer year-round training and competitions in 12 sports for people of all ages and skill levels.” As the main story mentions, the next big fundraiser in the area is the Fun in the Sun Chili Cook-Off at the Jack Bones Equestrian Center. Each year, the event raises money, and the spices, in the name of supporting the Special Olympics. Last year, the event featured more than two dozens booths, each sampling its own recipe. And the competitors definitely got into the fun and intended spirit of the event — with themes ranging from “Wonder Woman” to “Halloween

Horrors,” and competitors set up interactive props for people to entertain themselves with. Amongst the themed booths, was the LASD Bomb Squad with a robotic bomb detonator and bomb suit on display. While the chefs are all competing in support of a great cause, the cooks do put in real effort in their battle for bragging rights, and the results are some serious chili flavors. For example, the LASD’s Homicide Bureau booth served up 2016’s winning recipe, and the leader of the effort, Sgt. Victor Lewandowski, crafted their “Bulldog” chili from homegrown peppers. Lewandowski’s Trinidad Scorpion Butch T pepper currently holds the title of second hottest chili in the world. The preparation process of the chili takes a week in total and several hours to cook. “Every batch of chili has a scorpion pepper in it along with some other hot peppers that I grow,” said Lewandowski. For Lewandowski, it’s the entire process that makes his chili great, he said in a previous interview with The Signal.

Sargeant Victor Lewandowski of the Los Angeles Homicide Bureau prepares a batch of his defending champion “Bulldog” chili at the 2017 Chili Cook-Off in Castaic. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

“It’s the meat, it’s the hot peppers, it’s the spices,” he said, “and it’s the good people that come together to put it on.” With the purchase of a Chili Card (adults $15, junior $5), you can taste the chili from more than 25 booths and vote for your favorite. The 2018 event will feature a classic police car display, live music, kids

zone, LASD displays, crafters and vendors! All proceeds from the Chili Cook Off benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Santa Clarita & Tri-Valley. The event is located at 26983 Tapia Canyon Road, in Castaic, and will take place Saturday, Oct. 20, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

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LOCALNEWS

Girl Scout officials sound off on charges against Saugus woman accused of stealing The official response from the Girl Scouts organization reads: ews of a Sau“We are aware of the gus woman arrest and charges brought — a Girl Scout against a former volunteer troop volunteer for Girl Scouts of Great— alleged to have stolen er Los Angeles regarding about $58,000 from the Girl Scouts organization the alleged mishandling has irked SCV residents. or misuse of funds of two Cascione Patricia Cascione, 52, troops and a service unit was arrested this week by in the Santa Clarita region. detectives with the Los AnGirl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles geles County Sheriff ’s Department Fraud and Cyber Crimes Bureau, on has investigated this incident and will continue to cooperate fully with suspicion of grand theft and theft by false pretense of over $88,000 in any ongoing police investigation. funds allegedly stolen from organi“Girl Scouts of Greater Los Anzations. geles has very high standards and About $58,000 of the total amount expectations of our volunteers and was allegedly stolen from the Girl consider honesty one of the hallScouts with the rest allegedly stomarks of Girl Scouts — it is our mislen from the Beverly Hills Cancer Center. sion to instill and inspire in girls the “The fact that this woman is being courage, confidence and character to accused of embezzling money from make the world a better place.” a seemingly innocent and charitable LASD Sgt. David Chambers with cause is disappointing and pitiful,” the Fraud and Cyber Crimes Bureau concerned citizen Carlos Ultreras said Cascione was directly involved said Friday, following up on his with an individual girl scout troop in Facebook post which read: “I want my Samoas back.” the SCV as a volunteer and with the David Warburton posted a similar larger service unit for the organizamessage: “That’s a lot of cookies.” tion. Melanie Larsen, spokeswoman for The arrest was made, he said Frithe Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeday, after “somebody else looked at les, sent an email Friday putting the the books.” number in perspective. “After the cost of the cookies, 30 Over the past 20 years, Cascione percent of the $5 sale goes to local was entrusted as the treasurer for Girl Scout troops for activities — multiple Girl Scouts of the USA such as travel, camp registration, or Troops in addition to a local Girl community service projects — and Scouts service unit in Santa Clari70 percent goes to the local Girl ta, detectives said in a news release Scout council to support high-quality programming for girls in leadissued this past week. ership, life skills, outdoor, as well as Fraud and Cyber Crimes Bureau girl and volunteer support, including detectives became aware of potential financial assistance for underserved fraudulent activity and initiated a girls and volunteer training and criminal investigation. resources,” she said. Cascione was also responsible for Regardless of the monetary implications, the impact on trust remains fundraising for other organizations noteworthy. in the Santa Clarita Valley.  By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

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LOCALNEWS

A fire engine, a California Highway Patrol car and other vehicles used for several industries will be available at the SCV Senior Center’s Touch-a-Truck event on Oct. 13 at Central Park. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

Senior Center returning truck event By Ryan Mancini Signal Staff Writer

s a hand reaches from one generation to another, the SCV Senior Center will bring its Touch-a-Truck event back for families far and wide at Central Park on Oct. 13. “Our first event was held five years ago, and that was very popular,” said Mayor Pro Tem Marsha McLean, who will serve as the event chair. The event brings out several trucks and other vehicles for children and adults to observe, touch and sit in. This includes a California Highway Patrol car, a fire engine, construction

rigs, ambulances, various military vehicles or vehicles from the film industry. Also planned is a beachball dump from a dump truck, which was called a favorite in a post from the Senior Center’s Facebook page. Discussions are still being had as to some of the other specific vehicles that will be present, but McLean said the Shakey Quakey house vehicle, which simulates earthquakes, and a bulldozer from the Los Angeles County Fire Department will also be present. McLean described Touch-a-Truck as having a purpose for its younger attendants, that it’s “intergenerational between younger and older genera-

tions.” Kevin MacDonald, executive director of the Senior Center, said the center hopes all children and families who go will have a lot of fun around vehicles old and new. While the event was originally planned to happen in June, the high temperatures pushed the date back, McLean said. The Senior Center has traditionally held Touch-a-Truck before Father’s Day over its first five years. Now that it is set in early October, the hope is that temperatures will be cooler, McLean said. Along with trucks, the event will offer face painting, balloon animals and an obstacle course for children’s entertainment. Appearances from the

Placerita Nature Center and Smokey Bear are also to be expected, according to a post from the Senior Center’s Facebook page. Admission will cost guests $5 per person and is free for children under 2 years old. Proceeds will go toward the Senior Center and its different services and programs, MacDonald said. Food and treats will also be provided. As this will be an outside event, the Senior Center recommends visitors bring sunscreen and water with them. The event will open at 9 a.m. and will wrap up at 1 p.m. To purchase tickets, stop by www. myscvcoa.org/touch-a-truck/. 

Firefighters: Fire 86 percent contained By Perry Smith Signal Managing Editor

irefighters in the Angeles National Forest reported Tuesday evening the Charlie Fire, which has torched nearly 3,400 acres, is about 86 percent contained. The latest report came at 6 p.m.,

after the Forest Service’s second day of leading the effort against the brush fire that began in Castaic. The reported acreage burned had not changed since Monday evening’s total. “Today, crews will continue to improve containment lines and mopup,” according to a statement from the Angeles National Forest released Tuesday. “Aircraft will be available to

support ground crews as needed.” The cause of the fire, which is still under investigation, has not yet been released. Two people were injured and taken to the hospital as a result of the Charlie Fire. The severity of the injuries was not available from fire officials. A timeline of the events for the Charlie Fire and any other active San-

ta Clarita Valley incidents can be seen at signalscv.com/firewatch. The Charlie Fire started around 2:40 p.m. Saturday, with firefighters dispatched to the 31000 block of Charlie Canyon Road, in Castaic. By about 5 p.m., as temperatures remained in the 90s, more than 1,200 acres had burned. 

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Meeting ‘Miss Patootie’ By Michele Lutes Signal Staff Writer

“

Under her hat she’ll leave a trick or a treat for 31 days until her task is complete,” reads “Meet Miss Patootie,” a children’s Halloween picture book, written and illustrated by Santa Clarita resident Mary Baxter-Jordan. “Meet Miss Patootie” was self-published by Baxter in 2017, and it has become more than a children’s book — it’s become tradition, she said. “Seeing the kids’ faces and excitement is priceless,” said Donna Spencer, kindergarten teacher at James Foster Elementary. “The book is great because during October they are so excited about Halloween and it keeps them grounded and focused in the class.” “Meet Miss Patootie” is a story of a shy witch who does not like all the scary Halloween characters so she’s figured out her own niche, Baxter said. “I am a scaredy-cat, just like Miss Patootie.”

Miss Patootie comes to life when her book and a witch hat arrives on Oct. 1. For the 31 days of October, a parent, teacher, or co-worker will have “Miss Patootie duty” and leave a trick or treat underneath her hat each day. “We can tie it into education and whatever the kids are learning in class,” Spencer said. “It could be a book, worksheet, stickers, arts and crafts, or any trick or treat. It doesn’t have to be something for the kids every day.” “Meet Miss Patootie” can be adjusted for any age, and played in homes, offices, schools, hospitals or anywhere there are groups of people with a fun sense of humor, Baxter said. “It’s family-oriented, for all ages.” Last year James Foster Elementary School’s PTA put something under Miss Patootie’s witch hat in the teacher lounge for the teachers each day, Baxter said. “It brings camaraderie between the grownups and it lets them be creative.”

“Meet Miss Patootie” is Baxter’s fifth published book that she wrote and illustrated herself. “There are plans for an upcoming book that will come out down the road about Miss Patootie and her new wingman, a little bat named Rudy.” Baxter worked in publishing before becoming a preschool teacher more than 27 years ago. She was born and raised in West Los Angeles, and moved to Santa Clarita about 20 years ago to raise her children. In 2004, she became a preschool teacher with the Saugus Union School District, and has been sharing her love of creativity with her students ever since. “Creativity is your soul’s expression,” Baxter said. “Kids love Halloween. It is really the only holiday that is complete fantasy — you get to be whoever you want to be.” Baxter would like to get Miss Patootie licensed and package it with a witch hat, she said. “I want to make her into a Halloween icon.”

LOCALNEWS

Author and Santa Clarita resident Mary Baxter-Jordan wrote and illustrated the children’s Halloween picture book “Meet Miss Patootie.” COURTESY PHOTO.

The book is available in both Saugus and Canyon Country Hallmark stores, online through Barnes and Noble and Amazon and on Google books. To find out more about “Meet Miss Patootie” or to share or see ideas to put under her hat, go to her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MeetMissPatootiebyMaryJaniceBaxter/. 

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LOCALNEWS

Paying attention to the signals By Michele Lutes Signal Staff Writer

student, employee, daughter and friend, SCV resident Jessica Meza believed her fatigue, bloody noses and bruising were normal throughout her life; but today, at 23, she is now on the liver transplant list and diagnosed with a rare disease. “Apparently, I had signals throughout life, but I thought it was from the heat,” Meza said about the symptoms. “Everyone says they’re tired, so I thought the fatigue and drowsiness was normal.” Meza graduated from Hart High School in 2013 and continued her education at California State University, Northridge, where she received her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with an emphasis in art. “I wanted to be an elementary school teacher, but the doctors advised against it due to germs and my condition,” Meza said. At 19, during the summer before her sophomore year at CSUN, she visited the student medical center where they did multiple blood tests. “It’s been a tough road,” said Jessica’s father Jorge Meza. After receiving the results of the blood test, the health center staff sent her to the hospital right away, Jessica Meza said. “My platelets were very low.” Three months went by and multiple tests were done, but the doctors still had no answers, until she visited UCLA Medical Center. “After two weeks at UCLA, they diagnosed me with autoimmune hepatitis,”

Jessica Meza said. “Just like cancer, there are four stages of this disease and I was already at stage 4.” Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks the liver and causes it to become inflamed, according to the American Liver Foundation. This is exactly what is happening to Jessica’s body. “My doctor told me that if I didn’t come to him when I did, I would not have lasted two years,” Jessica Meza wrote in a Facebook post Monday. She has about 58 other patients ahead of her on the transplant list, but her disease is affecting her everyday activities, she said. “I don’t know what it feels like to be ready to take on the day.” Meza experiences extreme fatigue, cramping, bruising and sometimes hair loss on a daily basis, she said. Her doctors told her that, because of her age and health, besides her liver, she is a perfect candidate for a living liver transplant. This is when she reached out to friends and family through social media. “I didn’t know so many people would reach out and try to help,” said Jessica’s mother Theresa Meza. “So many people have come forward to support her. We pray a lot, and when you ask, you receive.” The liver is the only organ in the body that regenerates itself, so a living donor would give Jessica about half of their own liver. “The liver would essentially grow back in their body within a year and the other half would do the same in me,” Jessica Meza said.

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The Meza family, Jorge, Theresa and Jessica, were shocked four years ago after Jessica’s diagnosis. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON

Jessica and her family were in shock, almost four years after her diagnosis, when the doctors had another option. “I was in tears,” Jorge Meza said. “She is an example to anyone who is going through a tragic endeavour.” In 2015, at the age of 20, Jessica was diagnosed with a second autoimmune disease known as ITP. Immune thrombocytopenia is a rare bleeding disorder characterized by a low amount of platelets in the blood, according to the ITP foundation. “If you have one autoimmune disease, you are generally more susceptible to others,” she said. Jessica had to undergo chemotherapy treatments to get her platelets up. Her platelet count is somewhere between 9 and 12, she said. “Human beings should be at about a 300 platelet count.” “Since my body attacks my liver, they have me on immune suppressants,” Jessica said. “When I get sick, it is worse. It’s never a simple cold. I get hospitalized.” She is in search of her liver’s perfect match. The doctors will evaluate if those willing to donate are a match

for Meza through a series of factors including blood type. Jessica’s blood type is type B, she said. The liver transplant list is impacted. Some people die waiting on the list, she said. “I would need to be nearly on my deathbed to be selected.” Jessica’s name will stay on the transplant list while she searches for a living donor. Her family and friends have already reached out to start the prospective donor process, she said. “I have really high hopes for it,” she said. “I kept this to myself for so long. It’s really inspiring and moving. It is a reminder that people are so willing to give.” With the support of her friends and family, Jessica has learned to keep a smile on her face, throughout all the battles she is facing. “I know I’m not the only one with diseases or hardships,” Jessica said. “Even through the toughest of times I try to stay positive.” If you are interested in donating or would like more information, you can call the UCLA doctors at 310-2678713, or contact Jessica Meza directly at jjmeza95@yahoo.com. 

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S C V F E AT U R E

Valencia resident, 13, to showcase short film By Crystal Duan Signal Staff Writer

idley Downs didn’t let her age stop her from making a kids-inspired “Mini Indiana Jones” film. The 3-minute, 42-second production is slated to be shown by College of the Canyons’ Cinema Department on Oct. 5, where the production crew — of which, all members are under age 14 — will get a chance to showcase their work. Ridley, a 13-year-old from Valencia, had an inspiration on a camping trip to the Sequoias to make an homage to her favorite movie franchise. And in 2017, when her uncle gifted her with “real cameras,” she decided she wanted to use that to make her dream come true. “My friends and I have been making short films for four years,” she said. “And my mom and dad are both actors,

and these things inspired me to make the film.” Downs’ movie took three months to film last summer. The short trailer-like film features her brother Griffin battling Nazis brought to life by an ancient scroll. Griffin, 9, is decked out in costume similar to Jones himself, and uses a slew of weapons to save his love interest and the town from the evil plans of “Hitler’s cousin.” Each 3- to 4-second take equated to about 15 minutes of filming, Ridley said. “People’s attention spans are really short, so we took a long time filming the whole thing because each take took like five times,” she said. “And then it took… a long time to edit because we wanted everything to be perfect.” The script, featuring dialogue similar See SHOWCASE, page 25

Placerita Junior High School student Ridley Downs and her brother, Griffin, who plays the main character in her new film showcasing at College of the Canyons. PHOTO BY CORY RUBIN.

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14 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

S E P T E M B E R 30, 2018

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Recognizing an award-winning city By Ken Striplin City Manager

or people not in local government, the League of California Cities probably doesn’t mean much to you. Beyond that, you’ve probably never heard of a lady named Helen Putnam. For those of us who have dedicated our lives to public service in the Golden State — the League is the premier, local municipal organization and their prestigious annual awards are named after Helen Putnam. Helen filled a number of roles in her life. In addition to being a mother, she was a school teacher, principal, mayor and county supervisor. Helen was also the first woman elected president of the

League of California Cities in 1978. To honor her work, the League named their Awards of Excellence after her. Each year, only 12 awards are handed out to cities and other municipal organizations. Since the inception of the awards, Santa Clarita has been honored to take home more than any other city. A total of 17 now grace the walls of City Hall. This year, I am proud to say that we have once again earned a remarkable two Helen Putnam Awards. Mayor Pro Tem Marsha McLean and city staff were on hand in Long Beach earlier this month at the annual League of California Cities conference to accept these awards. In addition, our city also had an opportunity to share our projects with councilmembers and city staffers from around the state.

