Sunday Signal 100123

Get in the Spooky Spirit

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

It’s the season of ghosts, ghouls and goblins. This is the time of year to “get your scare on” and enjoy all things that go “bump in the night.”

Residents of the Santa Clarita Valley are lucky to have one of the premier spooky attractions in Southern California in their backyard — Six Flags Fright Fest.

Other area attractions include Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights and Halloween events at Disneyland and California Adventure. Don’t forget to include a trip to Knott’s Scary Farm which turns 50 this year.

Six Flags Fright Fest

Info sixflags.com/magicmountain/events/frightfest-2023

Magic Mountain is celebrating 30 years of Fright Fest on select nights Thursdays through Sundays and on Halloween night. They promise to leave “no tombstone unturned this haunt season.”

Featuring eight bone-chilling haunted houses and seven dare-to-enter scare zones with nightmarish zombies lurking around every corner Six Flags Magic Mountain also adds a sinister element to some of the park’s monster coasters by turning off the lights, leaving riders to face their fears in total darkness.

Admission to the haunted houses requires a separate ticket in addition to regular park admission.

“We’re excited to be bringing an unparalleled experience of fear and excitement to Southern California in honor of our 30th Fright Fest anniversary,” said Six Flags Magic Mountain Park President Don McCoy. “We’re upping the scare factor with two new haunted mazes, eerie new ghouls and monsters and the expansion of one of the event’s most popular scare zones.”

Highlights include:

The Conjuring Inspired by the horror film “The Conjuring,” the Perron family farmhouse has been terrorized and plagued by sinister spirits; SAW X Do you want to play a game? The return of Jigsaw inspired by the upcoming horror film

release “SAW X.”

Condemned House Party Beware the souls of Sigma Phi Mu Mu trapped in this dilapidated old frat house.

City Under Siege The clowns have taken over in the expansion of the park’s most popular scare zones and running rampant through the streets.

Popular returning haunted houses and mazes that incorporate state-of-the-art makeup, props and special effects include:

‹ Willoughby’s Resurrected, Truth or Dare, Vault 666 Unlocked and Sewer of Souls.

‹ Aftermath 2: Chaos Rising is the region’s largest outdoor maze, covering more than 40,000 square feet.

‹ Additional scare zones around the park include Devil’s Triangle, CarnivHELL, The Deadzone, TERRORtory Twisted, Nightmares – A Twisted Fantasy and Exile Hill.

Kids Boo Fest offers a range of frightfully fun family activities during the day on Fridays through Sundays during Fright Fest.

Enjoy a trick-or-treat trail in Bugs Bunny World, where you can collect sweet treats and encounter friendly characters along the way; two new spooktacular pint-sized mazes with ghoulish fun around every corner and a spooky ride aboard the Whistlestop train donned with festive décor.

Universal Halloween Horror Nights

Info universalstudioshollywood.com/hhn/en/us

The official theme of Halloween Horror Nights 2023 is “Never Go Alone.” It runs Wednesdays through Sundays and Halloween night.

The movie studio theme park will offer eight haunted houses including Holidayz in Hell, Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America, “Evil Dead: Rise,” Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count, “The Last of Us,” “Stranger Things 4,” “The Exorcist: Believer” and Universal Monsters: Unmasked.

Scare zones and entertainment include:

‹ El Terror de las Momias unleashes an ancient army of mummies on visitors.

‹ Ghostz pits you versus chainsaw-wielding ghostz.

‹ Toyz features a maniacal toymaker using dark magic to bring evil toyz to life, including a porcelain doll, teddy bear, nutcracker and ballerina. Now these devilish toyz are out of the toybox and after you.

‹ The Purge: Dangerous Waters is a new show where you will be thrust into The Purge during a fiery, EDM-fueled stunt spectacular.

Knott’s Scary Farm

Info knotts.com/events/scary-farm

It all started in 1973 as a fun three-day Halloween Haunt. Today, 50 years later, Knott’s Scary Farm is Southern California’s longest-running and most haunting Halloween theme park event.

Knott’s Scary Farm at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park will offer guests 10 frightening mazes, five sinister scare zones and four hair-raising shows. The golden anniversary of this Halloween tradition will feature new mazes and nostalgic nods to infamous haunts of the past.

Gates open at 7 p.m. each night for the separately ticketed event and close at 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 1 a.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. It will also be open on Tuesday, Oct. 31.

New mazes include Cinema Slasher Maze, The Chilling Chambers and Room 13. Returning mazes include Bloodline 1842, The Grimoire, Wax Works, Mesmer: Sideshow of the Mind, Origins: The Curse of Calico, The Depths and Dark Entities.

The Gauntlet is a new scare zone that joins Ghost Town Streets where Scary Farm all began. Other returning scare zones include The Gore-ing 20’s, CARNEVIL and Forsaken Lake.

New shows joining the returning Le Magnifique Carnaval du Grotesque include Dr. Cleaver Returns, The Hanging: Uncancelled and Music, Monsters & Mayhem.

Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort Info disneyland.disney.go.com

Halloween Time runs daily through Oct. 31 at Disneyland Park and California Adventure.

At Disneyland Pumpkin King Jack Skellington returns to add his traditional redecoration of the Haunted Mansion ride with frightfully festive touches inspired by Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”

Other attractions include “Halloween Screams.” Enjoy soaring flames, projections of rising ghosts and classic Disney villains like Maleficent and Ursula all set to a medley of Halloween-inspired songs.

The Main Street Pumpkin Festival features hundreds of hand-carved pumpkins.

At California Adventure experience a special Halloween adventure on the Guardians of the Galaxy ride which transforms into “Monsters After Dark.”

Pull up to “Radiator Screams” to see your favorite “Cars” characters decked out in special Halloween costumes. 

PHOTO COURTESY KNOTT’S BERRY FARM

Now is a good time to check in and make sure your entire family is protected from infectious diseases.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccines help create protective antibodies that fight off infections. Timely routine vaccinations, such as MMR (measles, mumps and rubeola) and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), are known to prevent around 4 million deaths annually, yet only 1 in 5 adults are up to date on their vaccines.

Convenience, accessibility and lack of trust all play fundamental parts in why vaccination numbers are low across some demographic groups and geographic regions. Community pharmacies and clinics, such as the Kroger Family of Companies’ Pharmacies and The Little Clinic, have emerged as accessible and convenient options for people seeking needed healthcare services outside of traditional settings. These facilities offer a range of high-quality services, including medication counseling, health screenings and immunizations.

Routine preventive care can take place at various points throughout the year. Certain populations, such as people who are 60 years of age and older, those with chronic diseases and some minority populations, are more at risk for contracting certain infections and are encouraged to maintain updated vaccinations and boosters throughout the year.

