Sunday Signal Oct. 21, 2018

Valencia | Saugus | Newhall | Canyon Country | Stevenson Ranch | Westridge | Castaic | Val Verde

OCTOBER 21, 2018

$1.25

Finding the color of life Group helps community explore the arts Page 27

Your News, Entertainment & Lifestyle Source

5

CLASSIC WHEELS FOR THE BIG DAY

14

A FAMILY THAT ‘FEUDS’ TOGETHER

33

TIME TO PUT FIDO ON A DIET?

PLUS : CITY NEWS | OPINION | SCHOOL | ENTERTAINMENT | CALENDAR | HEALTH & FITNESS

Congratulations on Your Retirement Thank You For 46 Dedicated Years

Dr. Loraine M Stern

Dr. Stern is proud to have cared for generations of children and their families. She has always greeted each person with a trusting smile and a contagious sense of humor that always made children comfortable.

We thank you, Dr Loraine Stern, for all you have given to Valencia Pediatric Associates . We look forward in honoring and continuing your legacy.

From your loving patients...

“You were my daughter’s 1st pediatrician at Val Peds and we adored you. You always made her feel so at ease and always called her “perfect.”

You are an incredible doctor and a special human. ♥♥”

“How amazing that you were my pediatrician when I was a baby and then got to treat my kids as well when we still lived there. You’re an amazing woman and Dr and I’m so glad we were blessed to have you.”

“Dr Stern my babies are now 19 and 23 and you were always so loving and gentle with them. Thank you for all the years you and your wonderful group of amazing Drs and staff you all cared for my babies.”

“You will always be one of the good ones. I will be forever in your debt for what you started there, and how it became our medical home base, the place I felt safe and knew my kids would be okay May you always know how much you have meant to so many, but more importantly how much you have meant to us.”

We will miss you and we love you!

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

Toy Haulers to Motorhomes. We’ve got you covered!

2019 Jayco Melbourne

2018 Jayco Talon 393T WAS: $

24LP WAS: $

142,166

79,296

NOW:

NOW:

+ Tax and License Fees Stock# 3365 Vin# 8E0096

+ Tax and License Fees Stock# 3621 Vin# 768953

($390/mo x 10% DOWN x 240 mos x 6.99% APR o.a.c.)

($710/mo x 10% DOWN x 240 mos x 5.99% APR o.a.c.)

$

98,725

49,944

$

Your one stop shop for EVERYTHING RV related!

Sales•Service•Parts 1525 Sierra Hwy. • Acton

661-269-4800

250 Voucher

Rentals•Service•Parts $ 42207 3rd St. East. • Lancaster

661-949-0555

Valid in our Parts & Accessories Store For all who bring it in and purchase an RV from us in the month of October

Free Roadside for a year & Free Thousand Trails for a year.

www.AllValleyRVCenter.com

4 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS NEWS FEATURES

5

NEWS OF THE WEEK

9

A Model T rides again • “Family Feud,” SCV edition • Real estate: to buy or to rent Golden shovels and silver screens • Details of pilot deaths released • Playing things by the book • Finding something strange in SCV • Health officials offer tips on fleas • Knight, Hill debate • Girls draw aces on test • Woman pleads not guilty in alleged Girl Scouts embezzlement • Hill takes $3M fundraising lead

24304 Creekside Rd Newhall, CA 91321 • Active Listing MLS# SR18228928 4beds 3baths 3,081 sq ft HOME SIZE 12,572 sq ft LOT SIZE $749,000

ABOUT THIS PROPERTY This 4 + 3 and 3,081 sqft Highly sought after Hidden Valley Track in Newhall, is convenient to the 5 freeway. This adult occupied home has been very well maintained. It features open floor plan with kitchen open to family room with fireplace. Great feature is a bedroom and full bath downstairs.

Home has been tastefully decorated with earth tone paint, carpet and tile flooring. You will love large master bedroom and bath with two walk-in closets.Separate central air & heat for each floor.

No community pool here you have your very own with covered patio and view.

CITY MANAGER

16

Checking out the State of the City

SPORTS 17 Centurions ride again

REAL ESTATE

18

OPINION

20

SCV CALENDAR TIME RANGER KIDS & FAMILY

23 24 25

This week in real estate listings Our View, David Hegg, Tim Whyte

Sweet and savory Halloween treats

ARTS 27 ARTTree adds to SCV’s palette

PETS 29 Keeping Fido fit

SCHOOLS

31

FOOD

34

School menu • Keeping the mornings calmer Fun and easy game day recipe

HOME & GARDEN

Make moving much easier • Much ado about lawn care

36

HEALTH 37 Can snack foods affect cognition • Stay healthy this flu season • Avoid the plague going around the office • How to treat a sore throat • Easing sinus pressure

SENIORS

40

PEOPLE

42

Share your story • Help for those looking to help

Kathy Kellar’s bewitching family history

SUNDAY SIGNAL SignalSCV.com

Bob Kellar 661.510.0987 16670 Soledad Cyn Rd kellar@earthlink.net CalBRE#01030351

Richard Budman Perry Smith Tim Whyte Brad Lanfranco Doña Uhrig Joel Z. Rosario Abner Gutierrez

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

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

661-259-1234 On the cover: PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

S C V F E AT U R E

Wedding fit to a T Uncle escorts his niece and her groom from ceremony to reception in a 1927 Ford car

By Michele Lutes Signal Staff Writer

C

ampbell Soup cans and a sign reading “just married” dragged behind a newly restored Ford Model T as it drove down Bouquet Canyon Road, escorting a Santa Clarita homegrown bride and groom to their wedding reception Oct. 13.

“One of my sisters asked me, ‘Wouldn’t it be fun to have the kids in the car for the wedding,’” said Robert Lamoureux, uncle of the bride. “It’s in great shape now, and has evolved into something amazing for this wedding.”

The bride, Grace Sexton, and groom,

“It was really the kids who asked to be taken to the venue in that car.”

— ROBERT LAMOUREUX, UNCLE OF THE BRIDE

Nick Wells, tied the knot at Santa Clarita United Methodist Church and were escorted to their reception venue at Bridgeport, in the 1927 restored Model T. “The entire family was on board with this,” Lamoureux said. “It was really the kids who asked to be taken to the venue in that car.”

Dressed for the occasion, Lamoureux, the driver and his longtime friend Jim Turner, acting as doorman, transported the couple back in time while en route to their reception.

“Only he would get me to do this,” Turner said, as he suited up in a bow tie and white gloves.