The city’s Community Court and Teen Court was established in 2016 to address first time, juvenile offenders. It was created as part of a collaborative effort between the city of Santa Clarita, the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station and the William S. Hart school district. COURTESY PHOTO.

City-Business Relations The first was in the category of “City-Business Relations” for our Business Incubator program. The Santa Clarita Business Incubator is a collaboration between the city, College of the Canyons and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The Business Incubator helps local entrepreneurs groom their cutting-edge ideas and connect them to resources necessary to thrive. Since the program launched in 2014, 19 new jobs have been created in Santa Clarita. By the end of 2017, two companies that have completed the three-year program have successfully graduated and transitioned into nearby operating locations, adding new, high quality jobs to the area. The Business Incubator currently houses three high-tech companies that are involved in the program: Acqubit, CeliTech and Rangle News.

Intergovernmental Collaboration The second award was in the “Intergovernmental Collaboration” category for our Community Court Diversion Program.

This program was established in 2016 by the city of Santa Clarita, he Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station and the William S. Hart Union High School District. The program consists of two options for first time, juvenile offenders: • Community Court, for offenses such as petty theft, curfew violations and vandalism, and

• Teen Court, for more severe offenses such as assault, possession of a controlled substance and burglary. To date, nearly 4,200 youth have participated, more than 40,000 hours of community service have been performed in Santa Clarita and participants have a 98 percent completion success rate. Over the years, we have been honored to win awards for such innovative programs, projects and services, including Heroin Kills, the Special Needs Registry and the city’s graffiti tracking and prevention system. Thanks to the direction and guidance of our City Council, we are able to continue to create programs that take home top prize, and more importantly, provide top tier services and amenities to the Santa Clarita community. 

S E P T E M B E R 30, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 15

Andres Lozano holds on to the dream cerned for his mother’s health, Lozano decided to stay and finish out the school year. ougars men’s soccer forBut with just two weeks left until the ward Andres Lozano nev- beginning of summer, Lozano received er imagined that his life another call. would take an unexpected “It was my mother,” Lozano said. turn, putting his studies and soccer “She said that she was feeling really ill.” dreams in jeopardy. Without hesitation, Lozano dropped Born in Mexico, Lozano moved to everything, including school and Newhall as a child and played soccer soccer, and made his way across the at Golden Valley High School for the country to Atlanta. four years he was there. Working as a Verizon technician to “I started playing soccer at the age pay his mother’s medical bills, Lozano of 6,” Lozano said. “I would go to the put his mother’s health and his family’s park and watch my dad play, and I got well-being above soccer and his studinto it because of him.” ies by moving to Atlanta. At an early age, Lozano knew what “She’s a lot better now, but it was he wanted to do with tough on me personhis life, soccer and ally because I had to “I HAD TO others around him drop out of school BASICALLY DROP and soccer,” he said. “I noticed his talent, too. “I knew that’s what I had to basically drop MY ENTIRE LIFE wanted to do from the my entire life — but at — BUT AT THE get-go,” Lozano said. the same time, I didn’t With a coach taking SAME TIME, I mind because that’s an eye to his talent, my mom.” DIDN’T MIND Lozano was invited to Putting his future BECAUSE THAT’S train and play in Brazil. on pause, Lozano “I had the chance spent the last four MY MOM.” to go and play, but years living in Atlanta. because of finances I He never even laced couldn’t go,” Lozano said. “But I never up his soccer cleats. gave up and kept going, and here I am “All I did was just run,” Lozano again.” said. “I never played soccer out there, Putting his head down and not givbut I just ran. That’s what I would do ing up on his dream, Lozano, now 26, to stay in shape.” pushed through, ultimately graduating With his mother healthy once from Golden Valley and enrolling at again, Lozano was able to enroll at College of the Canyons in the summer Canyons for the 2018-19 school year of 2014. Lozano was confident and and hit the “play” button on his final excited about his future at COC. year of eligibility. “I was a bit scared, but I liked the “I have to get my skills back to how program a lot because we are like a they were before,” Lozano said. “Obfamily, and I enjoyed playing with a viously, four years of not playing, my family that I know and I can support,” touches were off. It was like my first Lozano said. time playing soccer.” Using that bond and passion, CanCanyons is 2-1-1 with four games yons finished with a 10-3-6 record into the season, but head coach Philip during the 2014-15 season, with Marcellin can see the knowledge and Lozano leading the Cougars in goals potential that Lozano has after taking (7) and points (17) while coming off a four-year hiatus. the bench in all but one game. “He’s more mature and he sees The future looked bright for Lozano. things a little bit differently,” Marcellin However, with just weeks left in the said. “But the important thing is he’s 2014-15 school year, Lozano received back in school. He’s going to be proa call from his brother, notifying him gressing and that’s what we are after.” his mother was having heart problems, Lozano is confident in this year’s among other issues, in Georgia. team, and has taken it upon himself Not knowing what to do and conto instill some of the knowledge that

SPORTS

By Diego Marquez Signal Staff Writer

COURTESY PHOTO

he picked up during the years in his teammates. “With this team and the quality that we have, we can make it far,” Lozano said. “...I want to support them and

make them better players than what I was when I first started and at the end of the day, that’s my goal. Whether I play or not, I want them to be better.” 

16 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

S E P T E M B E R 30, 2018

Is placing the listing in the MLS important? By Ray Kutylo Signal Contributing Writer

f either the agent or the seller is interested in proceeding with an off-market non-MLS listing, it may have fiduciary and/or ethical ramifications for the Realtor, and may not get the highest and best price for the seller. If the real estate agent or broker is the one pushing for an off-MLS listing, the seller should be fully informed with a listing agreement that states a non-MLS listing reduces exposure to ready, willing and able buyers. Also, ‘pocket listings’ and “Coming Soon” marketing limits

the listing’s availability to a specified group of brokers and their buyers during the premarketing period and likewise limits exposure. Using these practices, an agent can face accusations of breaching fiduciary duty in order to earn a double commission. While it’s legal, the practice can be problematic if the prospect of a double commission is the reason an agent suggests an off-MLS listing. Finally, agents can be accused of anti-trust or fair housing violations by limiting listing exposure to a narrow buyer segment. The issue of non-MLS sales by Realtors in low inventory markets has drawn the attention of the National

Association of Realtors, as well as the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission. Realtors have a Code of Ethics, and it is their duty to “cooperate with other brokers except when cooperation is not in the client’s best interest.” For more information on Realtor’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, go to: https:// bit.ly/2ErZLpw Full disclosure: I often recommend holding a new listing off the MLS for a short period while marketing materials are prepared and the seller completes minor repairs, cleans, paints, prepacks, or otherwise prepares the home for the market. The operative phrase is “short period.”

Fully exposing the property to the entire pool of potential buyers will result in a purchase by that one buyer who is willing to pay the highest and best price for the seller. Thinking of selling your home now or within the next year? Please give Ray the Realtor and the SCV Home Team a call now at 661-312-9461 and let’s get started. Whether I’m representing either Buyer or Seller (or Both!), you can count on Service, Commitment, and Value for you! CA DRE# 00918855 

SANTA CLARITA VALLEY CLOSED SALES 9/1418 to 9/21/18 AREA/St#

St Name

Sold Price

Br/Ba

Sqft/Source

Price/SqFt

ACTON/AGUA DULCE 32060 Cedarcroft RD 6938 Escondido Canyon RD 36260 Anthony RD

$499,900 $852,000 $605,000

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

1500/E 2568/A 2128/A

$333.27 $331.78 $284.30

CANYON COUNTRY 18209 Sierra HWY #50 18758 Mandan ST #1616 27915 Sarabande LN #413 20322 Rue Crevier #628 27104 Hidaway AVE #6 29543 Fitch AVE 19403 Fairweather ST 29781 Wistaria Valley RD 27911 Arcay AVE 17026 Canvas ST 14635 Dahlia Ridge DR 27656 Cordovan DR 29460 Mammoth LN 28041 Eagle Peak AVE 27713 Zeus LN 29762 Shenandoah LN 26501 Royal Vista CT

$284,900 2/2, $285,000 3/2, $309,900 3/2, $325,000 2/2, $350,000 2/2, $410,000 3/2, $435,000 3/1,0,1, $454,000 3/1, $469,000 3/2, $515,000 3/2,0,1, $530,000 3/3, $536,500 3/2,0,0,1 $585,000 4/3, $587,000 4/3, $590,000 4/2,0,1, $650,000 5/3, $680,000 4/3,

795/A 1013/A 934/A 910/A 1114/A 1470/A 1080/A 1085/A 1660/E 1910/O 1996/A 1960/A 1892/A 2136/A 2063/A 2686/ 1852/A

$358.36 $281.34 $331.80 $357.14 $314.18 $278.91 $402.78 $418.43 $282.53 $269.63 $265.53 $273.72 $309.20 $274.81 $285.99 $242.00 $367.17

CASTAIC / VAL VERDE 29639 Cromwell AVE 27748 Church ST 31571 Hipshot DR 28660 Cloverleaf PL 30520 Yucca PL 27975 Langley PL 28244 Springvale LN 29070 Madrid PL 30312 Mallorca PL

$375,500 $480,000 $495,000 $531,000 $572,000 $599,900 $612,000 $650,000 $1.350 M

3/2, 3/1,1, 3/2, 3/2,0,1, 3/2, 3/2, 6/3, 5/3, 5/3,

1109/A 2117/A 1467/A 1959/A 1608/P 1912/A 2772/A 3472/A 3128/A

$338.59 $226.74 $337.42 $271.06 $355.72 $313.76 $220.78 $187.21 $431.59

NEWHALL 26106 Rainbow Glen DR 22933 Market ST

$450,000 $515,000

3/2, 2/1,

1469/A 1050/A

$306.33 $490.48

SAUGUS 28213 28358 27729 28733 27944 22516 22308 27828 28730 22712

$460,000 $495,000 $500,000 $509,000 $515,000 $535,000 $550,000 $570,000 $609,900 $655,000

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

1577/A 1726/A 1006/A 1116/A 1160/A 1608/A 1376/A 1279/A 2497/A 1859/A

$291.69 $286.79 $497.02 $456.09 $443.97 $332.71 $399.71 $445.66 $244.25 $352.34

Clementine DR Sycamore DR Walker CT Magnolia WAY Oregano CIR Paragon DR Paraguay DR Dexter DR Kathleen AVE Peach CT

AREA/St#

28142 22629 21125 28323

St Name

Caraway LN Dragonfly CT Cross Creek DR Incline LN

STEVENSON RANCH 26352 Peacock PL 25620 Wilde AVE VALENCIA 26937 Hillsborough #16 23606 Muir #70 27829 Crown Court CIR #56 28831 Camino De Cielo DR 29257 Alamo WAY 25878 Estaban DR 24366 Allegra WAY 27608 Sycamore Creek DR 27734 Summer Grove PL 26832 Marina Point LN #50 25815 Turquesa DR 24181 Joshua DR 24131 Joshua DR 27515 Pamplico DR 23915 Whitfield PL 23645 Via Corsa 28524 Farrier DR 26433 Woodlark LN 24421 Mira Vista ST 29242 Bernardo WAY 28404 Steel LN 27053 Timberline 29321 Hacienda Ranch CT 24468 Gable Ranch LN

Sold Price

Br/Ba

Sqft/Source

Price/SqFt

$695,000 $705,000 $748,800 $800,000

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

2098/A 2934/S 3084/A 3313/A

$331.27 $240.29 $242.80 $241.47

$830,000 $860,000

4/3, 3/3,

3174/A 2678/A

$261.50 $321.14

$375,000 $420,000 $430,000 $455,000 $465,500 $480,000 $512,500 $513,000 $515,000 $520,000 $530,000 $540,000 $555,000 $575,000 $605,000 $665,000 $767,000 $770,000 $820,000 $850,000 $970,000 $975,000 $1.065 M $1.1975M0

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

812/A 1106/A 910/A 1429/A 1934/A 864/A 1624/A 1263/A 1603/A 2116/A 1128/A 2039/A 2039/A 1624/A 1445/A 2601/A 3286/A 2620/O 3120/A 3571/A 3822/B 3147/A 4005/A 4451/A

$461.82 $379.75 $472.53 $318.40 $240.69 $555.56 $315.58 $406.18 $321.27 $245.75 $469.86 $264.84 $272.19 $354.06 $418.69 $255.67 $233.41 $293.89 $262.82 $238.03 $253.79 $309.82 $265.92 $269.04

Based on information from the Southland Regional Association of REALTORS®/Multiple Listing Service for the week ending on 9/21/18. 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 30, 2018

POOLSIDE FUN

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 17

in your housing community

ties then fun in the sun. One day while working in my office, trying to get those monthost communities have ly statements out, I gazed up and one or more pools, noticed on one of our video cameras, which are a source of a group of kids running around and pleasure for homeown- playing. It was nice that they had fun ers, renters and all the guests they until one of them lifted a lounge chair bring over — but for management, and threw it in the pool; next, anpool services can be an ongoing other moved a table over to the edge need for maintenance and oversight. climbed up on it, and jumped in the A boutique management company, pool. we pride ourselves with spending The final kicker was when one of the many hours on various properties, children pulled up an umbrella and and that means my office is often at threw it in, now we had just bought all the pool. new “commercial umbrellas” and they One such pool is dotted with many cost a pretty penny and I knew it was signs of all shapes and sizes that warn time to have a few choice words with of all kinds of rules and regulations: the group. “NO LIFEGUARD Of course, what ON DUTY,” reads happens is that the IT WAS NICE THAT one sign. “No Pets kids are just having THEY HAD FUN Allowed” notes anfun and their parents UNTIL ONE OF THEM are nowhere in sight, other. “No Alcohol Allowed,” proclaims but the damage was LIFTED A LOUNGE another safety done with a broCHAIR AND THREW notice. ken umbrella and IT IN THE POOL. I wonder if anyscratches on the one realizes how pool floor. much goes into the upkeep of a pool These situations happen all the or about how much a homeowner time, and many times occur with no association’s budget goes into mainone knowing or reporting them. tenance. It’s a good chunk of change The next situation occurs when that includes cleaning, chlorine a large group gets together and too tablets, changing filters, heating and much alcohol, food and music is the occasional draining the water involved. It’s 11:30 p.m., and the calls because someone throws up, has a start to come in from all the residents bowel movement or residents are that live around the pool area – not partying too much and breaks a few the best place to live if you want beer bottles with glass ending up at peace and quiet. the bottom. The pool was closed at 10 p.m. and Most pool services come out two locked down by security, but that or three times a week, depending on didn’t stop a group from jumping the time of year, and should check over the fence and started to party. for everything from pH balance to Next thing you know, it’s party time leaves getting caught in the skimmer. at the HOA, and soon it multiplies, The other day I had a call from our and we have a ton of drunken people security service that a couple of teens screaming and yelling and throwing were anointing each other with glitter things around. and glue and it was a mess. When this happens, it’s important to A quick call to our pool compahave a plan in place with your security ny and we had to close the area for force, as well as call the Sheriff ’s Decleaning, and then I escorted the partment and report the disturbance. kids home ... the parents were not If possible, the key is to try and find too happy when they had to pay the out where they live. Hopefully, they’re cleanup fee. residents and not just random people Security is an important compowho “jumped the fence.” nent of keeping the pool area safe, so My last “situation” was relayed to let’s run down a few situations that me by one of our security officers as I’ve been involved in, as these areas he was on patrol one night not too seem to be a magnet for other activilong ago.

HOA LIVING

By Gary Choppé Signal Contributing Writer

gogladly.com/comics

He checks the pool areas a few times a night and noticed some groaning sounds and then saw some movement in the jacuzzi. Well, the couple was going to town and was quite surprised when he asked them to put their clothes on and then leave.

And you thought that a story on pools would be boring. Please email me your questions, comments or suggestions for future stories. 

Gary Choppé is community liaison with HOA Management of Santa Clarita. Hoamanagementsc@yahoo.com.

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18 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

S E P T E M B E R 30, 2018

S C V F E AT U R E

L L FA un into

n m u t u this A

By Michele Lutes Signal Staff Writer

risp air, the sound of crunching leaves below your feet, searching for the perfect pumpkin in the patch or the smell of fresh baking in the oven — these are just a few of the hallmarks of fall. Although the weather is still warm in Santa Clarita, autumn is in the air, and pumpkins abound. While the Santa Clarita Valley might not immediately see the color change, there are a few signs around the SCV that the holidays are on their way.