The CDC recommends everyone six months old and older get an annual flu vaccine. Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat and lungs, and could lead to serious illness, hospitalization or death. Dominant flu strains are constantly shifting and protection from a single flu vaccine declines over time.

Retail pharmacies and clinics hold a unique position in the local communities they serve and are deeply committed to vaccine education and outreach. In addition to providing protection against illnesses such as influenza, vaccines also offer protection against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, varicella (chicken pox), measles, RSV, pertussis (whooping cough), COVID-19 and more. By equipping people with consistent, factual information, retail pharmacies and clinics empower them to make informed decisions about their health and the health of their loved ones.

Research shows schools and colleges have the potential to cultivate a higher disease transmission rate that affects all ages. When students are protected against vaccine-preventable illnesses, they experience fewer absences due to illness.

Ensuring children are current on

their vaccines also creates opportunities for parents and caregivers to check their own preventive health statuses. The National Institutes of Health notes vaccine-preventable diseases cost the country approximately $27 billion annually in lost wages and increased healthcare costs.

Unlike some traditional healthcare settings, retail pharmacies and clinics are easily accessible. They are often located within local communities and have extended hours that cater to busy schedules, allowing flexibility for people getting their families vaccinated. Options like the Kroger Family of Companies’ Pharmacies and other retail pharmacies have established vaccine clinics within their pharmacy and clinic locations, making vaccinations a seamless and convenient part of the healthcare experience they provide.

Annual Gallup Polls consistently show pharmacists and nurse practitioners are among the most trusted people in the medical field. Healthcare professionals at retail pharmacies and clinics undergo rigorous training and possess in-depth knowledge about vaccines, proper storage and handling as well as administration techniques.

By prioritizing proactive vaccinations, retail pharmacies create an environment that supports the well-being of students, teachers, staff and families, helping communities live healthier lives.

To learn more, visit kroger.com/ vaccinations or visit a local pharmacy or clinic. (Family Features) 

NAPA VALLEY The Road to

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

Summer tourists have bid California adieu which makes fall the perfect season to explore unique wine destinations in the Golden State.

California has some of the most creative wine vintners producing the world’s best wines. Here’s an intriguing list of wineries to visit on your travels this fall.

Be sure to reserve your wine tastings in advance. Many wineries now require advance reservations.

On the Road to Napa

The Napa Valley produces some of the best wine in the world and has become synonymous with high-quality wine. The valley has more than 400 wineries.

In addition to its variety of grapes, Napa Valley boasts more than three dozen grape varieties. It is also a picturesque vacation destination.

It is almost 300 miles from Santa Clarita to Morgan Hill where this wine tasting road trip begins, about 4 hours, 30 minutes up Interstate 5.

The drive from Morgan Hill to Calistoga only takes 2 hours and 45 minutes, but you’ll want to spend time at each of these special wineries, so plan to spend a few days on this tasting tour.

Many areas of the Napa Valley were destroyed by past wildfires in the region, but many impacted wineries have now returned, reborn and rising like a phoenix from the ashes. So, make sure you check out the winery websites to find out more information.

Santa Barbara Abundance

The city of Santa Barbara offers dozens of winetasting rooms, but make sure to sample the Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.

In Los Olivos, the Fess Parker Family Portfolio, founded by actor Fess Parker, offers The Bubble Shack, a 90-minute tasting of bright and bubbly

Fesstivity wines plus Blanc de Blancs, Brut Rosé, Blanc de Noirs and Brut Cuvée.

Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends are a staple of the Paso Robles area. The winemakers in the region have cultivated the soil and used the climate to their advantage to create some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon wine in the world. Over 200 wineries make up Paso Robles wine country, for a full winery list visit pasowine.com.

Central Coast Wine Time

Historic ranchlands, romantic coast, country roads, charming towns and grapes, lots of grapes, make the Central Coast an outstanding wine country destination.

Top vintners have transformed the area into one of the state’s premier wine regions, with hundreds of wineries to visit in the rolling hills and sunny valleys. Here are just a few “must see” destinations. This Santa Clarita to Cambria wine tasting road trip spans four towns and 217 miles, plan accordingly.

Expressive Grenache in Morgan Hill

Known as “The Valley of Heart’s Delight’” Morgan Hill is located at the southern tip of the Silicon Valley. So, it is where walnuts and cherries grow next door to microchips and processors.

There’s also Grenache, a warm and expressive wine that has a base of cherry, berry, white pepper spice and at times, even leather or cocoa powder.

William Welch Wines, a new winery in downtown Martinez, highlights locally grown and custom crafted wines on the historic Welch Ranch. Named after local pioneer William Welch and operated by Steve Welch, a direct descendant of Mexican settlers in California, the new tasting room strives to educate about Martinez and its pioneer roots.

Chardonnay in the Tri-Valley

Nestled in the heart of the Livermore Valley lies the oldest, continuously family-owned and -oper-

Wineries

Calistoga

LOLA Wines for the Adventurous Soul 916 Foothill Blvd 94515 lolawines.com

Cambria

Cutruzzola Vineyards 555 Main St. 93428

cutruzzolavineyards.com

Stolo Vineyards 3776 Santa Rosa Creek Road 93428

www.stolofamilyvineyards.com

Livermore

Concannon Vineyard 4590 Tesla Road 94550

concannonvineyard.com

McGrail Vineyards 5600 Greenville Road 94550

mcgrailvineyards.com

Steven Kent Winery

5443 Tesla Road 94550 stevenkent.com

Wente Vineyards 5050 Arroyo Road 94550 wentevineyards.com

Martinez

New William Welch Wines in Martinez 837 Main St. 94553

www.williamwelchwines.com

Morgan Hill

Alara Cellars

90 E. 3rd St. Suite 70 95037 alaracellars.com

Explore California on the Pacific Surfliner

By Doña Uhrig

Sunday Signal Editor

When was the last time you took a leisurely train ride? You know, where you relax and enjoy the scenery while on your way to a fun adventure?

Lucky for you there are several incredible Southern California weekend trips you can take by train.

These are all on the Pacific Surfliner with destinations in San Luis Obispo, San Juan Capistrano, and San Diego.

San Luis Obispo

From Union Station About 5 hours Info www.pacificsurfliner.com/destinations/ san-luis-obispo/

Once you get there, the station is within walking distance of downtown where you can find boutique shops, restaurants, tasting rooms and more.

Mission San Luis Obispo De Tolosa, located at 751 Palm St., is less than a mile from the train station. Founded in 1772 and built in 1792, the mission continues as an active church today.

The mission could serve as your first stop in downtown as it lies at its center on a traffic-free block of Palm Street between Chorro and Broad.