The two men both dressed the part, wearing white shirts with a bow tie, black hat, gloves and glasses — and even had a top hat for the groom.

“I’m probably the only idiot who knows how to drive this thing,” Lamoureux said, as he laughed. “It’s not a conventional car.”

See WEDDING, page 8

Robert Lamoureux chauffeurs his niece and her groom in his 1927 Ford Model T to their wedding reception venue. PHOTO BY MICHELE LUTES / THE SIGNAL

6 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

LOCALNEWS

Girls draw aces out of ACT test

By Patti Rasmussen Special to The Signal

T

wo students in the William S. Hart Union High School District have earned the highest possible ACT composite score of 36. Ashika Thomas, a senior at Valencia High, and Kailyn Stevens, a senior at Golden Valley High, achieved a milestone that, on average, only around one-tenth of 1 percent of students taking the ACT earn.

The ACT and the SAT tests are used for college admissions and merit-based scholarships. Both cover basically the same topics and colleges accept either test.

The ACT consists of tests in English, mathematics, reading and science, each scored on a scale of 1 to 36. A student’s composite score

is the average of the four test scores.

The score for ACT’s optional writing test is reported separately and is not included within the ACT composite score.

Golden Valley Principal Sal Frias said this is the first time he can remember that he had a student achieve such a score.

“Kailyn is a very special person,” he said. “This score makes her pretty darn attractive to a lot of schools.”

At 16, Kailyn Stevens said she felt prepared for the ACT but was surprised she did so well. Her schedule is daunting. On top of her studies, she plays clarinet in the marching band and performs in both choir and theater.

“Everybody has to have some fun,” Stevens said when asked about her long school days, which sometimes last until

Ashika Thomas, Valencia High School senior, 17.

Activities: Tutoring, library volunteer, choir and piano. DAN WATSON/THE SIGNAL

Kailyn Stevens, Golden Valley High School senior, 16.

Activities: Marching band, choir and theater. DAN WATSON/THE SIGNAL

9 p.m. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Stevens would like to pursue a degree in bioengineering and plans to apply to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford but also has a soft spot for UC San Diego.

Valencia High School Principal Steve Ford said it’s not common to see a student with these kinds of scores. He told Ashika Thomas to aim high and find a school that’s a good fit for her.

She would like to attend UCLA or Stanford and major in biology, especially anatomy.

“I’m a California girl, so I want to say here,” Thomas said when thinking about East Coast universities.

“I want to go into the medical field, but not a doctor,” she added. “I’m probably going to work in a lab. I

don’t like seeing blood come out of people.”

She said she took several ACT practice tests but didn’t think she had done well.

“I felt so bad the night before and I wasn’t going to go in, but I already paid the fee (for the test) so I went ahead,” she added.

Thomas, 17, also has long school days with tutoring young students and volunteering at the library in the afternoon. She said she loves music.

“I am in choir and I really love signing and playing the piano,” she said. “I did my first solo this year.”

Thomas acknowledges she doesn’t get much sleep but said she can deal with it.

“I’m a good multi-tasker,” she said. 

Cascione was the treasurer for multiple Girl Scout troops, including a local Girl Scouts troop in Santa Clarita, sheriff ’s officials said in a news release.

LASD detectives also suspect Cascione of stealing about $30,000 from the Beverly Hills Cancer Center.

The search warrant and arrest are the culmination of a 15-month investigation.

Investigators suspect there might be additional victims. They’ve asked anyone with questions or information to contact the LASD Fraud and Cyber

Crimes Bureau, Sgt. David Chambers at 661-471-1534.

“The next date is a preliminary hearing setting on Nov. 13 in Dept. 35,” according to Paul Eakins, spokesman for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

Her bail amount was raised at the hearing from $20,000 to $50,000.

Cascione was arrested Sept. 17 around 12:30 p.m., according to Sheriff ’s Department arrest records. She was released on bail the same day at approximately 4:30 p.m. 

Woman pleads not guilty in embezzling case

By Perry Smith Signal Managing Editor

A

woman accused of stealing nearly $90,000 from local nonprofit groups, including the Girl Scouts and a center for cancer patients, was arraigned in a Los Angeles courtroom Tuesday.

Patricia Cascione, 52, was arrested in September by detectives with the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’s Department Fraud and Cyber Crimes Bureau on suspicion of grand theft and theft by

false pretense.

After Cascione’s initial arrest, a search warrant at the Cascione home in Saugus led to additional evidence, LASD Deputy Marvin Crowder wrote in a news release.

The alleged amount stolen was approximately $88,000, according to Sheriff’s Department officials. Cascione is accused of embezzling more than $58,000 from several Girl Scout troops and service unit bank accounts over which she had control in the last five years.

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

LOCALNEWS

Knight, Hill talk Cemex, foreign policy

By Perry Smith Signal Managing Editor

T

he two candidates vying to represent the 25th Congressional District — Rep. Steve Knight, R-Palmdale, and his Democratic challenger Katie Hill — met inside the studio at College of the Canyons for a debate Saturday hosted

by The Signal.

The format — each candidate was given a minute to answer a prompt, and then a 30-second rebuttal period — gave the candidates an opportunity to lead the discussion, as well as allowing each to contrast their different approaches on a subject, which became evident from the start.

Since the original respondent had the option of a 30-second rebuttal, it was often during these responses that the two candidates challenged each other on their answers and past statements.

The opening prompt called for both candidates to list their No. 1 priority if elected.

Hill, who went first, answered that politicians’ accountability to the public has to be the No. 1 priority, “and part of that means really restoring our faith in people, in our politics, in our government and in our institutions,” Hill said. She cited campaign-finance reform, voting rights and corruption as the highlights of a legislative package that would be introduced right away, if there was Democratic Party leadership in the House.

Knight responded by saying he didn’t go to Washington, D.C., to find an issue, he’d been working right here in the district. “And for the last 24 years, Cemex has been the No. 1 issue,” Knight said, touting his work with the SCV’s local representatives with the goal of stopping a mining operation proposed by the international mining company on the city’s eastern border.

“Congressman Knight keeps saying that Cemex is the No. 1 issue, and I hate to say it, but that’s not the case,” Hill said, adding that it’s an important issue, but one she wasn’t aware of until

she started running for office, and that most people weren’t concerned about.

The discussion continued, ranging on topics from bipartisanship to immigration to trade policy, with Knight continually pointing to his work in the district, and Hill repeatedly pointing out what she perceived as problems with the federal government and the nation’s direction.