Harvest festivals With live bands, wagon rides, petting zoos and more, the third annual Harvest Festival at Gilchrist Farms is bringing seasonal fun to Santa Clarita. The farm is located at 30116 Bouquet Canyon Road and scheduled to be open now through Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

It’s a fun way to celebrate the changing of the seasons, said Monica Gilchrist, owner of Gilchrist Farms. “Fall flavors and feels are in the air,” she said. The festival will again feature pony rides, wagon rides, a petting zoo, straw bale maze, pumpkin slingshots, pig races, fall crafts, live entertainment, bake sales, face painting, pumpkins and pumpkin decorating. This year, organizers added a giant straw bale slide, hand-lead horseback rides and a roping corral, Gilchrist said. Admission and pig races are free, but there is an extra fee for the other festivities. If you bring a food item donation for the SCV Food Pantry, you can get $5 off the unlimited weekday or weekend wristband or free entry to the straw bale maze, Gilchrist said. Field trips are offered during the weekdays as well as farm and garden tours. For more information about the farm and festival, visit www.gilchrist farm.com.

Pumpkin picking Pumpkins come in all shapes and sizes, long stems, short stems, orange and white. Pumpkins all come from the fields, but can be bought at many different places in town, from pumpkin patches to grocery stores. Gilchrist Farms 30116 Bouquet Canyon Road Saugus, CA Nancy’s Ranch 25039 Magic Mountain Parkway Santa Clarita Bennett’s Best 27000 Bouquet Canyon Road Saugus 24925 The Old Road, Stevensons Ranch 24910 Valencia Boulevard Valencia “People are looking for something solid with a nice stem,” Gilchrist said. “Feel it, and make sure there are no rotting, so it will last longer. Store it out of direct light and heat.” You get to pick the perfect pumpkin for you, whether it’s for carving, baking, painting or decor.

Pumpkin decorating Grab a carving knife, paint, glitter and maybe a bow, your pumpkin is a blank canvas to decorate. Pumpkins can be painted, carved or even left as is. When decorating your pumpkin, use imagination, but if using carving tools, follow a few of these tips.

Start by carving out a lid and scooping out all the seeds, they can be saved to bake and eat. Draw your design on the pumpkin before carving and have fun. To prevent rotting of your pumpkin, try to carve only a day or two before you want to display them. The sooner you carve them the sooner they will rot. Keep your pumpkin fresh by keeping it out of direct light and heat.

Fall baking Pies, cookies, breads and soups, fall is a time to bring pumpkins in the kitchen. You may not be an expert, but try a Pinterest recipe or two, or cook the family recipe you make every year. If you have an original pumpkin recipe, with pumpkin as a primary flavor and you think it’s the best, you can enter it in Gilchrist Farms’ second annual pumpkin cooking contest Oct. 6. A panel of judges will pick the winners of four categories: desserts, main dishes, miscellaneous and youth. The judging will begin at 2 p.m., and all entries must be brought to the farm ready for presentation by 1:30 p.m., Gilchrist said. The contest is open to the public to come and watch, and even get ideas from some of the chefs. For guidelines, information and to enter, visit www.gilchristfarm.com/ pumpkin-cooking-contest.

Ice station Looking for something cool for the whole family? Ice Station Valencia offers public skate throughout the week during the morning, afternoon

The hay bale maze under construction at Gilchrest Farms in Saugus. PHOTO BY CORY RUBIN

S E P T E M B E R 30, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 19

S C V F E AT U R E

The McKean Team Real Estate System

Move up to any one of my listings and I’ll buy your home* For information on this exclusive Guaranteed Sales Program, order a FREE report by visiting www.SCVSoldGuaranteed.com or

call Dave direct at 661-702-1940 for a Guaranteed Sale on Your Home. *Seller and Dave McKean must agree on guaranteed price and closing date at time of listing.

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The first shipments of pumpkins for the pumpkin patch at Gilchrest Farms in Saugus. PHOTO BY CORY RUBIN

or evening. Prices range from $8 to $11 depending on your age and skate rentals are $5, according to the rinks website. For more information and times on public skate, visit www.icestation.net.

Friday night lights Whether your a fan of the Centurions, Indians, Vikings, Cowboys, Grizzlies or Wildcats, it’s time for the local high schools’ Foothill League rivalry games to begin. Local high schools started league games Friday, and will continue to play one another throughout October. Friday, Oct. 5 West Ranch vs. Canyon at Canyon High School at 7 p.m. Golden Valley vs. Saugus at College of the Canyons at 7:30 p.m. Hart vs. Valencia at Valencia High School at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12 Saugus vs. West Ranch at Valencia High School at 7 p.m. Golden Valley vs. Valencia at Canyon High School at 7 p.m. Hart vs. Canyon at College of the Canyons at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19 Saugus vs. Valencia at Valencia High School at 7 p.m. West Ranch vs. Hart at College of

the Canyons at 7:30 p.m. Golden Valley vs. Canyon at Canyon High School at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26 Golden Valley vs. Hart at Canyon High School at 7 p.m. Canyon vs. Saugus at College of the Canyons at 7 p.m. West Ranch vs. Valencia at Valencia High School at 7 p.m.

Haunted houses Ghost, ghouls, zombies and more are preparing to frighten the community in their haunted houses. Haunted houses of all scales are located throughout the SCV. Beware the Dark Realm is one of the free haunted houses, located at 28621 Sugar Pine Way. The home haunt is a nonprofit haunted house to help raise funds for the local Child & Family Center. The Sivley Family have been building home and professional haunts since 1971, according to their website. This year they’re scheduled to open Oct. 13, Oct. 19, Oct. 20, Oct. 26, and Oct. 27 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. More information about Beware of the Dark Realm at their website http://bewarethedarkrealm.com. 

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Northbridge Valencia

“Dave helped us short sale our first home without charging us a dime. He was even able to help us purchase this home when we thought we could not buy again. Dave's compassion was there and his skill was there and that is remembered. So when it came time to sell this home we wouldn't have called anyone else. Dave saved us money on the repairs and got us more then we thought for our home. Would definitely recommend The McKean Team to anyone. Dr. Dennis Englin”

Danielle Powell & Dave McKean CalBRE # 01408455

To Discuss the Sale or Purchase of Your Home Call Dave at 661-702-1940

www.ReferralsThatMakeADifference.com We are on a mission to raise $10,000 for Bangalore Children’s Home by donating a portion of our income from home sales to them. This ministry is very close to my heart as they work hard to help give these children a warm bed to sleep on, clothes and food. And as you probably know they need sponsorships and donations to continue their care and to start building on their own land. We are committed to donating a portion of our income from home sales to this very worthy cause. So, YOUR REFERRALS REALLY DO HELP THE KIDS… Who do you know that is looking to make a move this year that you can refer to The McKean Team?

20 · SUN S IIGGNNAALL 20 ND DAY AYS

Opinion

MBBEERR 30, 30, 2018 SSEEPPTTEEM

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

OURVIEW

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

Wilk Balances Privacy vs. Public Information

What’s It Worth? Never Trade Away Your Integrity

By The Signal Editorial Board

By David Hegg

s a general rule, we strongly favor the most open government, with the most free flow of information possible. However, especially in today’s environment, there are situations in which information can be too free-flowing. State Sen. Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, recognized just such a situation earlier this year when he received a report from a constituent who was concerned that, after participating as a speaker at a school board meeting, her personal information — including her residential address — was included in the official minutes of the board meeting. By including that information, the Saugus Union School District was not breaking the law, and in fact was not doing anything especially unusual. However, what might have been considered routine many years ago is now considered potentially dangerous. With growing concern over crimes like identity theft, stalking and harassment, it’s understandable that one would have trepidation about making their residential address or phone number part of the public record of a government agency’s meeting.

Recognizing this, Wilk met with then-SUSD Superintendent Joan Lucid about the issue, and the district subsequently did the responsible thing and changed its policy. Recognizing the same issue could be occurring elsewhere, Wilk authored Senate Bill 1036, which was signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Jerry Brown. The bill prohibits educational institutions from including directory or personal information of a student or parent in their meeting minutes. It’s simple legislation. And, even though it results in slightly less information being made part of the public record, it’s good legislation. Under SB 1036, the names of those participating in public meetings will remain public — as they should be. Anonymous participation should not be allowed. However, it’s also entirely acceptable to protect participants from having personal information released. It’s a reasonable balance between two important concerns: public information and public safety.

radition has it that young Abraham Lincoln walked several miles to return what turned out to be too much change from a store owner. Similar actions during his growing-up years earned him the moniker Honest Abe. And while we still hear stories of such radical honesty today, the problem is they really do seem radical. They are newsworthy and quite frankly they shouldn’t be. The virtue of honesty, a fundamental element in personal integrity, ought to be so common among us that when it is in operation, it hardly seems out of the ordinary. Sadly, it seems honesty is quickly being overcome by expediency as a virtue in our society. Back in my high school days I dated a girl who held down a job at a local fast food restaurant. I can remember the excitement I felt the first time she gave my friends and me some free food. We thought it was great, and it never occurred to us we had knowingly eaten food someone else had stolen from her employer. But I can still remember the day

during my college experience when the free food incident floated to the top of my memory pool. Dr. Bob Smith came to our campus to lecture on being the kind of person who achieves both success and significance in this world. He started with one question: “What's your integrity worth? What would you trade your integrity for? Would you trade away your integrity to save a little on your taxes? How about to land a job? Would you trade your integrity for a falsified resume if it meant landing that position you are dreaming of?” As he spoke, the question that came to my mind was: “Would you trade your integrity for a free hamburger?” Sadly, I had to answer in the affirmative, and that’s when I committed myself to never doing so again. Integrity is a word we hear often but may not understand fully. Integrity essentially speaks to the consistency a person exhibits between action and beliefs. If you think honesty is a proper virtue, then when you act honestly you See HEGG, page 22

READERLETTERS

Service Dogs: No Vest Required My teenage daughter and I were at the Valencia Town Center Mall (recently) with her registered service dog when she got verbally attacked by an adult couple who followed her into the Vans store with their service dog and became extremely combative, claiming that she and her dog were unworthy and devaluing her right to be in the store because they claimed it wasn’t a “real service dog” because her dog wasn’t wearing an identifiable vest. To avoid any further conflict with the couple,

we left the store and took a seat outside because the verbal attack resulted in my daughter becoming extremely distraught. Soon after taking a seat outside the store, an employee from the store approached us, apologizing, saying that the couple was completely out of line and that they get dogs in there all time that don’t have vests on and that right after we left, another couple (husband and wife) walked into the Vans store with their service dog that also didn’t have a vest on. The couple that verbally attacked my daughter didn’t say two words to them about their dog. So my daughter and I

walked back into the store. While standing in front of the combative couple, we proceeded to the couple that was in the store with their dog without a vest and asked them if they too had been confronted and harassed by the couple for bringing their dog into the store without a service vest on, and the kind lady said, “No, they didn’t say anything to us about our dog,” and she looked at the combative couple, and said to them, “The dogs are not required to have a vest on.” See LETTERS, page 21

GNAL S21 E P T· ESMUBNED R AY 30,S I2018

E PAYS T E MI G B ENRA30, S U NSD L ·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 D R E W L I T TO N

Mad Ducks, Bears and Stay-Puft Football Rules By Tim Whyte Signal Editor “Oh Christ,” he said. “The best thing in football was to really pop someone. One of the great joys of my life was to get a bead on a guy and really put him out. Absolutely! To lift him up right under his chin, or under his throat with the top of your helmet and put him on his back on the grass. You’ve done your job, you’ve gotten your good grade. The movie’s going to show it. That’s it.” — John Gordy, in George Plimpton’s “Mad Ducks and Bears,” 1973

ou’d never hear a football player speaking so bluntly about taking joy in the game’s violence today. John Gordy was an offensive lineman for the Detroit Lions in the ’60s. He was one of the two main characters in Plimpton’s nonfiction “Mad Ducks and Bears,” which chronicled the exploits and chicanery of Gordy and his pal, defensive tackle Alex Karras, whom you may better remember as the actor who played Mongo in “Blazing Saddles” and, later, as the dad on the TV series, “Webster.” Plimpton was probably best known for “Paper Lion” and several of his other books in which he participated as a bumbling amateur among professional athletes. “Mad Ducks and Bears” was different, as it took an unblinking look at both the humor and the horrors of professional football. Gordy was known as the Bear, because he was one hairy beast of a man. Karras was known as the Mad Duck, because that’s what he looked like when he was chasing quarterbacks. Later in the book, Gordy lamented how the rules of football — at the time — were stacked in favor of defensive

players like Karras, and against offensive players like Gordy. I felt the same way when I played football in high school: The rules were slanted heavily toward defensive players, particularly on the line. I remember being taught how to block as an offensive lineman, and we pretty much had to pretend, on every play, that we were merely standing in front of the defensive players like gentlemen with our elbows thrust out to the side, when in fact we were trying to clutch, grab, claw, chop... you name it, anything to keep those guys from getting to our quarterback or the ball carrier. We learned how to act as if we were falling down, when what we were really doing was landing on the backside of an opponent’s knee to take him down. We even had a blocking scheme that involved concealed punches, so the referees couldn’t see what we were doing. It was called “Balls Blocking.” Yes, it was what you think it was. It was designed to keep the defensive players from raising their arms to block a pass. It was effective, as you might imagine. I’m pretty sure it was illegal. Never asked. From the outside looking in, there was almost an expectation of nobility from the offensive line, like we were the ones who were supposed to be civilized, and the defensive linemen basically had a license to destroy all of that, no holds barred. The defensive guys could do just about anything. Head slaps. Clutching and grabbing. Punches to just about anywhere. They were borderline homicidal. With apologies to Plimpton (may he, Gordy and Karras all rest in peace), See WHYTE, page 22

LETTERS

Continued from page 20

My whole point here with the story is that I want to make it known to all residents of SCV what the laws are regarding identification rules of service dogs so that other people who encounter combative, ignorant people who don't know the law, don’t fall victim to harassment like my daughter did. I would like to get a coalition together at the Valencia Town Center Mall of all service dogs who don’t wear a vest to hear our voices in order to make a statement that we have just as much right to be there as any other persons with their dog with or without identification. Deborah Ellis, Canyon Country

Horton Has It Wrong Oh, Horton! As usual, in my opinion, he has it all WRONG again. (Gary Horton, Sept. 19) It is definitely about re-electing Steve Knight to Washington in order to give California a chance to ever recover our former respect and glory. It is about keeping our Santa Clarita Valley as the unique district that it is in Los Angeles

County, a magnet to so many who like what they see in our city and communities. Is Horton not aware that there that there are only a handful of loyal California representatives in Washington? Yet he claims that the way to make California better is to “flip” our 25th district? California is already in sad shape with Democrats giving us the highest taxes, liberal immigration objectives, and “free everything” to everyone. Why would wouldn’t we — who know firsthand that SCV is unique in the voice of our local government, our state representatives, and Steve Knight in the U.S. House of Representatives — want to keep him there? It is definitely ABOUT Steve and ABOUT California at the same time. The SCV needs to keep exhibiting its superiority to the rest of California so that we can regain the California that we citizens all remember. Steve Knight will continue to serve us all BEST. Glenda Johnson, Santa Clarita 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.

22 · · SSUUNNDDAYS AY SII G N A L 22

MBBEERR 30, 2018 SSEEPPTTEEM 2018

Opinion

WHYTE

Continued from page 21

my recollection of football rules back then is reminiscent of an accounting provided to Plimpton by John Gordy: Me: C’mon, ref. He pulled an ax out of his jockstrap and started swinging around with it like he was chopping lumber. Referee (cleaning his glasses, squinting): I don’t know, man... I didn’t actually SEE any ax... Me: But my quarterback’s head is literally severed! Referee (stepping over the QB’s severed head): Unfortunate, yes, I see that. (Then, sounding oddly British.) Quite a mess, that. You do need a quarterback with a head on his shoulders. But it looked like a clean hit to me... You know, I think you were holding on the play. I saw the defensive tackle’s jersey get slightly wrinkled. (Tossing his flag, just a little late.) Offense, No. 54, holding, 10 yards... Me: What the...? Ref (now, throwing another flag on the quarterback’s lifeless body): Delay of game, No. 8, offense...