If you want to venture a little further out you can bring your bike on the train for free by making a bike reservation when booking your trip. Your ticket includes complimentary local transfers. Pacific Surfliner passengers just need to show their train ticket when boarding a bus.

San Diego

From Union Station About 2 hours

Info bit.ly/3Rpn7FI

The Santa Fe Depot is the name of the Amtrak station in San Diego. From here you can visit the Museum of Contemporary Art, connect with secret food tours, visit the San Pasqual Winery tasting room at Seaport Village or spend time at SeaWorld San Diego.

The Museum of Contemporary Art is about a one-minute walk from the train station and is housed in the historic Jacobs Building, which originally was the Santa Fe Depot baggage building. For more information, visit mcasd.org/visit/downtown.

The Secret Food Tours are located about a three-minute walk from the station at 500 W. Broadway, The Guild Hotel. You’ll enjoy dishes with influences from Mexico to the Far East while exploring the downtown area. For more information, visit www.secretfoodtours.com/san-diego.

If you are interested in tasting some local wines, visit the San Pasqual Winery, which is about a 14-minute walk from the depot to the winery at Seaport Village. For information, visit www. sanpasqualwinery.com/Seaport-Village-San-DiegoTasting-Room.

SeaWorld is located five miles from the Santa Fe Depot. You can take public transportation using the Green line from the depot to the Old Town Station, walk about 5 minutes to the Transit Station and then take the bus to Sea World. But that will take you about an hour. Or, you can take a taxi.

San Juan Capistrano

From Union Station About 1 1/2 hours Info bit.ly/3LNLLfF

Mission San Juan Capistrano is about a tenth of a

mile from the Amtrak station. The mission is considered the birthplace of Orange Country.

It is probably most famous for the annual return of the swallows, which occurs each year on March 19, St. Joseph’s Day. Legend says a shopkeeper was trying to chase the swallows away from his shop with a broomstick. Father St. John O’Sullivan asked what he was doing and the shopkeeper said the dirty birds were a nuisance. Father O’Sullivan then said, “Come on swallows, I’ll give you shelter. Come to the Mission. There’s room enough there for all.” The next morning, the swallows appeared at the church.

The mission was founded on Nov. 1, 1776 by Junipero Serra and is the 7th of the 21 missions established in California. For more information, visit www.missionsjc.com.

The Los Rios Historic District is directly across the tracks from the Capistrano Depot and is the oldest neighborhood in California.

According to visitSanJuanCapistrano.net, there are some 40 homes that vary in age from 50 to 204 years old. Most are private dwellings. However, the Montanez Adobe, the O’Neill Museum, the Ramos House Cafe, the Lobo House, the Rodman House and the Lupe Combs House are businesses and open to the public.

The Capistrano Trading Post is located across the street from the mission and is best know for its Native American jewelry and turquoise. According to their website, they boast San Juan Capistrano’s largest selection of local souvenirs, religious goods, art work and crafts by local artisans. For more information, visit capistranotradingpost.com.

Seaport Village, San Diego. PHOTO COURTESY VISIT CALIFORNIA

The Tea Room is located in San Juan Capistrano’s Los Rios Historic District. PHOTO COURTESY THE TEA ROOM

Relax as you head to Sea World on the Surfliner.

PHOTO COURTESY SEA WORLD.

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

All Aboard at Vista Canyon Multi-Modal Center!

By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

As our community continues to grow, so must our public transportation infrastructure. That is why the City of Santa Clarita is proud to announce the opening of the Vista Canyon Multi-Modal Center, with service beginning on Monday, October 23.

Located on the east-side of the City, this transportation hub will now offer convenient and accessible options for residents living and working in the area, as well as those commuting in or out of our Valley. With multiple transit options, this location will help improve mobility, reduce traffic congestion and work towards a more sustainable future in Santa Clarita.

yon Multi-Modal Center will act as a hub for commuter rail and serve the Southern California Regional Rail Authority Metrolink Antelope Valley line, which runs between Los Angeles Union Station and Lancaster. Additionally, this will be the home of the Bus Transfer Station, which will service our local Santa Clarita Transit buses, as well as GO! Santa Clarita and Dial-a-Ride vehicles. Part of the Santa Clarita 2025 Strategic Plan, this project supports the goal of Enhancing Economic Vitality by expanding transit services to underserved areas.

For our residents and commuters who would like to ride their bicycles to the Multi-Modal Center, you can feel at ease when loading them into one of the 18 bike lockers located onsite. These lockers are fully enclosed to protect your bike from the elements and are easy to use by logging into the Movatic app. Free for the first 12 hours of use, this is a great way for

while taking public transportation. Also located at the Transit Center is a brand-new permanent art piece. Titled Union at the End of the Tunnel, the art installation is located near the site of a significant event in California history – the “wedding of the rails.” Previously accessible only by ships and wagons, Los Angeles was an isolated outpost due to the surrounding mountain range until the Southern Pacific and Central Pacific Railroad tracks were joined together with a golden spike in September

Multi-Modal Center. This civic art piece is inspired by these historical events, noting the considerable contribution of the Chinese laborers that were recruited to work on the 7,000foot tunnel running through the San Gabriel Mountains connecting the railways between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Using a mix of historic photos and metal tubes that mimic the silhouette of the San Gabriel Mountains and evoke the rhythm of a railroad running across the landscape, this art piece will welcome thousands of residents and visitors.

We are excited to officially open the Vista Canyon Multi-Modal Center to residents and visitors this month. To learn more about the transit options offered at this new location, please visit SantaClaritaTranist.com.

Ken Striplin can be reached at kstriplin@santa-clarita.com. The views expressed in his column are those of the

When hunger strikes and family fun calls for a snack to keep the excitement going, take your kiddos to the kitchen to whip up a tasty treat for all to enjoy. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or watching favorite movies, turn to an ingredient like popcorn that encourages creativity. Plus, it’s a delicious way for adults to turn back the clock and recreate childhood memories while making new ones with the family.

Consider these popcorn-inspired snacks to serve during your next adventure.

To find more family-friendly snack time favorites, visit Popcorn.org.

Graham Cracker Picnic Mix

Yield About 12 cups

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup sugar

5-6 drops pink neon liquid food color or desired color

1/2 cup unpopped popcorn kernels

1 package mini pastel marshmallows

1 cup bear-shaped graham crackers

1 package white fudge-covered pretzels

1 cup mini cookies

In large pot over medium heat, stir oil, sugar and food coloring.

Stir in popcorn kernels; cover. Cook until popcorn begins to pop. Shake pot over heat until popping slows.

Remove pan from heat and pour popcorn into large bowl.