Hill, in her opening, said the choices facing 25th District voters presented an opportunity to change “politics as usual.”

“I believe we’ve had representatives in Washington who have been accountable to big corporations and special interests,” she said, “and have failed to put the need and concerns of all of us at the forefront.”

Knight argued the election was on an issue of “results vs. resistance,” which was a phrase he used a couple times during the hourlong discussion.

“I think that you’ve got a candidate that wants resistance,” he said, referring to Hill, “and a candidate that’s got results.”

When the topic of Social Security came

up, Knight defended comments made at a Signal forum in 2016, in which he referred to the program as “a bad idea,” noting that was only part of his answer, and his actual dialogue with seniors in the district has been productive.

When prompted for what was the nation’s greatest national security threat, Knight said it was about five-fold, focusing on Russia and in particular, China, due to the sheer impact of its economy, the amount of money it can put into new technologies and the buildup of its defense.

He also said North Korea doesn’t come up in that same conversation, because while some difficult diplomatic measures have been made, they’re working, and that’s one of the results.

Hill countered that while the talk is no longer focused on North Korea, the nation was still a potential threat, and that the United States’ biggest security threat is its own erratic foreign policy.

A video of the debate can be found on The Signal’s Decision 2018 web page: https://signalscv.com/decision2018. 

40th Anniversary Sale!

CONSUMERS FURNITURE Major Brands

G A L L E R Y

consumersfurniture.com

Discount Prices

Get your home ready for the Holidays!

Bring in this ad for

20% OFF

your entire order Does not apply to previous orders. One offer per family.

Expires 10-28-18

#1

in the SCV for 17 years

21048 W. Golden Triangle Road • Mon-Fri 10am to 8pm • Sat - Sun 11am to 7pm consumersfurniture.com • (661) 259-9609

8 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

S C V F E AT U R E

Robert Lamoureux’s Model T was originally purchased in 1927.

Robert Lamoureux, right, and his friend Jim Turner prepare to escort the wedding couple from Santa Clarita United Methodist Church in Saugus to their reception venue at Bridgeport. PHOTOS BY MICHELE LUTES / THE SIGNAL

WEDDING

Continued from page 5

ENDORSED BY PUBLIC SAFETY AND LOCAL LEADERS WE TRUST

www.westeforcouncil2018.com Paid for by Weste for City Council 2018 ID# 1406208

The Model T was one of the first affordable automobiles and was produced by Ford from Oct. 1, 1908, to May 26, 1927. The floor has three pedals: the brake on the right, reverse in the middle and a pedal to shift the gears from low to high speed on the left. The gas is on the steering wheel, Lamoureux said.

“Your hands and feet are constantly going and moving.”

His specific car has a history of its own, including Lamoureux being only the second registered owner of the Model T. The car was purchased by a woman in 1927, he said. “She was a doctor and ran her medical practice in the car for a year. She was an unusual lady.”

During that time in history, it was very unusual for a woman to drive, or work as a doctor, Lamoureux said. “She subsequently gave it her nephew, who then sold it to me.”

When he bought the car about five years ago, it was running, but not well, he said.

“For me, vehicles are a passion, not a chore.”

— ROBERT LAMOUREUX, UNCLE OF THE BRIDE

Lamoureux mainly did cosmetic and mechanical updates to the car.

“For me, vehicles are a passion, not a chore,” he said. “Anybody who is willing to take an almost 100-year-old vehicle and get it back up and running, it has to be a passion.”

During the restoration, there were many trials and tribulations, but when searching for information, he learned more and more about the original car.

“Not knowing, snooping and digging, that’s a big part of the fun when you learn something,” Lamoureux said.

The dark green 1927 Model T became a memory their family will cherish forever.

“I’m just very family-oriented,” Lamoureux said with a smile on his face as he prepared to drive his niece and her new husband in his restored Model T. 

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

Homes of the week VIEW

GATE

D CO

!

www.31318Countryside.com

NITY !

NEW LI

STIN G!

ING!

www.19206Maplebay.com

!

www.23511HeritageOak.com

RV P ARK

!

www.28003Banjo.com

TINE

MMU

www.22017Barrington.com

SOLD

PRIS

www.28246ViaSonata.com

GET YOUR HOME VALUATION TODAY AT TEAMBJORKMAN.COM Mike Bjorkman 661-212-8075 DRE# 01169049

Tami Edwards 661-373-5595 DRE# 01940209

10 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

LOCALNEWS

Left: Owners of Laemmle Theatres break ground on the Newhall location alongside City Council members Wednesday. CORY RUBIN/THE SIGNAL Above: Mayor Laurene Weste, left, shakes hands with Greg Laemmle, owner of Laemmle Theatres, at the groundbreaking ceremony for Laemmle Threatres 7 in Newhall. CORY RUBIN/THE SIGNAL

Golden shovels and silver screens

By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

W

hile there’s nothing wrong with indulging in the action-packed Marvel blockbuster movies, Santa Clarita Valley residents are closer to enjoying indie, foreign and art films in their hometown, following a groundbreaking of the Laemmle Theatres in Newhall on Wednesday.

“We can’t wait for the Laemmle Newhall 7 to open,” Santa Clarita Mayor Laurene Weste told the crowd in attendance.

As part of the city’s Arts Master Plan to designate Old Town Newhall as the arts and entertainment district, the independent movie theater is being

built on the corner of Main Street and Lyons Avenue.

The theater will include seven screens with about 500 seats for moviegoers, showcasing “quality film without regard to genre or provenance,” as stated on the company’s website.

Laemmle Newhall will mark the seventh spot in the Laemmle Theatre chain. The rest are scattered in Los Angeles, with the nearest theater located in the San Fernando Valley.

“When my grandfather and his brother started the business with two locations in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, I don’t think they could have imagined us being here today, 80 years and three generations later about to embark on a multi-million-dollar construction project,” said Greg Laemmle,

president of the family-owned business.

SCV’s own Laemmle Theatre is what residents have been asking for quite some time, he and Weste said, and it’s finally underway.

Residents Melissa Brimigion and Lucille Bowman, who have lived in the SCV since the 1970s, said they’re glad they won’t have to travel to the San Fernando Valley or farther south to enjoy art and foreign movies.

Sen. Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, and Assemblyman Dante Acosta, R-Santa Clarita, who were also present at the groundbreaking, said they were glad to see not only a new entertainment destination but also a job creator.

About 15 to 20 jobs with benefits are said to become available at the theater, Laemmle said.