K, so it didn’t QUITE happen that way. I never did have a quarterback’s head chopped clean off. But sometimes it seemed like the rules were THAT stacked against the offense. You wouldn’t believe the awful things they were allowed to do to us on their way to mauling our quarterbacks. And then, once they got there, they teed off on the QB with nary a worry about being penalized. It made the Balls Blocks seem... well, justified. Now, as we’ve seen in recent weeks of NFL action, the pendulum has swung in an entirely different direction. Football, in a generation, has gotten wiser, sure. Too many retired players have suffered long-term, sometimes fatal, cognitive impacts from the repeated blows to the head — not to mention the crippling impacts the game has on knees, ankles, hands, shoulders and sundry other body parts. In fact, Karras was among those players who suffered long-term health impacts from his football career, and before his death in 2012 was among several thousand former NFL players who filed a lawsuit against the league over the health impacts of head contact. To its credit, the NFL has enacted new rules designed to reduce head contact, and to protect vulnerable players from the damage that can be inflicted by players who are bigger, stronger and faster than ever. Head injuries are not to be taken lightly.

But sometimes, it seems like, in the rush to improve safety, the NFL rules gurus have gone... how shall we say it, in the nicest possible way? Soft. As in, Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man soft. Take, for example, the latest spate of penalties on defensive players for seemingly innocuous quarterback sacks.

HEGG

Continued from page 20

’m hoping there’s a happy medium somewhere for football. These days, a lot of parents — and with good reason — think twice about letting their kids play tackle football, fearing the longterm damage of repeated head contact. But at its highest level, football can be a joy to watch — for its athleticism, the incredible amount of teamwork and complex strategy it requires, and, yes, for the collisions. OK, maybe it’s a sign of the sickness in all of us football fans, but the big hits — delivered and received by people paid large sums of money to do so — are part of the excitement. Adult football players know what they are signing on for. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t enact reasonable rules to protect them from themselves, but the pendulum also needs to stop swinging further and further away from reason. And we all know this: When they take away the collisions and turn tackle football into touch football, that will be the end of the game as we know it — and we will have seen the last of the mad ducks and bears.

are exhibiting a high level of integrity. If, however, you decide to lie in order to get ahead, you’ve lost your integrity. I recently heard some parents calmly advising others to “put down Grandma's address” so their children could attend a school outside their prescribed boundary. Or how about when you buy a used car from a private party, and you ask them to put the sales price down as much less than the actual cash price, so you can save on the sales tax? Or lying about your age or that of your kids so you can get a discounted ticket? In these situations integrity becomes a commodity rather than a virtue, to be exchanged for something that seems important at the time. But, sadly, every time integrity is undermined the very strength of the person and ultimately our society is eroded. Human character is not the only place we hear about integrity. It also describes the internal consistency and strength of a whole range of things like bridges, electronic data, and even airplane wings. In 2007 when a bridge in Minneapolis collapsed, killing several motorists, it was finally determined that the “integrity” of the bridge had been undermined over time by several forces including substandard construction materials. The bridge had lost its integrity. And it is often heard in news reports following airline crashes that the inspectors are searching the debris to see if the “integrity” of the aircraft had contributed to the tragedy. When integrity is lost, bridges, airplane wings, and human character collapse. And so it is with us. Anything that nicks our integrity, that erodes its consistency, ultimately weakens it. Each lapse sets a new normal, making future inconsistencies more likely. And even more problematic, the next generation is taking their cues from us. When they see us trade our integrity for a few dollars, or a better position, why wouldn't they consider that the proper way to get ahead? And all the while we are unaware that the bridge of our societal integrity is being undermined bit by bit. As with many of our nation's challenges, at first the idea of restoring honesty and integrity in a fully pragmatic society seems too overwhelming to even attempt. What difference can we make in the sea of humanity that calls America home? Whenever I come face to face with enormous challenges, I remember some words my father taught me: We aren't everybody, but we are somebody; we can’t do everything but we can do something; and what we can do, we ought to do; and what we ought to do, by God’s grace and in His strength, we will do. And somehow, committing to a life of purposeful integrity brings a level of satisfaction and purpose to life that no amount of free hamburgers could ever match. So, what's your integrity worth? Let’s commit to one answer: It’s priceless, and we can’t be bought.

Tim Whyte is editor of The Signal. His column appears Sundays. Email: twhyte@signalscv.com. Twitter: @TimWhyte. 

David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church and a Santa Clarita resident.“Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays. 

Clay Matthews of the Green Bay Packers (if we actually had him mic’d up we might hear this, but that’s not in our budget so I am surmising that it went SOMETHING like this): C’mon, ref! That was a textbook sack! Just like they taught us in Pop Warner! Ref: I don’t know... Did you see what you did to him? Like, you actually BREATHED on him. What did you EAT last night? Garlic? That’s gotta be 15 yards. Personal foul! Wait. Can we go more than 15? I need to check my rule book... (Pulls out rule book, cleans glasses, squinting...) Matthews: But all I did was wrap him up. No helmet-to-helmet, grabbed him by the torso, just a textbook arm-and-shoulder tackle. Ref: Yes, but he’s a quarterback. Don’t you understand what that means? He’s got a line of cologne to promote. Plus (pointing to the stands) you made his wife sad, and she’s REALLY pretty. Can’t have that. We don’t need hairy brutes with bad breath like you getting in the way of these things. (Tosses flag.) Personal foul! 15 yards. AND, unsportsmanlike conduct for giving me sass. No. 52 is disqualified!

S E P T E M B E R 30, 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. Baby and Toddler Storytime is designed to build early language and literacy foundations for children six months to three years old. Sing and bounce, read and rhyme. Sept. 10 to Nov. 15 • Canyon Country Library: Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30 a.m. • Newhall Library: Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10 a.m. • Valencia Library: Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 10 a.m. and Tuesdays 11 a.m. Twos and Threes Storytime • Canyon Country Library: Mondays and Tuesdays 11 a.m., Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. • Newhall Library: Mondays and Thursdays 10 a.m. Wednesdays 11 a.m. • Valencia Library: Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. School Readiness Storytime, 3- to 5-year olds. • Canyon Country Library: Wednesdays at 11 a.m. • Newhall Library: Tuesdays at 11 a.m. • Valencia Library: Mondays at 11 a.m. Valencia Library, 23743 Valencia Blvd. Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Library, 18601 Soledad Canyon Road. Old Town Newhall Library, 24500 Main St. Info: SantaClaritaLibrary.com or (661) 259-0750. 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. to noon. Trails & Open Space Beautification Projects. Join a group of dedicated volunteers and help clean up and maintain City trails. Interested volunteers must preregister 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. to 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.

= Family Friendly Event of the open range and the American cowboy. To perform your Western music or poetry during this event, email wmacc@westernmusiccalifor nia.org. El Trocadero Steakhouse 24274 Main St., Newhall Thursday, Oct. 4 7-9 p.m. JAM Session & Concert Hip Hop Dance. Dance to the beat with 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. Old Town Newhall Library, Patio Area, 24500 Main St., Newhall. Info: http://thursdaysatnewhall.com/ jamsessions Thursday, Oct. 4 6-9:30 p.m. Carole Hunt Bingo or Bust. Bingo fundraiser benefits the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Center at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. $35. Hosted by Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Auxiliary. Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, Education Center, 23803 McBean Parkway, Valencia 91355. Info: (661) 200-1200, www. henrymayo.com.

Wednesday, Oct. 3 6:30 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

Friday, Oct. 5 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. 

N!IN! IN! WIW W CONGRATULATIONS to Sandra Hidalgo of Santa Clarita — the winner of $100 for correctly identifying the artwork as being from Furniture Now advertisement on page 3 of our Sept. 16 issue. 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

EVENTS BY DATE Sunday, Sept. 30 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Santa Clarita Artists Association Art Classic. Free public viewing. SCAA, 22508 6th St., Newhall. Info: (661) 313-5216 or https://www.santaclaritaartists.org.

Friday, Oct. 5, Friday Night Movies at College of the Canyons. See unique films you might have missed. Host and moderator Gary Peterson will discuss details of the films. All films are free and open to the public. Friday, Oct. 5, 6 p.m. “American Animals,” 8 p.m. “Thoroughbreds”; Friday, Oct. 19 6 p.m. RBG, 8 p.m. “Beast”; Friday, Nov. 9 6 p.m. “Autism in Love,” 8 p.m. “Won’t You Be My Neighbor”; Friday, Nov. 30, 6 p.m. “Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool,” 8 p.m. “Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story”; Friday, Dec. 14 6 p.m. “Three Identical Strangers,” 8 p.m. “Disobedience.” College of the Canyons, Hasley Hall, Room 101, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Valencia 91355.

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24 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

S E P T E M B E R 30, 2018

A most interesting trek into the back trails …

’ve lived here for most of my life and have observed that we really have 100 days of hot weather. There are exceptions, of course. But the mercury climbs starting almost unfailingly on July 4 and it starts to truly cool down by Oct. 15. We’re just about there, compadres. We’ve a most interesting trek into the back trails of SCV history this morning. We’ve got politicians aplenty, crooks, strange accidents, lots of humor and the last meal of film icon James Dean, right here in the SCV. And speaking of icons, The Mighty Signal’s Scott Newhall launched the first-ever Sunday Signal 40 years back — with an advice for the lovelorn column and had the word, “jugs” in the headline. Go. Scoot and read for your prurient selves … WAY BACK WHEN & THEN SOME

• Before Val Verde had its present handle, it was called Ramona Hills. Famed author Helen Hunt Jackson drew her inspiration from it for one of America’s most influential novels: “Ramona.” Jackson created the novel while staying at Rancho Camulos, on present-day Highway 126. Literally, tens of thousands of “Ramona leagues” sprang up around the country, where avid readers met weekly to discuss and read Jackson’s tome. SEPT. 30, 1928

• I suppose one of my favorite synonyms for our local and secretive friend, the mountain lion, was invented by Theodore Roosevelt. He called them “… the lord of stealthy murder.” One startled the Juicy Fruits out of Newhall’s Frank Stein when it ran right in front of his car. Stein hit the brakes, grabbed a rifle and started sending ammo into the night air. I’m guessing bullets being what they are, Frank must have hit something. But amongst the targets there wasn’t a puma. • One of the SCV’s most popular and gentle souls, Presbyterian minister Wolcott Evans earned the nickname, “Shepherd of the Hills.” He was kidnapped on this date. Well. Sort of. Seems he was supposed to wed a young couple. The groom got the marriage license in Bakersfield, which is no good in Newhall. The bride was sobbing. Inspiration visited the groom and he whisked minister, bride, best man and maid of honor to the Kern County border to perform the ceremony.

I mean, wasn’t he LOSING a buck every • Add Harry S. Truman to the long transaction? list of presidents who sped through SEPT. 30, Newhall/Sau1955 gus without • On this stopping. very day, Truman’s screen icon A weekly trailride through special presJames Dean Santa Clarita Valley History idential car ate his last raced through meal at least by John Boston the SCV on on this plane this day in of existence — 1948 without right here, in so much as a too-da-loo wave. Interestthe Santa Clarita Valley. Literally, Dean ing, Truman’s successor, Dwight David was and is the poster boy for American Eisenhower, used to secretly visit — teen angst. He made only three movPLATONICALLY — a lady childhood ies in his short life and received Oscar friend while he was president. Strangest nominations for two (“East of Eden” thing? The woman wrote a small gossip and “Giant”). Dean was headed up to column for The Signal and she never Central California to race his new and mentioned the most powerful man on rare Porsche Speedster, nicknamed Earth visiting her on Valley Street. Her by Dean as “The Little Bastard.” The children passed along the story after car left a trail of death and horror. Not her death. And after being the only knowing that the milk and apple pie president to resign from office, Richard Dean ate at the old Tip’s at Castaic JuncMilhous Nixon used to drive around the tion would be his last meal, Dean sped SCV’s lonely back canyons in the 1970s. along the backroads toward Salinas. It • The movement to build what would was 6:45 p.m. and Dean was killed when his race car struck a 1950 Ford Tudor that had ambled onto the highway. Volumes have been written about that seemingly possessed auto. While Dean’s friend and mechanic, Rolf Wütherich, survived the crash, he later attempted three suicides and tried to murder his wife. The doctor who bought Dean’s wreckage put the vehicle back together — then died when it crashed. Famous customizer George Barris bought the car. It fell off the trailer at his shop, cripbe Hart High actually started in the pling one of his mechanics. The engine 1920s and gained steam here big time in from the original car was transferred 1938. The Kiwanis Club was the orgato another Porsche. THAT driver died nization primarily to thank for setting during a race. Even the Highway Patrol the groundwork to build the valley’s first was haunted. They used the car for a high school. Small problem though. A driving safely program. En route to an little annoyance called World War II exhibit, the car fell off THAT trailer and delayed construction until 1945. killed a motorist.

SEPT. 30, 1938

The Time Ranger

SEPT. 30, 1948

• I’ve been blessed with a criminal mind, but I still can’t figure out the math on this one. Hunley E. Seaton Jr. was captured at the old Tip’s restaurant for trying to pass phony $10 bills. OK. Fine. No problem. But it’s HOW Seaton was counterfeiting the 10-spots that’s perplexing. Seaton took the corners from a $10 bill, then glued them onto a $1 bill. I know. I’m still shaking my head, too. If he had the original $10, why did he go through the trouble of cutting off the corners and pasting them onto a $1 bill?

SEPT. 30, 1958

• While there aren’t too many good ways to go, there are many dumb ones. Rollie Thompson may get an award for at least making a Top 10 SCV list. Rollie loved country drives. Sixty years back, he drove into the hills north of Castaic, parked and climbed out to stretch his legs. He started sauntering downhill. Simultaneously, car and terrible realization hit Rollie at the same time. Poor guy didn’t set his parking brake or put the car in gear. It rolled downhill and struck him square.

SEPT. 30, 1968

• This week in 1968, State Comptroller Alan Cranston was supposed to speak at a Democratic fundraiser at the old Glassblowers Hall. He never showed. Of course, no one else did, either, and hundreds of cookies and gallons of punch went for naught. Interesting trivia on the famous senator: In 1939, he lost a lawsuit to Adolph Hitler. Not making it up. Cranston was a war correspondent at the time and read the Fuhrer’s book, “Mein Kampf.” He noted the English translation was greatly sanitized and published an accurate English version. A Connecticut judge ruled in Hitler’s favor that the young journalist had infringed on the Nazi’s copyright. Cranston was also somewhat responsible for the rock band, the Eagles, breaking up. They were playing a fundraiser for the Dem and when Cranston thanked them, guitarist Don Felder came back with a sarcastic reply. Felder and bandmate Glenn Fry got into a heated argument over the response and after that, the Eagles disbanded and wouldn’t play together for 14 years. • Locals were ready to lynch county Tax Assessor Phillip Watson. He had concocted a random tax assessment system in which millionaires in Beverly Hills were paying half the tax rate of home buyers in Valencia. Many SCVers were seething when their tax bills went up by hundreds and thousands of dollars. Well dear saddlepals. From that familiar light swirling next to that black hole yonder, it appears we’ve come full circle. We’re back to the well-cemented Santa Clarita. I look forward to seeing y’all all in a week with another exciting Time Ranger adventure. Until then — hacer que Palmdale sea genial otra vez y vayan con Dios, amigos! John Boston, aka, Mr. Santa Clarita Valley, has been writing about and teaching the history of the SCV for more than 40 years. Recipient of The Will Rogers Lifetime Achievement Award and 119 major journalism honors, he is also author of the historical tome, “Images of America: The Santa Clarita Valley,” and other books. 

S E P T E M B E R 30, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 25

Coming This Weekend!!

SHOWCASE

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HALLOWEEN Ridley by revealing COC was interested in doing the screening. The 30-minute event will take place on Oct. 5 at 5 p.m. in the cinema department at COC, followed by a question-and-answer session with a Warner Bros. studio executive. “All the kids involved are 13 and under and it really turned out well,” Jason Downs said. “I helped them, along with my brother-in-law, who was their DP, and lots of folks from the community chipped in for locations and costumes, and it turned out great.” 

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to the classic “Indiana Jones” films, was written by Ridley and her father, Jason Downs. “We’ve watched the ‘Indiana Jones’ movies a million times, so we really picked up the way we talk,” she said. The film altogether took a year and three months to put together, between filming and editing, she said. Ridley attends Placerita Junior High and is thinking about other careers for when she grows up. However, she said she is also already thinking about other films she may want to make in the future. “It was a lot of fun filming,” she said. “We got some really weird looks when we were doing scenes like, reading the spell to summon the dead at Vasquez Rocks, and also when we had to wear armbands with the Nazi symbol for our costumes … but I love acting and directing, and it felt so good when it was finally done.” After production wrapped up four months ago, Jason Downs surprised

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S E P T E M B E R 30, 2018

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna's Day: Creative Family Fun

GIVING IS REWARDING FOR PEOPLE AND PETS

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributor

t was midafternoon and time to grab a quick, brisk walk with granddog Cali around our city lake. Approaching the concession stand by the boat dock, I was about to make an abrupt move to avoid the area knowing Cali would go bananas and pull me by her leash in a tug of war in her pursuit of popcorn that people had dropped on the ground from overfilled bags. Just as I was making a move to veer from the crowd, a young boy came up to us and said in a kind voice, “Would your dog like a treat?” “Perfect timing — she would love a treat!” I said. He introduced himself as Anders, then continued, “They are made with peanut butter, and so far, the dogs around here have loved them!” He explained that his sister Hanna and their friends Lucy, Charlotte, Rosie and Holiday baked and brought them to the lakeside park to share. “Hey, Cali, forget the popcorn and hot dog bun crumbs!” I said as Anders gently offered her the homemade biscuit. “You’re in for something special!”