Add marshmallows, graham crackers, pretzels and cookies then toss lightly.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Popcorn

Servings 4-6

8 cups popcorn

2 tablespoons raspberry jam

1/2 cup white chocolate chips

3 tablespoons smooth natural peanut butter

1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries

1/4 cup dried cranberries

In large bowl, stir popcorn and jam until evenly coated. Transfer to parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

In small heatproof bowl over

Minty Green Popcorn Clusters

Yield 32 clusters

12 cups unsalted, unbuttered, popped popcorn

4 cups mini marshmallows

2 tablespoons butter or light olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon green food coloring

1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

1 cup green candy-coated chocolate candies

Place popcorn in large mixing bowl.

small saucepan of barely simmering water, add white chocolate chips and peanut butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, 3-5 minutes, or until smooth and melted.

Drizzle peanut butter mixture over popcorn mixture. Sprinkle with strawberries and cranberries.

Refrigerate 10 minutes, or until peanut butter mixture is set; break into pieces to serve. Store in airtight container in refri-gerator up to 1 week.

In saucepan over medium heat, melt marshmallows, butter and salt, stirring occasionally, until smooth. Remove from heat; stir in food coloring and peppermint extract.

Toss marshmallow mixture with popcorn; cool 2-3 minutes, or until cool enough to handle. Toss with chocolate candies.

Shape 3 tablespoons of popcorn mixture into small cluster; repeat with remaining popcorn mixture. Place on wax paper-lined baking sheet; cool completely.

‘The Continental’ Can Standalone; Offer Easter Eggs

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘The Continental’

 1/2 (out of four)

Streaming on Peacock.

As legions of “John Wick” fans around the globe know, the luxury chain of Continental hotels is accessible only to a certain lethal category of clientele — and while you’re there, you must adhere to a very strict and specific set of rules that normally includes a ban on conducting business, particularly of the violent kind.

The most famous and enduring of the franchise is the Continental of New York, located in the Financial District of Manhattan and operated for decades by one Winston Scott, a dapper and intimidating character of mysterious origins.

What’s the deal with that guy, anyway? Can you imagine what

Winston Scott must have been like as a boy and a young man?

That’s the brass elevator pitch for “The Continental: From the World of John Wick,” a gritty and ultra-violent and stylishly directed limited series on Peacock consisting of

three nearly feature-length episodes set primarily in 1970s Manhattan.

With Episodes 1 and 3 directed by Albert Hughes (co-director with his brother Allen of films such as “From Hell” and “The Book of Eli”) and Episode 2 helmed by Charlotte Brandstrom (episodes of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” and “The Witcher”), “The Continental” is a worthy prequel with suitably gothic production design, brilliantly executed stunt work and some fantastically timed needle drops, from “I Feel Love” by Donna Summer to “Roundabout” by Yes to “Baker Street” by Gerry Rafferty to James Brown’s “Get Up Offa That Thing/Release the Pressure.”

If you’ve never seen a “John Wick” movie, the series works as a standalone story, but there are plenty of Easter eggs for the hardcore fans as well.

Top 10 Movies

Sept. 25, 2023

1. The Nun II (R) Taissa Farmiga, Jonas Bloquet

2. A Haunting in Venice (PG13) Kenneth Branagh, Michelle Yeoh

Set in a dark, grimy, seemingly always cloudy and virtually lawless New York City, “The Continental” features an increasingly impressive performance by Colin Woodell as the young Winston, who is drawn into a blood-soaked web of intrigue after his estranged older brother Frankie (an electric Ben Robson) betrays Cormac (Mel Gibson, in full crazy mode), an unhinged sociopath who runs the Continental with his new aide, Charon, by his side. (Ayomide Adegun portrays the younger version of the character who was so memorably played by the late Lance Reddick in the “John Wick” movies.)

Winston eventually enlists the help of a number of allies, including a younger version of the body disposal expert Uncle Charlie (Peter Greene), to plan a takeover of the Continental.

At times “The Continental” nearly overwhelms us with a dizzying array of new characters and subplots.

Since the death of his wife, Vic tor F elding has raised their daughter, Angela on his own But when Angela and a friend disappear in the woods, only to return three days ater with no memor y of what happened to them, it unleashes a cha n of events that will force Vic tor to confront the nadir of evil

T H E C R E ATO R C Sun: 10:00

Mon to Thu: 1:00

A hardened ex-special forces agent and his team are hired to hunt down the Creator the elus ve architec t of advanced AI who has developed a myster ous weapon of massive power

E X P E N D4B L E S E Sun: 1:20 4:20 7:00; Mon: 1:20 4:20; Tue & Wed: 1:20 4:20 7:00; Thu: 1:20 4:20

The Expendab es are the world’s last line of defense and the team that gets called when all other options are off the table

I C A N B 12:50 5:15

An adulterous couple’s daughter was born with one arm, but her softball skills reveal God’s true grace

M Y S A I LO R, M Y LOV E Sun: 10:10 AM

A widowed sailor ’s developing relationship with his new home aide causes fr c tion between h mself and h s daughter

A H AU N T I N G I N V E N I C E C Sun: 10:10 1:30 4:20 7:00; Mon to Thu: 1:30 4:20 7:00

“A Haunting in Venice” s set in eerie, post-World War II Venice on All Hallows’ Eve and is a terrifying myster y featuring the return of the celebrated sleuth, Hercule Po rot A M E R I K ATS I Sun: 10:00 AM

In 1948, decades after flee ng Armenia to the US as a child, Charlie returns in the hope of finding a connec tion to h s roots, but what he finds instead is a countr y crushed under Soviet rule

3. The Equalizer 3 (R) Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning

4. My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 (PG-13) Nia Vardalos, John Corbett

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

6. Blue Beetle (PG-13) Xolo Mariduena, Bruna Marquezine

7. Jawan (NR) Nayanthara, Shah Rukh Khan

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

9. Oppenheimer (R) Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt

10. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (PG) Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr. © 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Mishel Prada shines as KD, a New York City police detective with a personal reason for tracking down Frankie, while Nhung Kate is a force as Frankie’s wife, Yen, who met Frankie when he was on a tour of duty in Vietnam. Hubert Point-Du Jour and Jessica Allain are sibling arms dealers, while Katie McGrath is The Adjudicator, who looks like she’s on her way to an “Eyes Wide Shut” convention, what with the get-up and the mask.

We’d also be remiss not to mention Hansel and Gretel (Mark Musashi and Marina Mazepa), twin assassins who apparently never speak but are really, really good at their jobs. In fact, just about everybody we encounter along the way is an expert at punching, kicking, stabbing, choking, shooting, slicing, dicing and using anything handy as a weapon.

“The Continental” does a fine job of expanding the mythology of the “John Wick” world, but it’s still primarily about the inspired lunacy of the extended action sequences. Heads will roll. 