Within the arts and entertainment district, the theater is only part of a “marriage” with the newly opened Old Town Newhall parking structure, Weste said on the Redevelopment Block construction project that also includes a public plaza and retail spaces.

“You also have the siblings, which is the restaurants and beverage bars, retail and plaza,” she added. “Today, people are going to live and commute to a place with open space, libraries, food, transportation and entertainment.”

“Everyone is talking about building houses. Let’s build houses where we can live, work, play and get to our jobs without having to drive four hours,” Weste said.

Laemmle Newhall 7 is expected to open for business by the end of 2019. 

made up of one student from each junior high and two students from each high school.

These students meet monthly with Superintendent Vicki Engbrecht and district spokesman Dave Caldwell. The council discusses a variety of subjects ranging from simple school dances to complicated politics. Book has served on the Communication Council since his sophomore year, and became president in his junior year.

Book said being a student board member is a great opportunity to represent the students in the Hart District.

“I’ve been in student government since

grade school,” Book said. “I think I tend to gravitate towards it and I love being in these leadership roles.”

Student board members, while non-voting, are allowed to ask questions from presenters at board meetings but are not allowed access to anything confidential.

Book reports monthly about a variety of activities and events being addressed by the students in school and in the council.

Hart board President Steve Sturgeon said the students in the Hart district are known nationally for their successes in academics, athletics and achievements in arts and science. This is nowhere more evident that the student board members who

serve with the governing board each year.

“Their ability to bring a student focus on all relevant topics helps the board hear and understand what our students are thinking and feeling,” Sturgeon said.

“They continue to make a significant contribution towards the district’s future.”

“Brennan is no exception,” he added.

Upon graduation, Book hopes to attend UCLA and study economics or political science. He would also like to attend a seminary after college to study theology and eventually end up in ministry.

“My passion is philosophy and theology,” Book said. “All of this will tie into my long-term goals.” 

Playing things by the book

By Patti Rasmussen Special to The Signal

H

igh school senior Brennan Book has been selected as the student board member of the William S. Hart Union High School School District board of trustees for the 2018-19 school year.

Book is the Associated Student Body president at Valencia High School and the president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Valencia.

Book was selected by the Student Communications Council, or SCC, which is

11 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

GRAND

OPENING NOV.3 I0AM-3PM

MODEL HOME TOURS * LIVE MUSIC * POOLSIDE ENTERTAINMENT * KITE FLYING * PHOTO BOOTH * KOGI TACOS BIG GUY BREW CO * COOLHAUS ICE CREAM * COFFEE BAR * TALENT SHOW FEATURING LOCAL SCHOOLS Come celebrate the Grand Opening of Skyline, a new kind of master-planned community perched atop the beautiful hills of Santa Clarita. Tour 12 model homes in four new neighborhoods surrounded by nearly 1,600 acres of open space and trails. Explore head-turning indoor and outdoor amenities.

Join us Saturday November 3 from 10 am to 3 pm and enjoy a taste of life wide open.

All are welcome! RSVP at LifeAtSkyline.com/GO

The prices of our homes, included features, plans, specifications, promotions/incentives, neighborhood build-out and available locations are subject to change without notice. Photographs or renderings of people do not depict or indicate any preference regarding race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, familial status, or national origin. Our name and the logos contained herein are registered trademarks of TRI Pointe Group, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. CA Contractor’s License No. 251810. CA DRE License No. 02027320. ©2018 Pardee Homes, a member of the TRI Pointe Group. All rights reserved.

12 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

LOCALNEWS

Finding something strange in the SCV

By Crystal Duan Signal Staff Writer

A

house in Saugus will once again undergo a complete haunted makeover, “Stranger Things”-style, for Halloween this year.

William “Bond” Landeen has transformed the garage of his Saugus home into a scary-movie-inspired set for the past 12 years for residents to enjoy. It goes by “Pumkin Jack’s Haunted House,” and has gained popularity over the years.

The whole space is 800 to 900 square feet and the experience is a 3 to 5 minute tour. During the Halloween weekend, attendees can wait up to 45 minutes in line to get in.

Last year, around 2,500 people came during the haunted house’s two days of operation, Landeen said. Its popularity can be attributed to word of mouth, social media and their listings on haunted house tracking websites from Los Angeles, such as the “SoCal Haunt List.”

Previous themes were “Bates Motel,”

“Friday the 13th” and “Frankenstein.” This year, Landeen and his team of 14 friends and family are collaborating to make a haunted house inspired by the setting of the hit Netflix show “Stranger Things.”

For the past three weeks, Landeen has put together wooden walls, thrifted furniture and painted makeshift doors for the place to resemble the home in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, on the show.

“The way we build it, we want you to feel like you’re walking through a movie set,” Landeen said.

Once an explorer walks into the house, they can expect to be greeted by dim hallways with the “Stranger Things” theme playing, strobe lights accompanying the “scare crew” that pops through the walls, and lamps and Christmas decorations reminiscent of ones on the show for contacting those in the “Upside Down.” All of the set is painted and built from scratch, Landeen said.

His nephew, Josh Brandeis, said the team works on the set in shifts every day running from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Each year, they begin brainstorming in

A “Welcome to Hawkins” sign greets visitors to the Landeen household.

CORY RUBIN/THE SIGNAL

August for how to improve from the following year.

The haunted house will be open to the public on Oct. 27 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. and on Halloween night from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at 28603 Natalie Lane in Saugus.

The first two hours of Halloween night will have no “scare crew” members popping out because it is for the younger children to attend, Brandeis said. After 7 p.m., attendees of all ages are invited to come.

“It’s a passion and an art,” said Brandeis, who has begun officially learning set design after working on Pumkin Jack’s Haunted House for many years. “People have said we’re scarier than Six Flags’ Fright Fest, and it’s also fun to bring family and friends together to create something out of nothing.

“Plus it’s fun to scare people,” he said.

“Our motto is, ‘Where Disneyland ends and your nightmare begins.’ 

Health officials offer tips to help stop disease

By Signal Staff

W

ith more than 60 cases of flea-borne typhus reported countywide, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is reminding residents to protect themselves.

“We are continuing to see cases of fleaborne typhus throughout Los Angeles County, so it is important that everyone takes steps to reduce their risk of infection,” Muntu Davis, the L.A. County

health officer, said in a statement Friday.

Flea-borne typhus is a disease caused by bacteria and can spread to people through contact with infected fleas, causing symptoms like fever, rash and vomiting when flea feces are rubbed into cuts or scrapes in the skin, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Officials said murine typhus (another name for the disease), is endemic, or the only one of these diseases naturally occurring in L.A.