From left, Charlotte, Holiday, Lucy, Hanna, Anders and Rosie make pet toys for the Humane Society as Dash the cat plays.

as the kids offered their treats. Curious, I talked to Holiday’s “Providing school-age kids oppormom, 45-year-old Anne-Marie tunities to share and help others Fischer, an early-childhood family in a selfie-obsessed world is worth educator who was on the sidelines the time and effort as a parent and teacher,” she said. “They also made homemade dog toys for the Humane Society using recycled The American Pet Products Association Approximately 3.3 million dogs enter T-shirts,” she added. notes that 34 percent of dogs purchased animal shelters across the United States “We gathered the each year. While that’s a sizable number, it each year are obtained through breeders. simple supplies, had By choosing to adopt dogs from shelters represents a significant decline since 2011, fun crafting the toys rather than purchasing them from breedwhen 3.9 million dogs entered shelters, and delivering them ers, dog lovers can help reduce overcrowdaccording to the ASPCA. together. It was such ing at shelters and greatly reduce the numThe ASPCA estimates that slightly less a meaningful group ber of dogs that are euthanized each year. than half of the dogs that enter U.S. aniactivity. There were The Castaic Animal Care Center has mal shelters (1.6 million) are adopted each benefits for the kids in the creating and the Bow Wows & Meows Pet Fair schedyear. Some shelter dogs are strays who socializing, as well as uled for Oct. 14, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the are ultimately returned to their owners, the giving.” William S. Hart Museum. The event but the ASPCA estimates that 670,000 are Are you inspired to euthanized each year. features pet food, grooming, accessories, make playful toys for Dog lovers can help to lower that number apparel, adoptions and more. Admission is your own dog, or for by choosing to adopt their next dogs from free.  the Humane Society a shelter rather than buying from a breeder. — Metro Connection in your community?

Castaic pet fair

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog month

Get started on a fall weekend day with your kids and friends. It’s easy, fun and rewarding for both people and pets.

MAKE A ROPE TOY 1. Cut nine lengths of 1-inch-by25-inch-long strips from an old large T-shirt. Tie the ends together at one end, leaving about 1 1/2 inches free. 2. Separate lengths into three sections (3 strips per section) and braid the sections tightly together. Tie at the end in a secure knot, leaving about 1 1/2 inches free. Donna Erickson’s award-winning series “Donna’s Day” is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit www.donnasday. com and link to the NEW Donna’s Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.”  © 2018 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

S E P T E M B E R 30, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 27

Guess Who’s coming to Canyon Santa Clarita Oct. 4 By Stephen K. Peeples Signal Contributor

illions of classic rock fans don’t have to guess who scored worldwide hits in the ’60s and ’70s like “These Eyes,” “Hand Me Down World,” “No Time,” “No Sugar Tonight,” “Laughing,” “Undun” and “American Woman.” They know it was Canada’s most famous rock band, from Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Guess Who, with founding member Garry Peterson, will bring those songs — plus choice cuts from “The Future Is What it Used to Be,” the group’s first all-new studio album in 30 years — to the Canyon Santa Clarita on Thursday, Oct. 4. “We’re gonna play the music of The Guess Who past and present,” said Peterson, the band’s original drummer, taking a break from rehearsals for their latest U.S. tour, which kicked off Sept. 29 in Northern California. “You’re going to see an excellent version of the songs and hear exactly how they should sound or be played,” he said. The only member who’s appeared on every Guess Who album and tour for the last 56 years, Peterson played drums on all 15 of The Guess Who’s plays guitar and piano. Top 200 U.S. albums (three of them “Will E. (Evankovich), from Napa RIAA-certified gold), their 14 Top Valley, is our lead guitarist,” Peter40 U.S. singles (three gold, including son said. “He’s been with us almost “Laughing,” “These five years. And our Eyes” and the No. 1 newest member, Rudy “FOR YOUNGER “American Woman”). Sarzo, was an original PEOPLE WHO As a group memmember of Quiet WEREN’T BORN ber, Peterson is a Riot. He also played Canadian Music Hall with Ozzy Osbourne, YET OR WERE of Fame honoree, Whitesnake, Blue VERY YOUNG, THE and received the Oyster Cult and more. Governor General’s Rudy’s from Cuba, ALBUM WILL GIVE Performing Arts but lives in CaliforTHEM AN IDEA OF Award for Lifetime nia and has been in WHAT IT WAS LIKE the band about two Artistic Achievement for their contribution years.” BACK THEN.” to popular music in The same players FOUNDING MEMBER Canada. recorded the new GARRY PETERSON Still swinging a Guess Who album, rock ’n’ roll backbeat which D# and Will E. at 74, Peterson detailed The Guess co-produced. Who’s current lineup. “We designed the whole package to be a trip for our fans who lived “Leonard Shaw lives in Winnipeg, through the magic era of rock ’n’ roll and plays keyboards, flute and sax,” and pop music in the late ’60s and Peterson said. “He’s been in the band more than 20 years. Lead singer Derek early ’70s and remember this band,” Peterson said. Sharp, aka D#, is from Thunder Bay, “And for younger people who Ontario. He’s in his 11th year, and also

COURTESY PHOTO

weren’t born yet or were very young, the album will give them an idea of what it was like back then,” he said. “It was quite a trip back in time to create this new music. That’s why we call it ‘The Future Is What it Used to Be,’” he said. “And this is such a great band, fun to play with live. At my age I’m having a rebirth, enjoying what I do as much as ever.” Find out more at The Guess Who’s official website www.theguesswho.com Find the Canyon Santa Clarita on the

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S E P T E M B E R 30, 2018

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

Museum Mania By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

he kids are back in school and most likely will attend a field trip or two this year to see the La Brea Tar Pits or the California Science Center. However, Los Angeles has dozens of visit-worthy museums, some offering free admission. If you want to make it a family affair, or simply a chance to explore your own passions or interests, here are a few museums to explore. For more information, there’s also a list of free museum days at socalmuseums.org/free.

States. Historic Southwest Museum Mt. Washington Campus is open Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 234 Museum Drive, Los Angeles, 90065. Free Admission. Info: https://theautry.org.

The Broad Address: 221 S. Grand Ave. Los Angeles, 90012 Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday-Friday 11 a.m. Autry Museum of the American West. COURTESY PHOTOS

Autry Museum of the American West

Address: 4700 Western Heritage Way Los Angeles, 90027 Hours: Tuesday–Friday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Mondays. In preparation for the Autry’s 30th anniversary celebration, the museum will be closed on Saturday, Oct. 13. Guided tours: Weekends, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Gold Panning: Weekends, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission: Adults: $14; Students (with current ID) and Seniors (60+): $10; Children (3-12): $6; Children under 3: Free. Open and free on the second Tuesday of every month. The Autry is a museum dedicated to bringing together the stories of all peoples of the American West, connecting the past with the present. Located in Griffith Park, the Autry features world-class galleries filled with Native American art and cultural materials, film memorabilia, historic firearms, paintings, and more. The Autry’s collection of more than 500,000 pieces of art and artifacts includes the Southwest Museum of the American Indian Collection, one of the largest and most significant collections of Native American materials in the United

to 8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Admission to The Broad is free. Some special exhibits require advance purchase tickets. The best way to get into The Broad is to obtain timed entrance tickets. The standby waiting line can be long depending on day and time of your visit. Advance tickets are available on The Broad’s website. The “must-see” exhibits at The Broad are two of Yayoi Kusama’s “Infinity Mirror Rooms,” which are currently on view at The Broad. Each room is free to visit but a separate reservation is required for each room. My favorite room is “The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away” (2013). There are no words to describe this amazing work of art. “Longing for Eternity” (2017) is also worth the visit. The Broad is a contemporary

art museum founded by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad, and is home to more than 2,000 works of art in the Broad collection, which is among the most prominent holdings of postwar and contemporary art worldwide. Info and reservations: www.thebroad.org.

sixth millennium BC, and marble vessels and figurines from the Cycladic islands and Cyprus, dating from the Bronze Age. There are also significant holdings of Greek bronzework, sculpture from southern Italy, and an original Greek bronze statue of the Hellenistic period known as “The Victorious Youth.” The Getty Villa itself is a recreation of an ancient Roman country house and offers a taste of life in the first century A.D. Info: http://www.getty.edu/visit/villa

The Getty Villa

Address: 425 N Los Angeles St. Los Angeles, 90012 Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Admission: $3 Adults; $2 Seniors (60 and over) and students (with ID). I stumbled upon this tiny gem of a museum during one of my downtown “wanderings.” There is a new main entrance for the museum. Enter the Chinese American Museum (located in the historic Garnier Building) through the courtyard facing Union Station. The museum is housed in the oldest and last surviving structure of Los Angeles’ original Chinatown, the 7,200 square foot museum was opened in 2003 at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument,

Address: 17985 Pacific Coast Highway Pacific Palisades, 90272 Hours: Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Tuesdays. Admission: Free, but a timed-entry ticket is required. Parking is $15. A visit to the Getty Villa offers exposure to Greek and Roman art in a setting that recreates a first-century Roman villa. Home to the J. Paul Getty Museum’s antiquities collection, the two-floor museum displays art that spans the 7,000 years from the end of the Stone Age to the fall of the Roman empire. The J. Paul Getty Museum’s antiquities collection includes approximately 44,000 Greek, Roman and Etruscan antiquities. The earliest objects are Neolithic clay figurines, dating back to the

Chinese American Museum

See MUSEUMS, page 42

S E P T E M B E R 30, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 29

T R AV E L

WASHINGTON D.C. It’s important to plan ahead when visiting the nation’s capital constituents in the 25th Congressional District can make requests online at Knight.House.Gov. remember when I was 16, my Click on the “Services” tab and then grandparents paid for our family click on “Tours.” Requests should be to visit Washington D.C. We spent made three months in advance. If you a week visiting the nation’s capital make your requests more than three and Williamsburg, Va. months in advance, the office will keep We spent months preparing for the your requests on file and submit your trip. We read books about each of the requests at the proper time. monuments we would visit and each of Because of demand, there is no guarus made a list of what we most wanted antee that you will receive tickets for all to see. the tours you request. We visited the National Archives, the Summer is extremely busy in WashWhite House and the FBI. ington D.C., as well as hot and humid. I remember the first night we were in Jusuf said that fall is a good time to D.C. we visited the National Archives plan your trip. so we could view the original copy “Washington does have four seaof the Declaration of Independence. sons,” he said. “I think the best time to It took my breath away to be looking visit is in the fall, when it starts to cool through the thick glass at that amazing down, but it isn’t snowing, yet.” document. The spring, when the cherry blosOur trip to the White House was soms are in bloom, is another good so memorable that I can still visualize option for visiting the nation’s capital. what it was like to walk However, determining through the Blue Room exactly when the cherry DETERMINING and see the portrait of trees will be in full EXACTLY WHEN George Washington on bloom is more art than THE CHERRY the wall and the 1817 science. ormolu French Empire There is so much to TREES WILL BE mantel clock. see and do you’ll never IN FULL BLOOM I remember that our get to everything you painstaking research IS MORE ART might want to see. paid off when we were Carefully prioritize THAN SCIENCE. allowed extra time to what is important for stay in each room beyou and your family to cause we knew so much see. Plan your trip with about the décor and furnishings. your children’s ages and interests in Our visit to the Lincoln Memorial mind, as well. was equally enthralling. We visited Jusuf said constituents are also invitduring dusk and were there as darked to visit Knight’s office in Washington ness descended on the capital. My aunt D.C. started asking questions of the National “Our doors are always open and Park Service ranger in attendance, unlocked,” he said. Hours are 9 a.m. to before we knew it a crowd gathered 6 p.m. when Congress is in session, and around as he launched into an im9 a.m. to 5 p.m. when Congress is out promptu and informative lecture about of session. the memorial. “Washington is a great town to visit. It is important to plan carefully for It’s really good for students who are your trip to Washington D.C. and to learning American history to see how plan well in advance. our nation was founded and the unique You can request tickets for tours of system of government that America the White House, U.S. Capitol Building, has,” Jusuf said. “You can really see all of Supreme Court, Library of Congress that up close when you come to Washand FBI Building. ington D.C.” Chris Jusuf, communications director As a Washington insider, Jusuf said for Representative Steve Knight, said he recommends visiting the National

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

Air and Space

card (such as a driver’s license), or a passport to enter. No oth-

The White House in Washington, D.C. METRO CREATIVE

Museum on the National Mall and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Dulles International Airport. “I’m a big airplane and rocket nerd, so I think those museums are spectacular,” he said. Some tours (White House, Library of Congress, Bureau of Engraving and Printing and United States Capitol) can also be requested from the offices of California Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris.

What to see in D.C. White House The cornerstone of the White House was laid in 1792. John Adams and his wife moved into the unfinished White House in 1800. He was the first President to live in the White House. The interior of the White House was gutted and rebuilt during the Truman Administration, only the exterior walls were left standing. Truman and his family moved back into the White House in 1952. If you score tickets to a White House tour you must have either a valid government-issued US identification

er ID is accepted. Make sure the details on your ID matches your submitted details exactly. Also, there is a long list of prohibited items including video recorders, purses, bags and backpacks, strollers and food and beverages.

U.S. Capitol The United States Capitol Visitor Center opened in 2008. The center provides a single security checkpoint for all visitors and offers visitors a food court, restrooms and educational exhibits, including an 11-foot scale model of the Capitol dome. It also features skylights affording views of the actual dome. George Washington laid the cornerstone for the Capitol in 1793. The building was finished in 1800, however the iconic dome was not added until 1855. The dome took 10 years to build and is made of cast iron, not stone.

Washington Monument The 555-foot obelisk honoring America’s first president towers above the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and was completed in two phases over See D.C., page 42

30 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

S E P T E M B E R 30, 2018

Elevated: A Hiking Adventure Lost and Found at Vasquez Rocks By Martha Garcia Signal Staff Writer

t was a fairly hot weekday morning in September, already 90 degrees. Not many other hikers were on the Vasquez Rocks Trail as I plodded along, getting a later start than I planned.

As I headed onto the trail, I passed a man heading out carrying camera equipment. He was dressed to work, not hike. I smiled and said, “Good morning.” Hikers are almost always courteous, there’s an unspoken hiking etiquette. He smiled in return and said, “Be See HIKING, page 44

Snow on the San Gabriel Mountains can be seen from Vasquez Rocks in Agua Dulce. PHOTO BY KATHARINE LOTZE

42 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

MUSEUMS

Continued from page 28

a 44-acre public park honored as Los Angeles’ “birthplace” and the site of its original Chinatown. Exhibits include “Journeys” which narrates Chinese immigration to the United States with an emphasis on community settlement in Los Angeles. The display is outlined into four distinct time periods. Each period is defined by an important immigration law and event, accompanied by a brief description and a short personal story about a local Chinese American and their experiences in that particular historical period. The Sun Wing Wo General Store and Herb Shop is a recreation of an actual store that was housed in the Garnier Building in the 1890’s. The Sun Wing Wo store opened in 1891 and remained in this building until 1948. On one side of the gallery, people can find merchandise sold at the general store such as food, clothing, furniture, firecrackers, and dishes; they can also find western products that were popular at the time such as cigars and perfumed soaps. The store also provided banking, postal, and

D.C.

Continued from page 29

36 years. It is built from marble, granite and gneiss from three different quarries. Visitors experience a 360-degree view from the observation area at the top. The interior of the monument contains nearly 200 memorial stones donated by states, cities, civic organizations and other nations in memory of President Washington. Twice a day, the National Park Service gives “walk-down tours,” providing a history of the construction of the monument and stories about individual memorial stones for anyone willing to make the 897-step journey down by foot.

Lincoln Memorial Construction of the Lincoln Memorial began in 1914, and it was ready for visitors in 1922. The memorial was designed in the style of the Greek Parthenon with the idea that a memorial to the man who defended democracy should be modeled after a structure from the birthplace of democracy.

S E P T E M B E R 30, 2018 letter writing services for the community. On the other side of the gallery, the museum recreated the herb shop where Chinese could practice Chinese Medicine. Info: www.camla.org or (213) 485-8567.