Copyright 2022 Chicago Sun-Times

Goodbye to Stretch Marks and Hello to Smoother Skin

Stretch marks — you know them as those annoying long, narrow streaks, stripes or lines that can develop on your skin. They tend to pop up when your skin becomes stretched out or starts to sag, especially during periods of rapid growth, weight gain or loss, or pregnancy.

Anyone can develop stretch marks, but they are most common in women. They can show up on your stomach, thighs, hips, breasts, upper arms and lower back. Additionally, genetics play a role in determining who is more prone to developing stretch marks, meaning you might have your parents to thank for this unique feature.

Unfortunately, until now the most common ways to improve stretch marks have been to apply Vitamin E, cocoa butter and skincare products with glycolic acid, but it can take a long time to see any significant improvement with these topical products. Recent advancements in technology have brought about a new

solution for reducing the appearance of stretch marks, especially the hottest trend right now, microneedling. But how can you boost an already great treatment? Enter Secret® PRO from Cutera®, the secret weapon for reducing the appearance of stretch marks and signs of aging.*

Secret PRO takes a unique approach to skin revitalization by combining two powerful technologies

— fractional CO2 laser and radiofrequency microneedling. These two modalities work safely and effectively to treat the deepest layers of your skin where stretch marks turn up.

While the CO2 laser targets the outermost layers of the skin, Secret PRO’s effective RF energy can reach down to the deeper layers of your skin to stimulate collagen remodeling and brighten and smooth the skin for

a revitalized appearance overall.*

According to Facial Plastic Surgeon Prem Tripathi, MD, MPH of Silhouette Aesthetics in Livermore, Calif., “The Secret PRO delivers amazing results. We can customize a treatment program for each individual patient to achieve the best possible results for a wide range of skin concerns.”

Dr. Tammy Chen of Central Park Laser Aesthetics in New York City uses the Secret PRO to address her patients’ face, neck, chest, as well as surgical scars and stretch marks for men and women.

“The results we can achieve are incredible. I call it a non-surgical lift without the downtime associated with more invasive options. There is minimal swelling and downtime for most of our patients so they can get back to their busy lives very quickly.

“Since Secret PRO treatments are non-invasive, there is no need to undergo anesthesia,” says Dr. Chen. (BPT)

Planning a home renovation project? You may be feeling some excitement, anxiety or a thrilling mix of both. Of course, making changes to your home can be fun, but there are so many choices to be made, especially when it comes to choosing flooring that will serve you for years to come.

Flooring can make a huge impact on your space, and choosing the right material and style can make the difference between a room you like and one you love.

To help you through this process from selection to installation — and even make it enjoyable — LL Flooring created a simple, guided four-step flooring process for homeowners and pros alike to ensure that they find the flooring of their dreams.

“We’ve seen how the task of selecting flooring can be challenging, especially for first-time shoppers,” said Charles Tyson, LL Flooring president and CEO. “This four-step process draws from our deep understanding of our customers’ needs and our everevolving flooring options to provide a smart, simple and streamlined experience that makes selecting floors easier than ever.”

1. Find the right material.

First, you need to find the best material for your flooring project. Between solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, vinyl, laminate and tile, there are seemingly endless options of flooring styles to choose from.

To pick the right one, you’ll need to consider your lifestyle and space to ensure the material you choose will hold up to the elements in your dayto-day life. Factors to consider can range from your family, pets, regional climate and area of the home.

If you need help picking the right

material for your home renovation project, check out LL Flooring’s Floor Finder. Flooring experts are also available to speak with you online or at your local store.

2. Find the right style.

How do you want your space to feel? When choosing a flooring style, make sure it fits the overall aesthetic of your room and home by choosing colors and textures that appeal to you and your unique sense of style.

You can see how your space will look using a digital tool like LL Flooring’s digital floor visualizer, Picture It! Paired with an in-store consultation, you can find the right flooring that expresses your style and complements your home.

3. Finalize your choice.

Now that you’ve considered your needs and style, it’s time to get your hands on flooring samples. Order free flooring samples to test at home, so you’ll know exactly how they’ll look in your space. Seeing and feeling the potential options underfoot can help you make your final decision with confidence.

Discover Your Dream Floor Who Will They Be?

When reviewing your flooring samples, ask an LL Flooring expert about previous customer reviews and double-check that they will suit your lifestyle and interior design. This will help you narrow down the final purchase decision.

4. Install and celebrate.

Finally, you’re ready to make your vision a reality. Whether you prefer to do it yourself or hire professional installers, all the previous steps have come together to bring your home project to life. Once the final piece is in place, it’s time to celebrate your renovated space. (BPT) 

Tips on Tipping Staff When Dining Out; Taking Out

Conventional wisdom regarding tipping when dining out long suggested diners add an additional 15% gratuity for the waitstaff when signing for the meal before leaving an establishment. Though that may still be an acceptable barometer, a recent Bankrate poll found that many adults now tip at least 20% at sit-down restaurants. The same poll found that 22% of consumers now tip at coffee shops as well.

Modern tipping etiquette can be confusing, as consumers have undoubtedly noticed the presence of tip cups at establishments where gratuities have historically not been the standard. Confused consumers can take solace knowing they’re not alone, as Bankrate also found that 15% of adults are confused about who and how much to tip. Tipping etiquette is not set in stone, but the following are some points consumers can keep in mind the next time they face a situation where a gratuity may (or may not) be called for.

Standard sit-down restaurant etiquette remains the same Various consumer etiquette experts note that tipping trends might have skewed upward, a fact of life that the Bankrate poll indicates.

A 15% tip on a sit-down meal at a local restaurant remains acceptable, but diners can use that as their starting off point. Especially attentive servers may warrant a tip at 20% or above.

Though it can be tempting to tip less than 15% if the service is not what diners had hoped for, it’s important that diners consider the lingering effects of staffing issues that many restaurants continue to confront. Such issues arose during the pandemic and many restaurants are still short of qualified waitstaff.

So unless a waiter is personally unpleasant or confrontational, diners can tip at 15% even if the service was slow.

Tips are still standard for bartenders as well The tipping standard remains the same at the bar, where tradition suggests tipping $1 per beer or glass of wine and $2 per cocktail. Cocktails merit a larger tip because they’re harder to make and require

more of the bartender’s time. When running a tab, take note of how many drinks you’ve had when paying the bill and tip accordingly. And much like diners might pad the tip for exceptional service from the waiter, patrons can increase their tips for bartenders who were attentive and made an especially good cocktail.

Tip for takeout at your own discretion Every consumer has undoubtedly confronted a tip request when paying for takeout. Various etiquette experts note that tipping at takeout is entirely up to consumers. It’s perfectly

acceptable to deny such requests. Diners who want to tip when picking up takeout need not follow the 15 to 20% rule that’s customary at sit-down restaurants. An extra couple of dollars is enough for diners who choose to tip when picking up takeout.