County.

In recent years, the average number of reported cases doubled to nearly 60 cases per year, with 63 total in 2018, according to county officials.

On Tuesday, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors approved a motion by Supervisors Janice Hahn and Kathryn Barger, who represents the SCV, to direct the Public Health Department in coordinating cities to develop a countywide typhus prevention and response plan.

“It is simply inhumane to stand by while people are living in dangerous conditions,” Barger said in a statement. “While efforts to address the typhus outbreak are underway, there is a need for a strategic public health solution to this component of the homelessness crisis.”

For more information regarding flea-borne typhus, visit http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/typhus or call 2-1-1 .

SHOWER DOOR SPECIALIST Sliding Tub Enclosure Chrome with 1/4” Clear Glass Standard Sizes

18 20

NOW OPEN BARBERS WANTED

only

525

$

We want to thank the Santa Clarita Valley for their support over the last 34 years.

We are looking forward to RETIRING.

installation included

Liquidation Sale of all USED

FREE In-Home Consultation

Tuxedos - Suits – Accessories

Over 25 years in business

661.298.0261 26858 Ruether Ave, Unit A, Saugus, CA 91351

www.ValenciaCustomShowerDoors.com Lic #852216

Everything must go including all Fixtures and Equipment.

Stop in or Call.

23418 1/2 Lyons Ave. Newhall 91321 661l254l4238

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 13

LOCALNEWS

Hill takes $3m ahead of Knight

By Crystal Duan Signal Staff Writer

I

n the third quarter leading up to the Nov. 6 midterm election, 25th Congressional District challenger Katie Hill outraised incumbent Rep. Steve Knight, R-Palmdale, by more than $3 million.

Between fundraising and transfers from other committees, the Hill campaign reported raising $3.8 million from July 1 to Sept. 30, while the Knight campaign reported raising $455,819 in the same period, according to Federal Election Commission documents.

Hill’s campaign had $3.2 million from fundraising alone, while Knight’s fundraising total was $376,615.

As of Sept. 30, Hill’s cash on hand total was $2.3 million. Knight’s cash on hand total was $419,889.

The candidates’ totals raised so far this election were Hill at $6.2 million and Knight at $2.1 million.

“

As of Sept. 30, Hill’s cash on hand total was $2.3 million. Knight’s cash on hand total was $419,889.”

“It’s definitely a sign of the momentum,” Hill said of her fundraising totals. “It continues to show we have the enthusiasm (of volunteers) combined with the boots on the ground we’re seeing. In a single weekend, we knocked on 45,000 doors, and if you combine those efforts with the fundraising, then we feel like we’re in a great position for this election.”

Knight acknowledged Hill’s lead, but said he was focusing on telling his constituents about his accomplishments.

“She’s a good fundraiser,” he said.

“ActBlue has very been proactive for raising money for her, and it’s been very good. But it’s not all about the money.

“We try to run on our voting record,” the congressman said. “I think people know we have the best veterans care here in our district, we have small-business issues we are addressing and aerospace-related accomplishments. I submitted nine amendments to the (National Defense Authorization Act) that all have a direct impact on our district.

If this was all about fundraising, then why would you have a congressman?

Don’t you want a congressman who actually does something for you?”

The National Rifle Association sent out $4,000 to Knight’s campaign in 2018, according to the updated finance records. Of that total, $1,500 was formally declined, while $2,500 was mistakenly deposited, but subsequently refunded because Knight had pledged earlier this year to decline money from the NRA, campaign spokesman Matt Rexroad said on Sept. 19.

Last month, the NRA’s political action committee records showed its donations to Knight’s campaign this election cycle were: $1,000 in July 2017, $1,500 in May 2018, and $2,500 in July 2018, according to the Federal Elections Commission.

When asked on a local podcast in August if he had recently taken money from the NRA, Knight said he didn’t.

Updated campaign finance records for this quarter reflect a contribution of $2,500 was refunded, with the date of disbursement marked as Sept. 19 — the same day Rexroad acknowledged that the contribution previously had been received and mistakenly deposited before being refunded to the NRA. Rexroad said the $2,500 contribution was mailed to the campaign’s treasurer,

“

The candidates’ totals raised so far this election were Hill at $6.2 million and Knight at $2.1 million.”

who deposited it by mistake before the podcast interview, and it was subsequently sent back to the NRA before Knight’s appearance on the podcast. The exact date is unknown, but it predated the interview with The Signal, he said Tuesday.

“The decision to refund the money had been made long before,” Rexroad said. “I didn’t connect with the treasurer after we talked. The date that the treasurer sent it back, I wouldn’t know. All I can say is our decision was made before that.”

Knight’s largest donors were political action committees, such as the Alliance Coal PAC, American Crystal Sugar PAC and Republican committees such as Protect the House.

Hill’s biggest donors were Democratic organizations such as Swing Left, Democracy Engine Inc., AmeriPac and the California Candidates Victory Fund, according to FEC documents. 

Details of pilot’s death released

By Signal Staff

A

Valencia pilot who flew for the U.S. Air Force’s Thunderbirds lost consciousness during a training flight just before fatally crashing in April, according to an Air Force investigation.

The report, released this week, found that Major Stephen Del Bagno, a Saugus High School graduate, experienced a high G-force maneuver and was incapacitated for five seconds just before the impact.

He was conducting a routine Thunderbirds aerial demonstration in his F-16 Fighting Falcon at the Nevada Test and Training Range.

An air demonstration, with up to

eight pilots, is a mix of formation flying and solo routines.

During what’s called the “High Bomb Burst Rejoin,” a routine conducted toward the end of the demonstration, Del Bagno flew for about 22 seconds in inverted flight at more than 5,500 feet above the ground.

The pilot then experienced “a change in force due to acceleration measured in multiples of the acceleration of gravity felt at the earth’s surface,” or minus-2 Gs, and the aircraft began to descend in a half-loop maneuver called the Split-S. At that point, the report read, Del Bagno reached a maximum of 8.56 Gs after five seconds in the Split-S and lost consciousness.

Just before crashing to the ground,

he recovered and attempted to control his F-16CM but was unsuccessful. “(Del Bagno) impacted the ground at 57 degrees nose low with 89 degrees of left bank and the MP was fatally injured on impact, without an ejection attempt,” the report read.

The Accident Investigation Board determined that the “pull-push effect” of switching from minus-2 Gs to more than 8 Gs significantly diminished his tolerance of G-forces, affecting his ability to maneuver the aircraft.