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Address: 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, 90007 Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Closed: Jan. 1, July 4, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Admission: Free the first Tuesday of each month (except July and August) and every Tuesday in September. Adults: $12; Seniors (62+): $9; Students (13-17 or college with valid ID): $9; Children (3-12): $5; Under 3: Free. The original Beaux Arts structure was the first museum building in Los Angeles, opening in 1913. Its massive collection spans more than 35 million objects and specimens. The museum is immense, so it is a good idea to download the museum’s layout and plan your visit in advance. If your time is limited you might

The memorial is 190 feet long, 119 feet wide and almost 100 feet high. It’s constructed of granite, marble, and limestone. To reach the Lincoln statue, guests must climb 98 granite and marble stairs and pass by the 36 Doric columns around the memorial chamber that represent the states in the Union at the time of Lincoln’s death.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial There are 58,000 names inscribed on the two polished black granite panels of the Vietnam Memorial. These are the names of the U.S. soldiers who died in service during the Vietnam War or who were unaccounted for when the wall was constructed in 1982. The memorial is located on the northwest corner of National Mall and Memorial Parks. A bronze statue, The “Three Soldiers,” representing soldiers of the Vietnam war, was placed nearby in 1984.

The Smithsonian Saying “visit the Smithsonian” is very misleading. The Smithsonian is actually a collection of 19 different museums, 11

want to head first to the Gem & Mineral Hall, where the exhibits include a 4,644-carat topaz, a 2,200-carat opal sphere and a quartz crystal ball with a diameter of 10.9 in and an impressive weight of 65lbs. Other highlights include three oldschool diorama halls and the effectively creepy and hauntingly crawly “Insect Zoo.” The NHM’s new “Dinosaur Hall” is extraordinary. Inside are more than 300 real fossils, and 20 complete dinosaurs and ancient sea creatures. The centerpiece of the exhibit is the T. rex growth series with the only trio of different aged T. rex specimens in the world. Info: https://nhm.org, (213) 763DINO.

William S. Hart Mansion and Museum Address: 24151 Newhall Ave. Newhall, 91321 Hours: Fall-Spring hours: Public Tours Wednesdays-Fridays, Noon to 3 p.m. Tours are offered every hour, with the last tour starting at 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: Free

of which are on the National Mall. You could spend an entire week just visiting Smithsonian museums and never get to any other attraction. Smithsonian Museums include: National Air and Space Museum (see Mercury Friendship 7 spacecraft piloted by John H. Glenn, Jr. in America’s first orbital flight and the Apollo 11 command module spacecraft from America’s first moon landing), National Museum of American History (see Thomas Jefferson’s portable desk used to draft the Declaration of Independence and Archie Bunker’s chair from “All in the Family”), National Museum of Natural History (see the Hope Diamond and the Hall of Dinosaurs) and National Portrait Gallery (see the Lansdowne portrait of George Washington, 1796 by Gilbert Stuart and Martha Washington, unfinished, 1796 by Gilbert Stuart).

National Archives The Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, located on the upper level of the National Archives museum, is the permanent home of the original Declaration of Independence, the Constitu-

The Hart Mansion and Museum is close to home and offers visitors an inside look at one of the Santa Clarita Valley’s most famous residents. A member of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, the William S. Hart Museum is the former retirement home of the famed silent film actor and director. Hart, a successful Broadway actor who became the silent screen’s first western hero and one of the biggest box office stars of the 1920s. The larger-thanlife actor made more than 50 silent films between 1914 and 1925. Hart’s Spanish Colonial Revival Style Mansion exhibits an impressive collection of Western artworks by noted artists Charles M. Russell, Frederic Remington and Joe de Yong, as well as mementos from early Hollywood, personal furnishings and effects, and artifacts representing multiple Native American cultures. The museum also includes an historic 1910 Ranch House that exhibits Hart’s tack and saddle collection, personal furnishings, and additional Hollywood mementos. Info: http://hartmuseum.org; (661) 254-4584 or email: information@ hartmuseum.org.  tion of the United States and the Bill of Rights. The Rotunda was renovated in 2003 to ensure the safekeeping of these records. Visitors will notice the cool temperature and the low lighting, which are designed to reduce the devastating effects of heat and light on the records. The Charters are displayed in specially designed encasements with aluminum and titanium frames, and the documents are surrounded by an inert gas.

Arlington National Cemetery The first military burial took place for Union soldiers during the Civil War on May 13, 1864. President John F. Kennedy is buried here, along with his brother Robert F. Kennedy. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery stands atop a hill overlooking Washington, D.C. Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place of nearly 400,000 people who have honorably served the United States. For more information, visit https:// washington.org/visitors-guide. 

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S C V F E AT U R E

HIKING

Continued from page 30

careful, someone told me there was a mountain lion on the prowl.” A mountain lion and an empty trail — everyone I saw was heading off the trail or climbing the famous rock formations near the start of the trail, with no intention of hiking further. I regarded the striated rock formations that jutted out of the brown earth like a giant prehistoric dagger with fascination and wariness. I was alone on a trail I wasn’t familiar with and didn’t think I was on the correct path. I’m an avid hiker. I’ve hiked many trails in California and take a yearly trip to hike the wondrous waterfall-laden trails in Yosemite. Yet somehow, I never hiked Vasquez Rocks, a trail less than 10 minutes from home. By a mile in, I was nervous. I was on alert for the mountain lion and doubting my course. My GPS indicated I was not following the correct path. Was I wandering off onto the famed Pacific Crest Trail without knowing it? Would I end up lost in the Sierras missing a boot like Cheryl Strayed in “Wild?”

Vasquez Rocks Vazquez Rocks Natural Park is located in Agua Dulce, 10 minutes from Valencia. Formed by the uplift from the San Andreas fault and millions of years of erosion, the 150-foot tall rocks served as a hide out for the outlaw Tiburcio Vásquez in 1874. The area includes several hiking paths, some well-worn and others unsigned and faded. Some paths zigzag through the hills, others give way to rock scrambling. The main hike is a moderately difficult 3.5-mile loop with a 400-foot elevation gain. It’s not a long hike, but it does have a few challenging inclines and crosses many of the smaller paths and fire roads. There are few trees, some low vegetation, but

mostly dusty rock formations — why most people come to Vasquez — that offer little shade, but are formidable and staggering in size and complexity. Pack accordingly with a hat, plenty of water and sunscreen. The main trail has smaller offshoots to explore, often taking you to other rock formations, which there is no shortage of and often resemble terrain from another world. More than 60 movies used Vasquez Rocks to film, including “Flintstones,” and “Planet of the Apes.” About a half-mile onto the trail at the top of a short incline, the horse trail extends southwest, which you’d be smart not to follow to avoid the road apples the horses leave behind. The path often resembles that of a drunken sailor leaving a bar at 2 a.m. as it winds and turns, giving way to other paths.

It is well worth the climb to see the sights from a higher location. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

Safety vs. adventure This hike had me thinking about safety. How do you balance your desire for adventure with fear of getting lost, or of wild animals, or a fellow hiker with bad intentions? I began to doubt myself. I worried about those things, but I kept moving, rather loudly in the hopes of scaring off the mountain lion. Despite my meanderings, I didn’t encounter the mountain lion and didn’t get lost. It isn’t easy to veer off onto the Pacific Crest Trail, or PCT, which is a 2,650-mile through-hiking trail that begins in Mexico and extends to Canada. I came to realize, sometimes you have to be more alert and cautious, other times, more adventurous.

The key, for me anyway, is to be careful, but never let the fear eclipse my love for the outdoors or exploration. As I made my way to the end, I realized how close I had been to the trail the entire time. I took some time to climb the main rock formation and its imposing jagged edges, admire the simple Tataviam Indian pictographs, and easily found the PCT, which to my chagrin was clearly marked with a large sign. Oh, and I returned home with both my boots. 

Safety an important component of hiking Hiking is a popular and accessible outdoor activity. According to the American Hiking Society, since the National Trail System was established under President Lyndon Johnson in 1965, the mileage of trails on federal lands has increased almost three-fold, from 88,000 to more than 193,000 in 2015. During that same time period, mileage of trails on state lands has increased from 15,000 to 42,500. And all those trails aren’t going to waste, as the Outdoor Industry Association notes that more than 34 million people went hiking in 2013. Hiking is a

great way to enjoy the great outdoors, but veteran and novice hikers must emphasize safety when traversing the trails. • Bring adequate supplies. Even hikers going on relatively brief hikes should pack supplies so they’re safe. Pack supplies such as a compass, a map of the trails you’ll be traversing, some basic first aid materials (bandaids, gauze, an antibiotic ointment, etc.), extra water and extra food

• Hike only in daylight hours. When hiking, be sure to turn back at a time of day that ensures you can return to

your vehicle in daylight. • Let loved ones know your plans. In addition to letting others know your plans, leave a note in the glove compartment of your vehicle explaining where you plan to hike. • Know the forecast. Weather can change at the drop of a hat, so before heading out, hikers should check the local forecast and make any necessary adjustments to stay safe. Be sure to include a rain jacket, sunscreen, ballcap, and warm clothing among your supplies to account for unexpected inclement weather.

Shorten hiking excursions if storms are in the forecast. Stay within your abilities. Some people may consider hiking a leisure activity, but many trails can be physically challenging. Hikers should stay within their capabilities and steer clear of trails they do not feel like they can traverse safely. Stop by the park’s visitor’s center prior to beginning a hike so you can get a list of trails and identify which ones are best suited to your abilities.  — Metro Connection

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

Museum Mania By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

States. Historic Southwest Museum Mt. Washington Campus is open Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 234 Museum Drive, Los Angeles, 90065. Free Admission. Info: https://theautry.org.

The Broad Address: 221 S. Grand Ave. Los Angeles, 90012 Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday-Friday 11 a.m. Autry Museum of the American West. COURTESY PHOTOS

Autry Museum of the American West

The Getty Villa

Chinese American Museum

See MUSEUMS, page 42

S E P T E M B E R 30, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 29

T R AV E L

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

Air and Space

card (such as a driver’s license), or a passport to enter. No oth-

The White House in Washington, D.C. METRO CREATIVE

Washington Monument The 555-foot obelisk honoring America’s first president towers above the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and was completed in two phases over See D.C., page 42

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Elevated: A Hiking Adventure Lost and Found at Vasquez Rocks By Martha Garcia Signal Staff Writer

t was a fairly hot weekday morning in September, already 90 degrees. Not many other hikers were on the Vasquez Rocks Trail as I plodded along, getting a later start than I planned.

Snow on the San Gabriel Mountains can be seen from Vasquez Rocks in Agua Dulce. PHOTO BY KATHARINE LOTZE

S E P T E M B E R 30, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 31

SCVSCHOOLS

CLIP N SAVE

SCV school districts

(choice of one entree, seasonal fruit and milk)

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

Elementary School Menus

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

Monday, Oct. 1

Fall Break

Tuesday, Oct. 2

Fall Break

Wednesday,

Breakfast Quesadilla & String Cheese Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich Chicken Nuggets Bean & Cheese Burrito Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar Chocolate Chip Cookie

Strawberry Splash Mini Pancakes Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit

Meatballs & Marinara Sub Dippin’ Chicken & Sauce Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar

Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fruit Juice

Chicken Sandwich Spicy Chicken Sandwich PBJ Sandwich & String Cheese Smart Choice Pizza Manager's Choice Seasonal Salad Bar

Oct. 3 Thursday, Oct. 4 Friday, Oct. 5

Interesting facts about pumpkins

alloween isn’t complete without jack-o’-lanterns, and jack-o’-lanterns can’t be made without pumpkins. Plenty of people are familiar with pumpkins thanks to their connection to Halloween and, of course, pumpkin pie, but few may know some of the more interesting aspects of this Halloween staple. Indigenous to the western hemisphere, pumpkins have been grown in North America for 5,000 years. But while they might be indigenous to the west, pumpkins can be grown in the eastern hemisphere, as well. History.com notes that pumpkin seeds do not have a long planting season. Ideally, seeds should be planted between the last week of May

and the middle of June. That gives pumpkin lovers precious little time do their planting. Once seeds are planted, pumpkin lovers must wait somewhere between 90 and 120 days for the pumpkins to grow. That makes October a great and popular time to do some picking. Pumpkin weighoffs have become popular events in many communities. At such events, growers of giant pumpkins bring their largest ones to be weighed. In 2016, Belgian Mathias Willemijns grew a pumpkin that is believed to be the biggest ever grown. That pumpkin weighed an eye-popping 2,624.6 pounds. Pumpkins support heart health. Perhaps because they’re most often

associated with pumpkin pie and pumpkin-flavored beer, the health benefits of pumpkins might go unnoticed. But pumpkins are rich in antioxidants that can help prevent damage to the eye, and the potassium found in pumpkins can have a positive impact on blood pressure. Pumpkins also are a great source of beta-carotene, and some studies have linked diets rich in beta-carotene with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Pumpkins are part of the gourd family, which means they’re closely related to fruits such as cucumbers, honeydew melons and cantaloupes.  — Metro Connection

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YOURHOME PA R T 2

PLUMBING 101

Ed. note: This story is the second in a two-part series looking at ways that homeowners can save big money on their plumbing appliances with timely upkeep. Part I looked at how to prevent wear and tear from regular, daily water usage; Part II takes a look at maintaining the appliances that keeps the water in your home flowing. By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

ike we discussed in Part I, many expensive repairs to home appliances can be avoided with regular maintenance, according to Kirk Stinson, owner of Plumbing by Kirk in Saugus. But homeowners should also know that the maintenance is so vital, the expensive repairs are almost inevitable without at least an occasional checkup. Without it, they can expect to replace their appliances more often, which are almost always costly purchases.

Garbage disposals Stinson said most people are unaware of the correct operation of garbage disposals. “One of my favorite things to teach people is how to run their garbage disposal,” he said. “Most people don’t know that you can keep your lines cleared by running your garbage disposal frequently. Most people turn on the garbage disposal, grind up the food and then turn it off. That’s not how you should use it.” Stinson said you should run your garbage disposal frequently to push water through the system. “One of the best things you can do for your drains is to run the garbage disposal when you’re pouring a big pot of hot water down the drain after cooking pasta or potatoes,” he said. “Your garbage disposal will work like a ‘hydro-jetter,’ forcing the water through system and keeping the lines clear.” Stinson said it is important to use your garbage disposal often. “In the kitchen, two things will

break if you don’t use them much: the dishwasher and the garbage disposal,” he said.

Water heaters A water heater is not a system you can simply install and forget. Stinson said the lifespan of a water heater can significantly be lengthened, especially in the SCV, by regular maintenance. “Standard water heaters should be drained a minimum of once a year,” he said. “Tankless water heaters needed to be descaled a minimum of once a year and sometimes more often.” Stinson said water heaters need more attention them most homeowners realize, especially in the SCV, where the hard water can cause premature water heater failure.

Area drains Stinson said area drains are the most commonly neglected drains by homeowners. “You should snake out the drains yearly from the first day you buy your house,” said Stinson. “Typically, I’ll get a call when it rains and the homeowner will tell me that the drains are backing up and flooding the backyard; then I’ll find out they’ve owned the house for 15 years and never had the drains snaked or looked at.” Stinson said long-neglected area

METRO CONNECTION

drains are almost impossible to easily clear. “By that time, the drains are filled with dirt and roots,” he said. “A few years back when we had big rains, we pulled out 37 feet of roots that were three inches around at a house that was all concrete from the backyard to the front. We were fortunate we didn’t have to tear up the concrete. It took us about 16 hours to get all the roots out.” Stinson said regular drain maintenance will cost from $150 to $350 a year depending on the home, but an emergency like the one he described cost the homeowner $3,200. “And if you have to tear up concrete it becomes enormously expensive,” he said.

More tips Stinson offered these plumbing tips to SCV homeowners: • Every homeowner should have a “meter key” to turn off the water to your home at the water main. • Every homeowner should know where the water main is located and how to use the meter key to turn off the water. • Homeowners should open and close the alves under the sinks and toilets on a regular basis. “I highly recommend you exercise the valves in your house regularly. Just turn them on and off a couple of times,” Stinson said. • Exercising your valves will prevent the valves from “freezing” up and becoming useless when you need them. “My goal is to educate as many people as I can. I hate to see people who are targeted by unscrupulous people looking for a payday,” he said. “I always recommend homeowners get a second opinion before embarking on an expensive plumbing job.”

Pipes Copper pipes used to be the standard for replacement pipes. Stinson said the industry has now moved on to PEX pipes. “The re-pipes are easier and faster, and the pipe itself will never go bad,” said Stinson. “It doesn’t have a lifetime guarantee, but it doesn’t get eaten away.” 