Open-bar events may not require tips Hosts of open bar events often pay for serving staff gratuities up front, so there’s typically no need to tip bartenders or servers at such gatherings. Some establishments even forbid staff from accepting gratuities.

If a bartender is doing an excellent job handling a large crowd, consumers can offer a tip but should not insist it be accepted if the bartender says gratuities are already included. If a tip cup is out on the bar, the standard bartender tipping etiquette can be applied.

When tipping staff at bars and restaurants, diners can keep standard tipping etiquette in mind. Going a little higher than the standards suggest can be called for when service is exceptional. (MC)

GARDENING

Saving Vegetable Seeds for Next Year’s Crop

By Jane Gates Signal Staff Writer

Not only can you save your own vegetable seeds to grow the next year’s crop, but sometimes you can even end up with a plant that surpasses your expectations. Of course, most often you’ll get something similar to the original plant.

You can also end up with big disappointments. Using seeds from traditionally stable parent plants and taking care in how you produce your seeds will impact how much control you will have in the growth of the next generation seeds.

Start Planning Ahead of Time

Decide what vegetables you want to grow as ‘parent’ plants for your seed collecting. Annual vegetables (plants that grow, flower, seed and die all within one year) are the best choice.

You can grow biennials (plants like carrots and cabbage), but you will have to wait for a second year before the plant will bloom to collect seeds. Some perennials (plants that grow year after year, like artichokes and asparagus), will bloom in their first year but may take longer to produce enough fruits to make seed collecting worthwhile. Then, you will have to wait again for the plant you grow from your collected seeds to mature.

Choose Your Parent Plants Carefully

Collect seeds from vegetables that are not hybrids. If you grow your vegetables from open-pollinated — sometimes called heirloom varieties — your seeds are more likely to grow true from seed without unpleasant surprises. Some seeds from hybrid plants can be sterile. And, as I said before, rarely, you might accidentally grow a gem!

Parent Plants Matters

Plant your vegetables in isolated groups if you want to control pollination. Otherwise wind, bees

and other insects may cross pollinate your vegetables with varieties that may introduce unwanted characteristics to the genetics of your seed. You can also prevent adding those unwanted genetics by making sure any other potential cross-pollinators will bloom before or after your chosen plants are flowering.

Keep self-pollinating plants growing in a group at least 10 feet from other potential pollinators. Self-pollinating plants are those that have both male and female flower parts on the same plant. Corn, onions, Swiss chard, lettuce, spinach, cauliflower, radishes, melons and squashes are just some examples.

Isolate and hand pollinate your vegetable flowers under a tent of plastic or fine cloth if you want to be fully in control of the pollination process to be extra sure your plants will produce reliable or ‘true’ seeds.

Or … If all this sounds a bit too demanding you can collect seed informally.

Expect variable results if your plants are open to cross pollination or if you are mixing varieties. If you just want to grow your vegetables informally in a mixed vegetable garden, chances are your seeds will likely produce good enough seed to grow next years’ crop. You may also get a number of inferior plants, some sterile seed or even that occasional unexpected unknown hybrid of your own.

Since people have been tinkering with cross-breeding plants for centuries, even heirlooms have some variability. Most vegetables — unless you are seeking to recreate a special growth pattern or color —

will produce predominantly good, tasty vegetables without too much fuss.

Collecting and Preserving Your Seeds

Collect seed from your healthiest and most successful plants. This way you know at least one genetic contributor is exactly what you want to reproduce.

Dry seeds indoors and keep them safe from humidity and pests. Over-winter your seeds in glass jars to keep them fresh. If you add a packet of silica gel it will keep the air in the jar dry, preventing rot, mold or early germination. You can also refrigerate seeds since most refrigerators stay at around 40 degrees F. Never freeze collected seed as most vegetables are not hardy in frost.

Some vegetables I have found easy to grow from plants originally raised from packaged seed in my garden are lettuce and Swiss chard (both will selfseed) basil, fennel (even the fancy bronze variety although it throws a number of green plants), oregano and even peas. Tomatoes are almost always good, although I grow an assortment of varieties so I never know what size, shape or color the resulting crossbreeds will be. So far, they’ve all tasted good! Note There are a number of ways to know if you are growing your original plants from hybrids. Sometimes it’s a simple as reading the label of the parent plants. It may state “Hybrid” or “Heirloom.” Or look for varieties listed in Latin. Most of these are likely to be free from hybridization. Plants or seeds labeled with letters F1, F2 or “cv” are cultivated varieties and less likely to produce fertile, reliable seeds for you to collect to use for future planting.

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

Growing vegetables from collected seed can be a thrill no matter how you decide to do it. IMAGE BY JILL WELLINGTON FROM PIXABAY

Tomato shoots. IMAGE BY U_79QQOZWS FROM PIXABAY

If You’re 65, Don’t Ignore This Piece of Mail

sure your doctor co-pays, including primary and specialists in and out of network, have not changed.

Network changes This will show you if your doctors and pharmacies are no longer in your plan’s network or are no longer a preferred provider.

Are you or someone you love on Medicare? As the annual Medicare Annual Enrollment Period approaches (it starts on October 15 and runs through December 7), no doubt your mailbox will be flooded with letters and postcards from insurance companies and brokers pushing many Medicare options. But the one piece of mail you need to pay attention to is your current Medicare plan’s Annual Notice of Change or ANOC.

All Medicare Advantage Plans and Part D Prescription plans are required to send out this annual notice before the end of September. They must tell you if your current plan is changing in any way. If there are changes that you don’t like, you have the right to change your plan during the Annual Enrollment Period. Medicare plans can change from year to year — and sometimes not for the better.

What if your prescription drugs are no longer covered? Your doctor leaves the network? Your premium suddenly increases? Your co-payments jump?

Each insurance company has their own version of the ANOC letter, which may be up to 20 pages long, so grab a cup of coffee and get comfortable! Here are six things to look out for when reviewing your ANOC.

Change in plan premium It’s likely that a plan’s premium may change from year to year. How much is dependent on what the individual carrier changes, but you could even see a plan with a $0 monthly premium change to having an actual dollar amount for you to pay.

Changes in co-pays Check to make

Drug list changes It’s so important that you look at this list, also called the drug formulary. Prescriptions fall in and out of coverage or change price levels, so please review to see if your drugs are still covered and if there are any new restrictions.

Out-of-pocket maximum This is the amount of money you will pay out-of-pocket for all Medicare-covered expenses. Make sure to review this section to see if your out-ofpocket limit has changed.

Additional Medicare Advantage plan benefits For those with a Medicare Advantage plan, you may have coverage for additional benefits like dental, vision, hearing, telehealth and more.