No issues with the plane or other health conditions were found before takeoff, the report said.

In April, Brig. Gen. Jeannie Leavitt, 57th Wing commander, said in a

statement posted on the Thunderbirds website that the pilot “was an integral part of our team and our hearts are heavy with his loss.”

Del Bagno logged more than 3,500 total flight hours in over 30 different aircraft, with 1,400 hours as an Air Force pilot.

He was a 2005 graduate of Utah Valley State University and in 2007 he commissioned from Officer Training School, Maxwell AFB, Alabama.

Before joining the Air Force, he was a civilian flight instructor, corporate pilot, skywriter and a banner tow pilot. He enjoyed snowboarding, water sports and spending time with family and friends. 

14 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

S C V F E AT U R E

VIEWED ON ‘FEUD’

THE LAWRENCE FAMILY

’18

Jayme Lawrence of Santa Clarita, who coaches cheer at Canyon High School, was captain for her family during their appearence on “Family Feud.” COURTESY PHOTO

Santa Clarita clan details the long process needed to make it to long-running television game show

By Perry Smith Signal Managing Editor

J

ayme Lawrence and her family have spent countless hours watching the classic TV game show “Family Feud.”

And earlier this year, Jayme realized that they could easily be on the other side of the screen. They needed to audition.

“The whole family was on board,”

Monday

Oct. 22 6:30pm

Thursday

Nov. 8 8:30am

www.TrinityClassicalAcademy.com | (661) 296-2601

Jayme said. “We watch the show religiously. I thought, ‘We should just audition.”

Jayme, who also coaches cheer at Canyon High, became team captain for the Lawrence clan’s attempt, as the organizer.

Their team quickly came together: Devon Lawrence, Jayme’s older sister; her dad, Jamie Lawrence; her mom, Trayc Lawrence; and her aunt Toni Trott.

Then began the lengthy audition process.

Jayme said she had to submit about a dozen photos of her family, and then when they received a call back from the show’s producers, they headed out to the daunting task of the audition, in front of about 100 families at a facility on the Universal Studios lot.

The family ran through a test of the types of scenarios that come up on the show in front of what seemed like a building full of strangers, and then awaited the word.

This was about eight months ago,

“Being on ‘Family Feud’ was like auditioning to become a cheerleader.”

JAYME LAWRENCE

and eventually, the Lawrence family did get their call back. And then Jayme got some more news — the family would need to reserve several weekends for another round of live-trial auditions the group would need to undergo if it was serious about making the cut.

“The first audition was in February, and then they gave us our callback in March,” Jayme said. The producers told Lawrence her family had made the first cut, but they then had to pick about six different weekends, and two days open in the week for the taping, if they made the final cut.

“And once you get to the live taping,” she added, “there’s no guarantee

your family will get picked.”

The key, said Jayme, was the family was really excited about the opportunity, so they really tried to go “over the top,” with their emotions and reactions, a job for which the cheerleading coach was probably well-qualified.

Ultimately, the Lawrence family did make it through the several rounds of audition, which included another live audition in front of a studio full of other families hoping to compete, and then faced off with a family from Arkansas, finally under the “bright lights” of one of their favorite family game shows that they regularly watched together.

“There I was, ‘Lights, camera, action’ … It reminded me of when I was with Ice Capades and Holiday Ice performing before a live audience again,” said Jayme’s dad, Jamie, who previously competed as a professional figure skater. “Just like (Will Ferrell’s “Anchorman” movie character) Ron Burgundy, I was sure that a network after our ‘Family Feud’ debut would

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 15

From left: Jayme Lawrence; her older sister Devon Lawrence; her aunt Toni Trott; “Family Feud” host Steve Harvey; her mother, Trayc Lawrence; and her father, Jamie Lawrence.

offer me an anchorman position,” he joked. “But, unfortunately, this did not happen. However, I had a great time with the family and we had our ‘15 minutes of fame,’” he joked.

Jayme also enjoyed the interaction with Steve Harvey, whom she described as “so nice” and someone who took the time to get to know all the competitors on the show.

“Being on ‘Family Feud’ was like auditioning to become a cheerleader,” Jayme said. “My favorite memory was when Steve asked me what I did for a living.

At the time, Jayme was working at Target, and Harvey asked her what he could buy at Target. “‘Target has household items and so many clothes,’” she recalled saying.

“He looked at me and said, ‘Now, does it look like I buy my suits from Target?’ Everyone started laughing and it definitely made me feel comfortable that he was joking with us.”

Jitters aside, unfortunately, the Lawrence family came up short on the show, losing control of the board after the initial question posed to the family: “What’s one thing you don’t want to do on a first date?”

One of the toughest challenges, Jayme said, was deciding which

To our families and guests, As you know, Eternal Valley Memorial Park is in the midst of an extensive project to improve our roads, underground drains, water mains, and irrigation systems. When complete, it will ensure Eternal Valley will be an even more beautiful and pleasant place to visit your loved one for years to come.

Unfortunately, the work on the project is more extensive than we thought and is requiring more time.

The Lawrence family shares a moment backstage. COURTESY PHOTOS

family member’s answer to go with, and she didn’t have much luck in that respect, she said.

The Lawrence family went with “not to get too drunk” — which, unfortunately, was not one of the most common things said of 100 people asked. The other team, she said, went with “farting.”

“It’s definitely a lot harder than it look,” Jayme said of the auditions and the competition, “but it’s a lot of fun.” 

We appreciate your patience during this process. We expect the work to be completed by October 31, 2018. At the conclusion of the work, we will restore our lawns to their original condition.

During the final phase of construction, please continue to work with us to respect signs, speed limits, and construction zones. Your safety is our utmost concern.

Thank you in again for your cooperation and understanding.

Please contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely, Richard Nunally, General Manager Eternal Valley Memorial Park & Mortuary (661) 259-0800 FD 1163

16 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Join Santa Clarita for the State of the City

By Ken Striplin City Manager

T

his is an exciting time for arts and culture in Santa Clarita.

We have several new, thrilling public art pieces that will be installed in the next few months, our Arts Master Plan is making strides and our premier arts and entertainment district in Old Town Newhall is thriving with live theatre, galleries and soon … the much-anticipated Laemmle Theatre.

Inspired by the blooming creative community, the theme for this year’s State of the City is “City of the Arts.”

That means along with food and city updates, the event will also feature live musical performances, artist demonstrations and so much more.

If you have not attended a State of

the City Luncheon — I urge you to make this year your first.