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FOOD

s t s a f k a e r B st

in Town

By Michelle Sathe Signal Staff Writer

t’s often said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Yet so many people rush through it with an uninspiring bowl of cereal or worse, skip it altogether. Not me — I never miss breakfast and take every opportunity to enjoy it at a local restaurant. There’s just something special about kicking off the day with a big, bountiful plate of food, preferably served with a smile and lots of iced tea (or coffee, if that’s your jam). And here’s an added bonus: If you get good and stuffed, and you won’t need

to eat again until dinner — so, it’s really like two meals! Whether you like it sweet or savory, healthy or decadent, here are some of the best places to get your breakfast on in the Santa Clarita Valley:

Casa Canela Hours: Open daily 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Address: 27647 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus • (661) 523-7282

Top: Daily Harvest Café breakfast pizza Bottom: Casa Canela enfrijoladas PHOTOS BY MICHELLE SATHE

See BREAKFASTS, next page

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

TUESDAY IS MARGARITA DAY!

Watch All The Games 14 Big Screen TVs Happy Hour All Day! Sports Bar Only Featuring NFL Sunday Ticket

1/2 Price Bar or Dining

LIVE MARIACHI HAPPY HOUR Friday 7-10

Every Day 3-5

Lunch Deal BUY ANY ENTREE AND GET THE SECOND ENTREE HALF OFF

MEDRANOSMEXICANFOOD.COM

Monday to Friday 11:00am to 3:00pm One coupon per person. Copies and digital coupons not valid. Dine in only. Valid Until October 31

THE BEST SERVICE IN TOWN!

19319 SOLEDAD CANYON ROAD •

(661) 367-4945

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FOOD

BREAKFASTS

Continued from previous page

This big, bustling restaurant has all the classics, plus a selection full of Mexican favorites like huevos rancheros and chilaquiles. There’s also something unique called “enfrijoladas”($10.95) – three enchiladas filled with scrambled eggs, peppers and onions, topped with green sauce and a drizzle of crema, served on a bed of wonderful, clearly homemade refried beans. It’s filling and fabulous when paired with the house potatoes (ask for those to be cooked crispy — you’re welcome). Oh, and you can also add a Belgian side waffle for $5.99, which is perfect to split with a pal.

Cathy’s Deli Hours: Open daily 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Address: 23120 Lyons Avenue, No. 24 Newhall Owner Eric Tovar-Plummer is so obsessed with breakfast that he used to travel as far as Carmel to get a good one. Thankfully, you’ll only have to drive to

Newhall to get inspired breakfast dishes at Cathy’s Deli, such as the decadent duck confit Benny ($13.95), savory duck layered over English muffins, topped with luscious poached eggs and a lemony bright hollandaise. The huge, unwieldy, yet obscenely delicious breakfast hamburger ($13.95) features crispy hash browns and eggs any way you choose with a sizzling beef patty and a generous smear of bacon onion cranberry jam on a soft brioche bun. Got a sweet tooth? Try the towering slabs of horchata French toast ($13.95), bearing crispy brown bits from the griddle and a custard-like, sweet cinnamon center that melts in your mouth.

Daily Harvest Café & Juicery

Hours: Open Tuesday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Closed Monday)

We can’t wait to see you! At It’s A Grind, we get you just like a BEST FRIEND 29641 The Old Road, Castaic (661) 702-9636

Top: Southern Smokehouse Bottom: Gyromania greek omelette

Address: 22722 Lyons Avenue, Suite 6 Newhall • (661) 383-9387 If you’re looking for a place to please everyone in your party – foodies, vegans, and those on gluten-free, keto, or paleo diets – then head to the Daily Harvest Café & Juicery. Avocado toast ($6.50) is magical here – crispy, yet soft bread topped with a generous amount of vibrant avocado mash and juicy cherry tomatoes. Add an egg ($2) or a huge mound of luscious, wild-caught smoked salmon ($4.50) to make it a meal. The breakfast pizza ($10), is a thin, crispy flatbread nestling savory chunks of pancetta, succulent cubes of potatoes, melted pecorino cheese, and two beautifully baked eggs showered with basil and green onion. Freshbaked goodies ($3.50 to $5) include an irresistibly moist, gluten-free zucchini bread with notes of cinnamon or a hearty yet tender vegan Chia seed muffin loaded with banana essence and toasted walnuts. Need a little extra boost? Order an organic, cold pressed juice ($9.50) for yourself or a gorgeous flight ($10) of eight jewel-toned shots for the table. You’ll leave energized and ready to take on the day.

Gyromania

Hours: Open daily 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Address: 20655 Soledad Canyon Road Saugus • (661) 252-4976 Gyromania has a fun, casual vibe, but the food is seriously tasty, not to mention generous. At breakfast, you’ll

get diner-style quality pancakes, French toast, burritos, and sandwiches, served quickly and at a great price. The Greek Omelette ($6.99) is bursting with fresh veggies like spinach, tomatoes, and bell peppers inside a tender, fluffy three-egg envelope topped with lots of melted cheddar and creamy, tangy feta. Fresh, seasoned hash browns and your choice of bread round out the meal. Hot tip – get some garlic sauce from the selfserve condiment bar and spread on top of the omelet for next level flavor.

Smokehouse on Main

Brunch served only on Sunday, Hours: 9 a.m. to noon Address: 24255 Main Street, Newhall (661) 888-4585 Sundays are a great day to indulge in a big, yummy breakfast and Smokehouse on Main delivers the goods with a down-home, barbecue-influenced flair. Weather permitting, grab a seat on the patio, break out the paper and linger over options like Texas breakfast tacos, hash brown casserole, or the Southern Eggs Benedict. The latter has layers of smoky, fork tender pulled pork on English muffins, topped with picture-perfect poached eggs and a creamy, dreamy hollandaise sauce. There are vegetarian benedicts and omelets, too, all served with stellar hash browns and your choice of toast. 

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FOOD

Michele Makes … Blackberries By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

n the Pacific Northwest, blackberries grow wild alongside the road. You can stop and pick blackberries until your heart’s content. Sadly, many people in the Northwest consider blackberry bushes “weeds” and do their best to cut, pull and exterminate the bushes in their yards. It’s a way of thinking I don’t understand. What could be more fun than going out your backdoor and picking ripe fruit right off a bush and eating it? When we bought our home on Whidbey Island, Wash., I was thrilled to see blackberries growing in the backyard. The first time I picked a ripe berry to eat, my husband was very concerned. “City Boy” that he is, he wasn’t sure it was “safe.” “How do you know it isn’t a poisonous berry?” he asked. I was born and raised in Washington state. Blackberry juice flows in my blood. I ate the berry and explained I had grown up eating wild blackberries — I knew a blackberry when I saw it. He watched me carefully for several hours to make sure I didn’t get sick.

Blackberry Freezer Jam is easy to make, and will easy keep in the freezer for a year. PHOTOS BY MICHELE E. BUTTELMAN

Blackberry Shortcake

My husband isn’t as enamored of the blackberry bushes as I am. They do require constant pruning and maintenance to make sure they don’t take over the entire yard. He does, however, enjoy the blackberry jam I make. His morning ritual usually includes smearing a hearty portion of the jam on an English muffin at breakfast.

I love strawberry shortcake and I thought it would be fun to make blackberry shortcake, too. Bisquick is my “go-to” shortcake recipe. Ingredients:

Blackberry Freezer Jam Blackberry Freezer Jam is easy to make and keeps well for months in the freezer. The best part of Blackberry Freezer Jam is the fresh berry taste. Because you don’t cook the fruit, or can the jam in a water bath, the integrity of the berries is not altered by high heat. Recipes for Blackberry Freezer Jam are included with your box of pectin you’ll need to purchase to make the jam. I am a fan of Ball Pectin, but any pectin will do, and the recipes are all about the same. Ingredients:

3 cups crushed berries (about 2-1/4 lb. or 6, 6-oz containers). Tip: I use a potato masher to crush the berries. 5 1/4 cups sugar 3/4 cup water 6 tbsp Ball Real Fruit Classic Pectin 6 8 oz. half pint freezer containers

Directions: Place the crushed blackberries in a large bowl and add the sugar. Make sure to mix the sugar and berries together thoroughly. Let stand 10 minutes. Combine the water and pectin in a small saucepan. Bring to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down, stirring constantly. Boil hard for 1 minute, continuing to stir. Add the cooked pectin mixture to the berries and stir for 3 minutes. Ladle the freezer jam into clean freezer containers leaving 1/2-inch headspace. I found some really neat plastic freezer jam containers that I use. Apply caps and let jam stand in refrigerator until set, but no longer than 24 hours, then freeze. Remove jam from freezer and thaw to serve.

Blackberry cobbler is a family favorite.

That’s all there is to it! You can eat the jam immediately. Refrigerate up to 3 weeks or freeze up to 1 year.

Blackberry Cobbler This is a much-loved recipe handed down in my family. Ingredients:

2 1/3 2/3 3 3 2 1 1 ½

cups Bisquick cup milk tablespoons sugar Grated peel of 1 lemon tablespoons melted butter tablespoons sugar pint (12 oz.) fresh blackberries cup sugar cup water Whipped cream for garnish

Directions: Heat oven to 425°F. Stir Bisquick mix, milk, 3 tablespoons sugar, lemon peel and the butter until soft dough forms. On ungreased cookie sheet, drop dough by spoonfuls to make six shortcakes. Sprinkle sugar over tops using 2 tablespoons sugar.

3 pounds fresh blackberries 1 lemon (juice the lemon and I also add lemon zest) 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/3 cup white sugar 2 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup powdered sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup cold butter (cut the butter into small cubes) 1 cup half and half

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×13 pan with nonstick cooking spray. Toss berries with lemon zest and juice, cornstarch, vanilla and white sugar. Spread them out in the 9×13 pan. In another mixing bowl, stir together flour, powdered sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use a pastry cutter to cut in butter until it resembles a course meal. Pour in the half and half and stir to form a thick batter. Pour batter on top of the berries to form the cobbler crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.

Blackberry shortcake is a quick and easy dessert to impress your friends.

Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. In 1-quart saucepan, combine sugar and water. Cook over medium heat until sugar is dissolved, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, stir in blackberries. Split warm shortcakes; fill with blackberries and syrup. Cover with top halves of shortcakes; dollop with whipped cream and additional blackberries. If I feel “super fancy,” I will sprinkle confectioners sugar on the top, as well. 

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PERSONALITY PROFILE

REENA NEWHALL:

The SCV’s First Lady of Dance By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

eena Newhall was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. during WWII. While her father served in the military, Newhall and her mother lived with her grandparents, immigrants who arrived in the United States in 1914 from the Ukraine. “We lived in a building that had a view of the Brooklyn Bridge and with people of very diverse backgrounds,” she said. Newhall notes that her old building is still standing in the now “gentrified” section of Brooklyn, which boasts multimillion-dollar condos.

Education Newhall attended a Catholic high school in New York. “It was a school that trained nuns,” she said. “I decided I was more interested in show business than in being a nun.”

Newhall said her high school education did teach her compassion and concern for people. After high school, Newhall attended the new Fashion Institute of Technology at 27th Street and Eighth Avenue in New York. The school is now an internationally recognized college for design, fashion, art, communications and business. “I met some interesting people there, including designers Lilly Dache and Mr. John,” she said. Dache was a French-born American hat and fashion designer and John was an American designer of women’s hats. “It became the most prestigious school for fashion,” said Newhall. “It was a two-year course and I learned to make costumes. I also learned about management and accounting. I also learned how to make an advertisement, and many other skills I thought I’d never use, but found came in handy in later years.”

Becoming a dancer “My favorite memory of growing up in New York was going to Coney Island,” she said. “I would dance on the table when I was 3 years old, and get free pizza. I tell people that I started dancing for free pizza on Coney Island.” As Newhall grew older, she became more and more interested in dance. “I tried out for a couple of gigs on Broadway,” she said. “I used to go to the auditions and try out. I didn’t always make it,

Reena Newhall wears professional leather clown shoes available at A Chorus Line Danceware and Costumes in Valencia. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON

but sometimes I got lucky.” On one of her “lucky” days she was hired to be in the chorus of a Barbra Streisand show, before Streisand was a household name. Newhall also appeared as a background dancer on “The Arthur Murray Party” TV show hosted by Arthur and Kathryn Murray. “It got me interested in ballroom dancing. They had a studio on Fifth Avenue in New York, and it was a prestigious studio,” she said. “I was selected to teach at their studio. I had several celebrity clients. We would teach them the basics of ballroom dance for movies and shows.”

Tony and Reena Newhall in disco attire in the late 1970s. PHOTO COURTESY REENA NEWHALL

Moving to California Many of the students who graduated from the Fashion Institute would continue on to Ivy League or other four-year schools. However, Newhall remembered the phrase made famous by New York Tribune editor Horace Greeley: “Go West, young man.” Newhall was living in the early years of the women’s liberation movement with the likes of Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem, who encouraged women to seek new opportunities for themselves. “I thought ‘Men?’ Why not women, too?’ I wanted to see what Hollywood was like,” she said. Her entire family — her mother, sister and grandmother — lived in New York, but Newhall decided to

S E P T E M B E R 30, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 37

PERSONALITY PROFILE move to Los Angeles. “I thought I would just try it and see how it worked out,” she said. “It turned out that my family followed me out here.” At age 21, Newhall arrived in Los Angeles with $200 in her pocket. “I knew I had to get a job,” she said. As fate would have it, the Whisky a Go Go nightclub on Sunset Boulevard was auditioning for cage dancers. Newhall was hired to “dance in a cage,” she said. “I made really good money. It was fun.” “My costume wasn’t revealing,” she said. “I was a former Catholic school girl, so I was very covered up.” It was an exciting time for Newhall. She made new friends and soon was teaching at a dance studio in West Hollywood and working as a makeup artist at La Femme Fatale. Newhall, now 25, was supporting herself and enjoying life in West Hollywood. “I remember my mother saying, ‘Isn’t it about time you got married?’” she said. Newhall said, “No, I’m doing well.”

on Seco Canyon Road in Saugus in the mid-1970s. The first school was so successful she soon opened another location on Lyons Avenue in Valencia (now the site of the 99 Cents Only store) and in Canyon Country, near the Canyon Country Post Office on Soledad Canyon Road. “I was managing three dance schools with 20 teachers and was the single mother of three children,” she said. Newhall remembers those days fondly. “It was really a team effort,” she said. “We all helped each other.” When disco became “all the rage,” Newhall offered disco classes for adults. “It was quite ‘the thing,’” she said. As the schools grew, the students entered dance competitions and often won. She sold the dance studios in the early to mid-1980s to Carla Hunt Smallwood, and it is known today as Dance Studio ’84, the longest continually operating dance studio in the SCV.

Becoming a Newhall

Reena met Tony Newhall when she became his ballroom dance teacher. The couple married in 1982. They However, Newhall soon met a man, had a daughter in 1983. fell in love and moved to the Santa During the time they dated, they beClarita Valley in 1968. The couple had came cruise directors on Delta Cruise three children. Lines, which offered Newhall said passage between NEWHALL FOUNDED Vancouver B.C. and when she first arrived in California, San Diego. A CHORUS LINE she was surprised at “I had a friend IN THE LATE the “laid-back” culwho asked that I 1970S, WHEN HER ture of Los Angeles. ‘sub’ for her on a “No one was cruise, so I talked DANCE TEACHERS wearing hats or Tony into coming COMPLAINED ABOUT along,” she said. gloves,” she said. “In New York, everyone The couple taught HAVING TO GO TO always dressed up.” dance classes and HOLLYWOOD TO BUY However, comgave dance exhibiDANCE SHOES. pared to Los Angetions. les, the SCV seemed “One cruise was “primitive” to the booked with a group New York native. of travel agents and it was 90 percent “It really was a one-horse town at the women,” said Newhall. time,” she said. “I didn’t even have a They decided to host an all-female good pair of jeans.” “pajama party” for the guests. The However, it didn’t take long for the event was so successful the cruise line SCV “to grow on” Newhall. made it a regular feature for the travel “The people, the terrain — it was a agent cruises. little hotter than I was used to, but it “We continued to do cruises whenevsoon felt like home,” she said. er we were available,” she said. Her marriage didn’t last, but Newhall The couple, who lives in Valencia, liked living in the SCV and decided soon became busy with SCV nonprofto stay. After her divorce, she went to its. work opening Reena’s Dance Studio In 1972, Tony Newhall founded

Moving to Santa Clarita

Above: Reena Newhall, center, with daughters Jana Einaudi, left, and Beth Culhane at A Chorus Line Danceware and Costumes in Valencia. Right: Reena Newhall displays types of dance shoes. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON

the Boys & Girls Club of SCV Benefit Auction. “It was called the ‘Auction of Thrills, The Social Event of the Season,’” she said. “We still have the auction catalog. Now everyone has an auction, but then it was new and exciting.” The Newhalls were involved in many of the most notable SCV events including Frontier Days and the Fourth of July Parade. They also support Single Mothers Outreach, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and the Canyon Theatre Guild. “I enjoy working with the nonprofits,” she said. “It is important to give back now.”