Caution! If you ignore the ANOC letter and you do nothing during the Annual Enrollment Period, your current plan will renew for 2024 — and you won’t be able to make any changes until October 2024.

But if you review your plan’s annual notice and decide that your current plan may not be right for you in the coming year, it’s time to consider changing your plan for 2024. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, “The average Medicare beneficiary in 2023 has access to 43 Medicare Advantage plans, the largest number of options ever.” That means there are more plans for you to choose from this year (great news!).

Confused? Free help is just a phone call away. ClearMatch® Medicare is dedicated to making Medicare easier to understand so you can choose the plan that’s right for you. Their highly trained licensed agents are patient and helpful, and if they find you are already in a great plan, they’ll tell you so. If you’d like help, call (888) 4417030 (TTY:711) for a free, no-obligation Medicare review, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (ET) or visit ClearMatchMedi care.com, open 24-7. (BPT) 

Continued from page 6

ated winery in the United States. Wente Vineyards began growing Chardonnay in 1908 and produced the first varietal bottled Chardonnay in 1936.

The Wente Chardonnay Clone has parented 75% of all California Chardonnay, one of the state’s two most important grapes.

The iconic PEJU estate in Rutherford, which is the heart of the Napa Valley, is an ode to beauty. It is anchored by a whimsical 50-foot tower, immaculate gardens and a curated sculpture collection.

Known for its warm hospitality, the winery is also home to the award-winning PEJU Cabernet Franc, a wine full of elegance and grace with complex layers and structured tannins.

Napa’s Benevolent Neglect’s hand-crafted, minimal intervention wines are truly one-of-a-kind. Vineyards from Central to Northern California are sourced for their unique terroirs such as the limestone bedrock of Enz to experimental plantings at Alder Springs.

Enjoy the beautiful scenery of downtown Napa with a tasting or glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah and more.

For those seeking an authentic and adventurous foray into the best of California wine country,

discover LOLA Wines. Offering daily tastings in a charming 19th century cottage in Calistoga, this winery offers a seasonal selection of small-batch, handcrafted wines. 

BEST IN CLASS SPECIALTY CARE

Right Here in the SCV

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital and Keck Medicine of USC are partnering to bring advanced services — cancer care, breast health, colorectal surgery, and specialty urology — to our community in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Keck Medicine’s USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center brings the latest innovations in cancer detection, prevention, and treatment to help you get the care you need close to home.

Wineries

Continued from page 6

Lightpost Winery

900 Lightpost Way 95037

www.lightpostwinery.com

Morgan Hill Cellars

1645 San Pedro Ave. 95037

www.morganhillcellars.com

Downtown Napa

Benevolent Neglect Wines 1417 2nd St. 94559

www.bnwines.com

Paso Robles

Hope Family Wines

1585 Live Oak Road Paso Robles 93446 hopefamilywines.com/ Rutherford

PEJU Winery in Napa Valley 8466 St Helena Highway 94573

www.peju.com

Santa Barbara

Fess Park Winery & Vineyards

6200 Foxen Canyon Road Los Olivos 93441 fessparker.com

Qjust be on Disney+? When will they announce the new cast? I’m eager for the season to start.

— P.L.

AAfter one season of exclusively airing on Disney+, “Dancing with the Stars” is returning home to ABC. This is likely in part due to new episodes of scripted shows being postponed until 2024 due to the writers’ and actors’ strikes. It will still be available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu, but a return to network television is a welcome one.

Julianne Hough, a former pro dancer on the show, is also returning, but in the form of co-host, alongside former “DWTS” champion Alfonso Ribeiro. She replaces Tyra Banks, who has left the show after three years. Sadly, longtime judge Len Goodman passed away earlier this year after bat-

tling cancer. This year’s judging panel consists of familiar faces Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli.

This fall’s contestants feature some big names from reality TV — Charity Lawson of “The Bachelorette,” Ariana Madix of “Vanderpump Rules,” Mauricio Umansky of “The Real

Housewives of Beverly Hills,” Harry Jowsey of “Too Hot to Handle— as well as singers Jason Mraz and Lele Pons. A wide range of thespians make up the rest of the roster: Matt Walsh (“Veep”); Mira Sorvino (“Sound of Freedom”); Barry Williams (“The Brady Bunch”); Tyson Beckford (“Zoolander”); Xochtil Gomez (“The Baby-Sitters Club”); Jamie Lynn Spears (“Zoey 102”); and Alyson Hannigan (“How I Met Your Mother”). This season’s professional athlete is NFL running back Adrian Peterson.

QI’m confused. Is Drew Barrymore’s talk show coming back or not? What about Kelly Clarkson’s talk show?

— N.C.

ABoth of these beloved talk show hosts and their popular syndicated daytime shows are on hiatus until the writers’ strike ends. Initially, “The Drew Barrymore Show” was slated to return this fall despite the strike, with Barrymore noting that her unemployed crew needed to get back to work. But after protests from picketers and the negative stories that

BookTrib’s Bites Self-Help, Mystery and More

Henderson House

By Caren Simpson McVicker

An enchanting boardinghouse tale of sisters, secrets, and later-in-life romance, Henderson House invites readers to pull up a rocking chair and lose themselves in the heartaches and hopes of 1940s Oklahoma.

In May 1941, Bartlesville, Oklahoma, hums with talk of spring flowers, fishing derbies, and the growing war in Europe. And for the Blackwell sisters, who reside in a quiet neighborhood boardinghouse, the winds of change are blowing.

Mrs. Henderson, the landlady, cook, and adopted matriarch of the Blackwell clan, possesses an uncanny intuition about all her boarders. She knows true love when she sees it. But soon her vision becomes clouded as Florence schemes to undermine her sister’s budding romance. In a desperate attempt to keep Bessie by her side, Florence exposes the sisters’ darkest secret — a secret that will

CELEBRITY NEWS

ran in the press, Barrymore recently had a change of heart and agreed to wait until the strike is resolved.

“The Kelly Clarkson Show” hasn’t resumed filming in front of a live audience either. But when it does, it’ll be relocating from Los Angeles to New York — once the strike ends.

QWhatever happened to actress Meg Tilly? I remember seeing her in the film “Agnes of God” years ago, but I don’t recall anything recent. — L.L.

AMeg Tilly is probably best known for her Oscar-nominated role in the film “Agnes of God” almost four decades ago, but she has transitioned from acting into a solid writing career. She has written several novels, mostly of dark subject matter, and recently co-wrote (with Kelly Fremon Craig) her first screenplay, “Ordinary Angels.” The film, based on a heartwarming true story, stars two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank and will open in theaters next February. 

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

hardships can forge strong character.

change their lives, and the lives of those they love.