The highlight of every State of the City is the video update from your City Council, showcasing the accomplishments of the last year and highlights of what’s to come.

State of the City attendees will get the very latest on progress at the site of the new Canyon Country Community Center, the new Sheriff ’s Station and new developments in Old Town Newhall.

Guests can learn about what the city is doing in the areas of public safety, homelessness, traffic safety, the libraries, events, maintaining our infrastructure and enhancing our 34 parks. Guests will also receive a custom, commemo-

The city of Santa Clarita enjoys a number of partnerships, including with organizations like ARTTree, which created the mosaics above in Newhall, that have provided artwork throughout the SCV.

rative gift that is sure to inspire and inform.

It is not too late to reserve your seat at State of the City.

For more information, please visit santa-clarita.com or call the City of

Santa Clarita at (661) 255-4939. We invite the community to join us in celebration at the annual State of the City luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 25 at 11:30 a.m., at the Hyatt Regency Valencia. 

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 17

SPORTS

Cents reunite in Glendale

By Diego Marquez Signal Staff Writer

S

augus graduates Nathan Eldridge and Quinn Sheaffer could hardly believe their high school playing days were over after the Cents’ 2017 CIF-Southern Section Division 6 second round loss to eventual champions Bishop Diego.

But an opportunity for both about 20 miles from home meant their days playing together weren’t over, yet.

Eldridge, who played quarterback last for Saugus, finished his threeyear varsity career throwing for 3,217 yards and 38 touchdowns to go along with 20 interceptions in 31 games played, according to MaxPreps.com.

Sheaffer was the team’s running back, finishing a two-year varsity career with 2,075 yards on 368 carries and 11 total touchdowns.

Neither were highly sought-after recruits after graduation, but Glendale Community College gave the two a chance to play “I knew coming out of high school that I wanted to continue playing football and I was thinking to go (an NCAA Division III) school,” Eldridge said.

A couple weeks into the summer, Eldridge’s parents received a call from his seventh-grade football coach, Don Scott, who had ties to the Glendale Community College football team.

“He told my parents that he thought that I had better talent than a D-3 school — and that if we worked a little and developed my mechanics, I could get the scholarships that I wanted,” Eldridge said. “We got in contact with (Glendale CC football coach) John Rome right away and let him know that I would be joining the team. I could tell that he had my best interests in mind, and that with time, I could develop.”

Sheaffer’s commitment process was a little trickier.

Initially enrolling at College of the Canyons and trying out for the football team, Sheaffer was one of about 15 running backs on the summer roster and had the option of sitting the 2018 season out and “grey shirt.”

With the log jam at running back, Sheaffer opted to focus on academics and work for the near future.

Nathan Eldrige, left, is starting under center for Glendale College. COURTESY PHOTO

The following week, Sheaffer attended a Saugus game and saw Eldridge in the stands.

“He told me that coach Rome still wanted me to come out and that they needed help at the position,” Sheaffer said.

Initially, Sheaffer didn’t think it could work because of his work schedule and the commute from his Stevenson Ranch home to Glendale.

After talking to his boss and reworking his schedule, Sheaffer told Rome he was in.

“I text coach Rome the week of their first game,” Sheaffer said. “It was like the very last opportunity to join and get into classes on time, and that’s how it all started.”

Now six weeks into the season, the GCC football team is coming off their first victory, after a 40-14 Road win against Metro League opponent Compton College on Saturday, Oct. 13.

Back together and just like in high school, the duo made headlines as Eldridge was named the Offensive Player of the Week, finishing with four total touchdown, two passing and two rushing, and Sheaffer also found paydirt scoring once, with a total of seven carries for 29 yards.

“I think they look very bright,” Rome said of their football futures. “I know they will be prepared academically for whatever institution likes them as players. It’s a combination of who needs what and what their major is.”

From no offers, to making college headlines, the Eldridge and Sheaffer duo will look to turn some more heads in the future. 

18 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

The value in the right professional

By Ray Kutylo Signal Contributing Writer

O

ne of my latest calls was from a seller whose house was not getting shown, and she said she really wanted to sell soon.

Since it was an active listing, there were ethical constraints on just how much I could advise or help her at this time, but I subsequently read a great article that goes to the heart of the matter.

In brief, the article noted nine signs that you picked a bad real estate agent to sell your house.

They are: the pricing of your home is way off, either high or low; the internet marketing is terrible; the photography was horrible — clearly the agent used a camera phone; the agent insists on being at every showing; there’s been no communication; the agent centers marketing efforts around the open house; the agent strongly advocates and practices dual agency; the agent tells you that he or she won’t be attending the home inspection; or you discover that your agent

is paying the buyer’s agent less commission than your competition is paying.

Picking the right real estate agent is crucial for your success, which broadly speaking, is getting you the highest price the market will bear, with the fewest problems, and within the timeline you want. Most of the Realtors in our local market are fine people where even a post and pray agent has had success.

However, the market is shifting. Rising interest rates and a jittery stock market increase uncertainty about the future and tend to soften the real estate market. Putting a true profes-

sional in your corner will ensure the job gets done and done right.

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.

Call Ray at (661) 312-9461 for more information. Ray the Realtor Kutylo is a California licensed Realtor with Keller Williams VIP Properties. CA. CA DRE# 00918855 

SANTA CLARITA VALLEY CLOSED SALES 10/5/18 TO 10/12/18 AREA/St#

St Name

Sold Price

Br/Ba

Sqft/Source

Price/SqFt

ACTON/AGUA DULCE 2675 Kashmere Canyon RD

$605,000

4/3,

2362/A

$256.14

CANYON COUNTRY Tyler LN #351 Tyler LN #724 Tiffany LN #301 Lost Canyon RD #82 Avalon DR Steinway ST Fairweather ST Calla WAY Foxlane DR Glasser AVE Sequoia RD Chuckwagon PL

$287,500 $309,000 $312,000 $360,000 $365,000 $408,000 $465,000 $470,000 $490,000 $502,500 $697,500 $1.070 M

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

843/A 948/A 934/A 1022/A 1160/A 1440/A 1080/A 1320/A 1400/A 1440/A 2464/A 3827/A

$341.04 $325.95 $334.05 $352.25 $314.66 $283.33 $430.56 $356.06 $350.00 $348.96 $283.08 $279.59