A Chorus Line For many SCV residents, A Chorus Line, located on Cinema Drive in Valencia, is a “must-visit” Halloween store. The store carries dance shoes, dancewear and costumes. Newhall founded A Chorus Line in the late 1970s, when her dance teachers complained about having to go to Hollywood to buy dance shoes. She rented a small commercial space and began ordering shoes for her teach-

ers. Newhall’s small store soon attracted the attention of College of the Canyons and CalArts students. “We had to get a bigger space,” Newhall said. The store continued to grow as the film industry discovered A Chorus Line, and would come into the store to obtain costume pieces and other unique items. “We still work with some of those companies that need specialty items and such,” she said. “We carry a lot of things that people can’t find elsewhere.” October is always a busy month for A Chorus Line because of the extensive line of costumes the store carries.

Family Tony and Reena Newhall’s daughter Lindsey is currently working in the Peace Corps in Ukraine. She has lived in China and Thailand and writes for Vice Magazine. Reena’s three children from her first marriage are Eric, Beth and Jana. She also has six grandchildren. Her son Eric is lawyer with a law firm in New York. Beth and Jana now manage the day-to-day operations of A Chorus Line. 

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S E P T E M B E R 30, 2018

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

To Your Good Health By Keith Roach, M.D. Signal Contributing Editor

WHY DO WE HAVE HAIR?

There is a question that has intrigued me for years: What is the purpose of underarm and pubic hair? I guess, for that matter, what is the purpose of any body hair and hair on your head?

— B.H. ANSWER: Hair provides protection from the sun and helps regulate body temperature. Many evolutionary biologists believe our distant ancestors began losing most body hair when we began walking upright. Axillary (underarm) and pubic hair are thought to be conserved because they reduce friction, wick moisture away from the skin, provide a small degree of protection and as part of sexual selection, possibly due to pheromones, hormones that act outside the body to attract others.

I’m confused. While it may be true that the majority of men having prostate cancer may never be bothered by it, what about the minority whose lives will be threatened by it? If they aren’t screened and treated, many will die. — G.F.

ANSWER: I had a professor in medical school, Dr. Larry Wood, who used to say, “If I have confused you, you’re probably paying attention.” You have identified a major issue with prostate cancer screening (and screening in general): If screening harms some but saves the lives of a few, is it worth doing? That answer may be different if you are coming from a public policy perspec-

tive versus an individual perspective. Although we don’t know the exact numbers, it is estimated that about 47 men need to be treated for prostate cancer in order to save one life. Put another way, 46 out of 47 men are treated for prostate cancer, with its attendant risk of side effects, such as loss of sexual function and incontinence, without reducing their likelihood of dying of prostate cancer. We can’t predict with certainty whose prostate cancer is destined to kill them and whose is destined to be more indolent and slow-growing. The Gleason score, a measure of pathologic appearance of the cancer, helps, but is not completely accurate. Ninety percent of men with screening-detected prostate cancer elect to get it treated. Based on the many letters I get, all of them feel like they were the lucky ones to have had their lethal cancer removed — even if, statistically, most of them were not destined to die from prostate cancer. Because it is likely that the harms of screening outweigh the benefits, the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force has recommended against prostate cancer screening in general. However, there are certainly cases in which I feel prostate cancer screening (remember that “screening” means that there are no symptoms or signs of cancer) is appropriate, which is why it’s important to have an individualized discussion of the risks and benefits of screening. The booklet on the prostate gland discusses enlargement and cancer. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Roach, No. 1001W, 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery. Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu. To view and order health pamphlets, visit www.rbmamall.com, or write to Good Health, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.  ©2018 North America Synd., Inc.

Reap the benefits of physical therapy

njuries have the potential to sideline people for weeks, months or permanently. Injury to the body can occur when participating in organized sports, fitness regimens or even after being in an accident. Recovering from incidents that can impact mobility and range of motion takes time, but physical therapy can help the body acclimate to regular activity once more. Physical therapy also can help healthy people as well. Those who have suffered a sprain or a broken bone or even spent a duration of time immobile in the hospital due to an illness are often prescribed physical therapy as part of their follow-up treatment. Physical therapy programs try to progressively increase strength, improve mobility and help the body return to a state where it can function as best as possible. In many cases, a person can regain his or her original capabilities. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, a physical therapist is a trained and licensed medical professional who has the experience to diagnose physical abnormalities, restore physical function and mobility, maintain that function, and promote proper form for future activity. Physical therapy sessions can take place in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, fitness settings, private practices, and much more. Not only can physical therapists react to and treat an injury, but they can also teach exercises, stretches and techniques to help prevent problems in the first place. Experts at Bay State Physical Therapy indicate that phys-

ical therapy extends beyond disabled or injured people. Physical therapists can educate a person on weaknesses in the body and can guide correction on poor body mechanics that cause pain. This way a person can make changes to prevent future pain and injury. Rather than being reactionary, healthy individuals can take a proactive approach to avoiding pain and injury. When one opts for physical therapy, he or she may • undergo a physical exam and evaluation of pain, movement, flexibility and performance;

• receive a clinical diagnosis and plan of care; • establish long-term goals; • participate in physical therapy treatment, which may include stretching, movement and weight-bearing activities based on the therapist’s guidance, or • be given at-home work to further progress in between sessions. While physical therapy can be used for recovery from strokes or paralysis, injuries, trauma, and musculoskeletal conditions, it also benefits healthy people. For example, physical therapy can teach people how to improve their balance and prevent falls. When people hear about physical therapy, they tend to think it is for people with injuries. While physical therapists can help heal injured parts of the body, physical therapy continues to evolve to assist with overall wellness.  — Metro Connection

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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 39

Autumn beats springtime for SCV’s top gardening season! By Jane Gates Signal Staff Writer

s of Sept. 22, autumn officially has arrived. That means outdoor gardening conditions will become more comfortable as the weather offers us cooler nights and more relief from heat. Autumn has always been the planting season for native flowers, trees and woody shrubs. But with summer’s burning, triple-digit heat shortening what used to be the ideal planting season of springtime, the fall is now becoming the best season for all our gardening projects. Cooler temperatures allow plants to establish root systems over the winter months and whatever rain we have will be oxygenated and will help new plantings thrive better than artificial irrigation. Sooooo ... the autumn planting spree begins now! And here are just a handful of suggestions to help this best season for gardening get off to a good start.

Seed wildflowers on bare soil and hillsides If you have hillsides that need a quick fix or some filling-in while drought-tolerant perennials establish themselves, consider seeding with easy-to-grow wildflowers. Try California Poppies, yellow and white “Tidy Tips,” the brilliant blue Phacelia, Godetia in crisp pinks and whites for full sun, or “Baby Blue Eyes” for partial or full shade. If we get rain this winter, these seeds will cover your open areas with cheerful flowers come the early spring and they’ll help stave off erosion on hillsides while slower-growing perennials become established. Sprinkle seeds just before rain is predicted and hope raindrops plant them before the hungry wildlife gobbles them up. Seeding is inexpensive, easy and can fill empty spaces with a riot of color from winter’s end until the heat of summer comes.

Showy flowers hide in the plain packages Gardens large and small can benefit from planting bulbs, rhizomes and corms. They are simple to plant and ready to go. Keep an eye out for them as they trickle into the shops. Or order your bulbs now from catalogs online. Although most bulbs have a relatively short flowering life, they are incredibly showy when in bloom. In the right conditions, they’ll multiply underground to give you bigger flower clumps each year. Always plant bulbs in groups so they will form a natural-looking cluster. When clusters become too big, divide them up into other areas or give away extras to friends and neighbors. (If you already have overcrowded conditions, this is a good time to start divisions.) Iris clumps can also be divided now. (They are not actually bulbs, but rhizomes.) Edible bulbs like onions and garlic should be dug when the foliage starts to die back, and the bulbs should be allowed to dry off for a few days before storing in a cool, dry area. Now is also a good time to plant garlic and onion starter bulbs called ‘sets’. Search out flowering bulbs like Chasmanthe, Dichelostemma and Brodiaea that grow well in Santa Clarita with little added water. These are less toothsome to the gophers than other bulbs and corms. Gladioli, Watsonias and Freesias produce great flowers for cutting, but require more water. Lilies (technically corms) do best with a little shade. (These latter flowers are best planted in sunken wire baskets to discourage hungry gophers.) It’s amazing what colorful plants come from dreary looking bulbs, corms and rhizomes. Use them to fill the garden with explosions of color starting in the late winter.

Go native … or at least drought-tolerant Now is the best time to fill your landscape with drought-tolerant

plants and California natives — from now through April. There are some splendidly showy flowers in the Buckwheat, Acacia and Salvia families that survive with very little extra water once they have lived through a well-watered summer or two. Hopseed Bush (Dodonaea) is a large shrub or small tree with good drought tolerance and comes with green or deep red-purple foliage. Coreopsis daisies display bright yellow flowers. The Desert Fairy Duster (Calliandra eriophylla) has fluffy pink blooms. And Dymondia will turn a full sun area into a solid mat of green, punctuated with occasional yellow daisy flowers while growing less than an inch high. All these garden plants have minimal water needs. 

GARDENING

This Conejo buckwheat is a relative of the ones that grow wild on our hills. COURTESY PHOTOS.

40 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

S E P T E M B E R 30, 2018

SENIORLIVING A SECOND WIND

Homage to Adversity By Mary Petersen Signal Staff Writer

fter a recent spate of doctor appointments, nothing lifethreatening, I experienced the annoyance that accompanies dealing with physical ailments. I still expect my body will function like a well-oiled machine, and it’s frustrating when it malfunctions. The curse or the beauty of aging is that we don’t feel as old as we actually are. So we hurl down a river in a canoe, play weekend football or decide to take up CrossFit. Despite doing our best to maintain youth, everybody gets old—or at least, paradoxically, that’s the goal. Dealing with my physical complaints, although hardly qualifying as adversity, was a gentle reminder of the ongoing challenges, including aging, that we face in life. Adversity is a fundamental, universal feature of being human, but coping with it is as unique as each individual. Sometimes, adverse circumstances are so devastating that people succumb to addiction or suicide. But some people are able to undergo misfortune and thrive. We all know people who have dealt with overwhelming challenges and whose perspectives have propelled them into resilience and joy. I spoke to a young man last month who faced cancer when he was 11. At this young age, he endured a year of chemotherapy, surgeries, blood transfusions and infections. He suffered through weakness and bouts of depression. What sustained him, he said, was living in gratitude. He said, “Looking for the good doesn’t change the situation, but it does change the outlook. A positive outlook helps you handle the adversity.” Both he and his mother kept a gratitude journal throughout his trying experience and documented daily what they were thankful for. He

told me that as a butterfly requires strength to break out of its chrysalis and fly, this experience was his chrysalis and made him stronger so he could soar into life. He was grateful to have experienced cancer. So profound, and so counterintuitive— gratitude for his adversity. Adversity can foster an awareness that’s transformative. Upon completing breast cancer treatment, I felt myself blessed with insights. I was filled with patience and compassion. I felt like an illuminated soul who would be rescued from the trivial concerns of everyday life. I would no longer be petty. I would not lose patience with my children. I would never yell. I would give advice with elevated wisdom. I basked complacently in the certainty that I was transformed… Until the first time I found myself impatient with a phone solicitor, and then irate with my two children fighting. Shocking as it was, I discovered that transformation doesn’t sustain itself. The insights that I treasured have to be nurtured in an ongoing process of re-creation. Each day with its setbacks and uncertainty, we create our lives through our response to hardship. Adversity, more than happiness, can help us to discover who we are. New York Times writer David Brooks writes in his article “What Suffering Does,” “When people remember the past, they don’t only talk about happiness. It is often the ordeals that seem most significant. People shoot for happiness but feel formed through suffering.” Reflecting on hardship honors the experience, gives us insights about ourselves and fosters empathy for others. It doesn’t help us escape our pain, but it does give meaning to our lives. Psychologist Marilyn Price-Mitchell offers this metaphor about facing adversity. She says it is not about making lemonade out of lemons. “It’s about becoming the lemon, then tenderly squeezing until you taste the sweetness of a fruit you once imagined was only sour.” So I’m tenderly squeezing the sweetness from my sexagenarian life (which has nothing to

COURTESY PHOTO

do with sex). Look it up. The more I age, the better equipped I feel to deal with life’s challenges. I can appreciate adversity, embrace my vulnerability, establish a relationship with that unfailing companion mortality, and recognize with gratitude the joy of growing older with the support of loved ones. Aging is not for wimps. But we’re blessed if the trajectory of our lives takes us that far. If Theodore Roosevelt is right, we must all wear out or rust out, everyone of us. He urges us not to rust out, passively fearing uncertainty or trying to avoid chal-

lenges. To wear out is to live life fully despite frailties and courageously embrace experiences at every stage of life. I’m learning to manage the kinks and quirks of my aging body. Despite needing a paint job and frequent tune ups, this old jalopy hits the road each day. It may lack power steering and a navigational system, but it carries me through the unforeseeable twists and turns of my journey. Mary Petersen is a retired COC English instructor, 30-year SCV resident and two-time breast cancer survivor. 

Did you know?

ccording to a study from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, housing is the greatest expense in dollar amount and as a share of total expenditures for households in which a person 55 and older is considered the primary owner or renter of the home. Total annual household expenditures, which were culled from the BLS’ 2014 Consumer Expenditure Survey, totaled just over $49,000. These expenditures included food, housing, clothing, transportation, health care and entertainment, among other expenses.

The BLS study found that housing accounted for nearly one-third of annual household expenditures in households headed by people age 55 and older. In households headed by people between the ages of 65 and 74, housing expenses accounted for a slightly smaller percentage of overall annual expenditures, while housing accounted for 36.5 percent of overall expenditures in households headed by men and women age 75 and older. Such figures illustrate the need for men and women to account for housing expenses in their retirement planning.  — Metro Connection

Better brain health. Dear Neighbor, S E P T E M B E R 30, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 41

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ears, nose and throat, may be able to help fix the problem, though some people may be referred to a neurologist or another specialist. Continuing to use one’s sense of smell and taste by cooking, gardening, trying new flavors, and experimenting with different aromas may help slow down the decline these senses. Although age-related loss of taste and smell cannot be reversed, some such cases may be treatable.  — Metro Connection

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42 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

MUSEUMS

Continued from page 28

D.C.

Continued from page 29

The Smithsonian Saying “visit the Smithsonian” is very misleading. The Smithsonian is actually a collection of 19 different museums, 11

National Archives The Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, located on the upper level of the National Archives museum, is the permanent home of the original Declaration of Independence, the Constitu-

S E P T E M B E R 30, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 43

Child and Family Center: ‘Triking’ for a cause By Michele Lutes Signal Staff Writer

The Santa Clarita community is invited to get on some bikes and ride at the second annual Trike Derby at Wolf Creek Brewery on Oct. 6. The race will help to raise money for the Child and Family Center, an agency dedicated to providing help for mental health, substance-use prevention and domestic violence services. Businesses that register will have teams prepared to race, taking turns on a large tricycle through a relay race by process of elimination, said Cheryl Jones, vice president of marketing and community outreach for the SCV Child and Family Center. Participants also take part in a costume parade, wearing their own crazy costumes based on a particular theme, followed by a vote for best theme by derby spectators, she said. Having participated herself, Jones said riding the tricycles is not always so easy. “Last year, I was a racer,” she said.

“It sounds like it’s not scary, but it’s scary riding a trike like that.” Nevertheless, teams are welcome for fun and laughs. Admission for teams cost $1,600 for new teams, while returning teams will pay $1,000. The cost includes a trike for teams entering without one, a banner representing the company, advertising and social media recognition and four beers for team members. Team members need to be 21 years old or older, and the winning trike will be hung at Wolf Creek Brewery for a year. Businesses involved include returning champion Valencia BMW, Skyline Home Loans, AutoNation Chevrolet Valencia, Mercedes-Benz of Valencia and Chiquita Canyon Landfill, among others. The race will be followed with a performance by blues band Kelly’s Lot & Friends. For more information on the event, how to register and upcoming fundraising events through Child and Family Center, go to childfamily center.org/events. 

TOP: Sue Reynolds Buckley (left) and Jerry Buckley prepare for their race at the 2017 derby. LEFT: Josh Pickett (on right) and John Maly get ready to complete. SIGNAL FILE PHOTOS

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