The Little Green Armchair and Tales of Echo Forest

By Lisa Luttrell

A beautiful Spring morning in Echo Forest is the setting for three sentimental journeys of blossoming friendships, courage and enduring love. The Little Green Armchair illustrates how solitude, peacefulness and nature create connections that span a lifetime.

In The Windy Day Picnic, Primrose Possum and her little possum family exhibit the extent to which a parent will go to make sure her children are

safe at the end of a long adventure. And, finally, Neville, The Thirsty Little Stinkbug, provides a little story about how wonderful friendships can be created and blossom out of troubled situations.

“Multiple whimsical plot lines are woven together to create a magical tale. The author lets your imagination run wild with characters that come to life,” says one reviewer. The Kops Fetherling International Gold Award Winner for 2020.

Soldier On

By Bracha Horovitz

A true story about what it means to be a woman, and how the heat of

The daughter of an Auschwitz survivor, author Bracha Horovitz set her heart on living a life that would honor her family, her community, and her heritage. At eighteen, Bracha joined the Israel Defense Forces. Intense military training taught her that women, too, can be fierce fighters. Then she was selected to participate in the Miss Israel beauty pageant, raising new questions about the meaning of womanhood and her purpose in life.

Bracha married an honorable, entrepreneurial man. They seemed to have it all—lucrative careers, a happy marriage, and a small family. Invited to work in the U.S., they struggled to maintain their Israeli identity while adapting to cross-cultural life. But then tragedy struck.

BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com. 

Mauricio Umansky stars in season 32 of “Dancing with the Stars.” PHOTO CREDIT DEPOSITPHOTOS

SOLUTIONS

Endorsement Season Already

Believe it or not, it's already endorsement season. From president to local candidates and all those in between, they are in the throes of making their cases for why they should be endorsed.

The criteria most often used by an organization for determining approval to earn endorsement is either based on past performance or an anticipated belief in the potential for future performance. However, when there is a record of past performance upon which to draw, that almost always carries a greater weight in determining approval over the mere hope of what could be possible in the future.

As we approach the 2024 election this poses a unique issue for Republicans in the consideration of the presidential endorsement. In fact, the California Republican Party even had to undergo a contentious bylaw change process in order for its delegates to be counted during the upcoming endorsement convention held next year. As these events unfold, debates proceed, and poll numbers fluctuate, it has caused some to pause and consider whether to offer the “seal” of approval to former President Donald Trump. For some there is a struggle to justify making the former president be the party nominee to run yet again in a race against the same opponent to whom he lost four years ago. Others will quickly point to what they see as the benefits of his presidency and question the loss as being the result of a faulty electoral system.

Then there is the question of the effect on down-ballot races. Certainly, those who lost their own elections were the first to blame the former president, even if he wasn't on the ballot when they lost. They claim the onslaught of attacks by their opponents lumped all Republicans into the same category as approving of the former president’s past behavior and actions. From their standpoint and perspective, the case to endorse the former president cannot be compellingly made.

However, the irony of such a position cannot be overlooked for many local candidates. They apply a standard of examining past actions and performance as a consideration for the presidential nomination. However, often they are remiss to have such scrutiny applied to their own records. If the deciding criteria for a presidential endorsement should take such past considerations in mind, then that same standard should apply to local candidates and races.

When county central committees or district bodies consider endorsement for city council, county and Assembly and Senate District candidates, they too should be taking a good look at the past performance of any candidates or previously elected individuals. Specifically, this should include and warrant a thorough consideration of past votes, decisions, integrity, and character of candidates. Also, in the same way that consideration is applied to assess electability in the presidential races, especially when the race could be a repeat of contenders, performance in past races should also be evaluated for local candidates.

Did a candidate win one race just because their opponent stood no chance of winning? What about when a race is truly competitive? If the candidate is found wanting – is it really worth an organization placing their “seal” of approval to endorse such a candidate, regardless of what level of office for which they might be running?

Mihran Kalaydjian Santa Clarita

ETHICALLY SPEAKING

Commitment Matters

By David Hegg

Ihave recently watched the systematic dissolution of several married couples. All of them were good people, and there was no infidelity on either side. The reason they failed to keep their marriages together was not some cataclysmic event or circumstance. Rather, it was their failure to live up to the commitments they made to one another as they entered into the covenant of marriage. It boiled down to a gross misunderstanding of what commitment is, and what it entails.

First, commitment is a promise to persevere past the point of convenience, comfort, and even common sense. Yes, that’s right. Commitment means staying the course even when it appears that all is lost. It is refusing to give up in the face of daunting circumstances simply because what is about to be lost is irreplaceable. Think about the commitment of soldiers at war. Those we honor the most are the ones who remained radically committed to their comrades and the mission, even to the point of death. Commitment isn’t wishful thinking. It is a promise sealed with the life of the one who makes it, or at least it is supposed to be.

Someone has said that, when it comes to a breakfast of ham and eggs, the chicken made a contribution, but the pig made a commitment. So, with that in mind, here are three principles that define commitment in marriage:

First, be committed to recognizing, admitting, apologizing for, and being willing to clean up after, your own shortcomings. Too many times we believe that all the damage done in marriage lies at the feet of someone else. But if marriage is valuable, humility is worth it.

Second, be committed to forgiving and forgetting the shortcomings of your spouse. Too often we store up the mistakes of others for use as ammunition in the next marital skirmish. But this only erodes marital unity, while demonstrating that we’re actually more driven by

our pride than commitment when it comes to making things work.

Lastly, be committed to persevere though tough times for the sake of the mission of your marriage. Every expert on marriage I have read agrees that homes where a husband and wife honor, respect, and support one another provide the best environment for their own health, prosperity and success, as well as the health, character and social maturity of their children. As marriages erode, so do children, and as children are damaged, society devolves into less than America has always been.

These three principles can be summed up as humility, forgiveness and perseverance. Taken together they have great benefit in every human endeavor, and specifically, marriage. These vital commitments grow out of a heart that recognizes the value of character, and that refuses to believe the myth that we are here only for our own good, our own happiness, our own growth, and not that of the world around us.

In a day when personal accountability is fast being considered an evil, freedom-restricting concept, and integrity an impediment to fame and fortune, we need a re-commitment to what is right, good and true. The best things in life aren’t things, or the money that buys them. Happiness isn’t circumstantial, but rather the by-product of virtue, and an ethical system not tied to the whims and winds of a self-centered culture.

Ultimately, it will be our commitments that determine our comforts, and our satisfaction in this life. Commitment, not convenience, must be our guiding principle lest we join so many today who are making compromise a preferable virtue. The race is never won by those who quit or turn aside. Let’s run the race to win, all the way to the end, committed to finish well what we have started.

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

Saturday, October 7 / 10 am-6 pm