32152 32248 30309

CASTAIC / VAL VERDE Green Hill DR Vista Pointe PL Mallorca PL

$530,000 $785,000 $1.125 M

3/3, 5/3,0,1, 5/5,

1467/A 3500/B 3875/A

$361.28 $224.29 $290.32

NEWHALL 19226 Avenue Of The Oaks #A 21334 Nandina LN #101 25035 Peachland AVE #173 25242 Atwood 26457 Oak Highland DR

$225,000 $231,000 $284,000 $430,000 $470,000

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

806/A 588/A 1023/A 671/ 1178/A

$279.16 $392.86 $277.61 $640.83 $398.98

SAUGUS 25425 Calcutta Pass LN 19825 Darrin CT 22159 Barrington WAY 21420 Alaminos DR

$449,999 $508,000 $525,000 $535,000

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

1684/A 1727/A 2330/A 1418/A

$267.22 $294.15 $225.32 $377.29

27949 27911 28010 17971 27960 19603 27702 19218 28207 28015 14242 26841

0% APR FOR 72 MONTHS

Twin $139

OR

AREA/St#

28446 19826 27814 28511 20550 19403 21708

St Name

Silverking Melissa LN Santa Clarita RD Red Cedar PL Romar LN Maldonado CT Agajanian LN

Sold Price

Br/Ba

$542,000 3/2,0,0,1 $550,000 4/3, $590,000 3/2, $595,000 4/2,0,1, $629,000 5/3, $638,990 3/2, $656,000 4/3,

Sqft/Source

Price/SqFt

1744/A 2362/A 1608/A 1851/A 2888/A 1925/B 2620/A

$310.78 $232.85 $366.92 $321.45 $217.80 $331.94 $250.38

STEVENSON RANCH 25907

Franklin LN

$902,000

5/2,0,1,

2830/AP

$318.73

VALENCIA 23515 Lyons AVE #210 23811 Del Monte DR #112 24420 Nicklaus DR #J7 23731 Del Monte DR #176 25711 Tournament RD 27471 Coldwater DR 25687 Neblina CT 27026 Victoria LN #91 29209 Hatari WAY #76 23811 Brescia DR 23220 Faisan CT 25426 Eagle LN #110 26265 Bungalow Court DR 27472 Sycamore Creek DR 25801 Lochmoor RD 24139 Twin Tides DR 23608 Falcon Crest PL 24331 Taranto AVE 23415 Berwick PL 27351 Landon PL

$270,000 $322,000 $360,000 $390,000 $415,000 $435,000 $449,000 $449,900 $469,999 $477,000 $496,500 $524,000 $540,000 $541,000 $551,000 $593,500 $595,000 $640,000 $650,000 $850,000

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

987/A 710/A 1148/A 940/A 1226/P 1352/A 1018/A 1556/A 1798/A 1660/A 1128/A 1644/A 1259/A 1245/A 1620/A 1796/A 1488/A 1839/A 1708/D 3164/A

$273.56 $453.52 $313.59 $414.89 $338.50 $321.75 $441.06 $289.14 $261.40 $287.35 $440.16 $318.73 $428.91 $434.54 $340.12 $330.46 $399.87 $348.02 $380.56 $268.65

NO CREDIT NEEDED

King $299

SANTA CLARITA 91350

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

(661) 430-8660

Based on information from the Southland Regional Association of REALTORS®/Multiple Listing Service for the week ending on 10/12/18. 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.

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 19

Should I buy or rent?

SCV agents and brokers discuss when to know whether to buy or rent

By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

H

ome ownership has always fallen into the American Dream equation, but the process is not always the easiest, leaving many wondering whether to buy or rent longer.

So, how do you know when the time is right to choose either option?

“The goal is to buy,” said Alison Taylor, chairperson of the Real Estate program at College of the Canyons.

“But it’s easier said than done. It becomes a question of finding the right information.”

Quick guidance

Tools from Zillow or Realtor.com can offer an on-the-spot glance at one’s rent-versus-buy situation. After answering a couple of questions, such as what a comfortable home price looks like, the Zillow calculator can determine the break-even horizon, or how many years it would take for the cost of

renting to match the cost of buying.

In the Santa Clarita Valley, for example, it would take three years to hit the break-even point for buying to pay off over renting for a $540,000 instead of paying $2,600 month in rent.

This means that after those three years, the home would have more than $215,000 in equity (what’s available to the seller) if you decide to buy. But if you choose to rent, invest a down payment and other savings, earnings would reach about $20,000 at a six-percent return rate.

The bottom line, according to the estimation, buying would benefit over renting if you plan to live in the home for more than two years and nine months.

These calculations, however, are based considering a down payment of 20 percent, or nearly $110,000.

Not everyone can offer a down payment of that amount and calculators can only provide so much guidance, said Jeff Eisenberg, broker and owner of Southern Oaks Mortage,

Aliento A Proven Hit With Santa Clarita Homebuyers

ChetFrohlichPhoto Cresta offers the largest homes and homesites at Pardee’s Aliento.

A

choice array of move-in ready new homes highlights ownership opportunities at Aliento, Pardee Homes’ master-planned community in Golden Valley. Pardee Homes credits Aliento’s popularity to its exceptional lifestyle setting, new home designs for diverse preferences, resortstyle amenities and convenient location.

“Young couples and families, maturing households and empty nesters find great choices at Aliento,” said Lyndsay Higgins, Director of Sales and Marketing for Pardee Homes Los Angeles Ventura Division. “Our buyers appreciate the versatile layouts, and the amenities of each new home collection.”

Aliento’s distinctive neighborhoods include Arista, Cresta and Verano by Pardee Homes, and Lucera and Tierno

by TRI Pointe Homes. All feature spacious homesites, classic styling and

Inc. in Valencia.

That’s where he recommends to “speak to a trusted real estate agent and broker because other factors can come into play” to help decide whether you can rent or buy.”

A deeper look into your case

Those factors include one’s credit score and debt-to-income ratio, where monthly expenses are divided by gross monthly income.

“It’s very important to know your income and debt ratio, so that you know how much you can and can’t afford to take in loans,” said Steve White, president of the California Association of Realtors. “What you don’t want is for your monthly debt to exceed the percentage of your monthly income.”

Talking to an agent or lender, who can help with ratio calculations, can also mean receiving advice on how much you should consider saving while renting if buying is not the best option, vital for first-time buyers.

“Even if you don’t qualify, a good lender or real estate agent could help you through the process that will get you to qualification,” said Taylor.

As a broker herself, she has advised clients to avoid job gaps and save money for a year. For example, she said, if you pay $1,500 a month to rent, it would be about $1,900 a month to buy.

“So, save that extra $400 a month to build on a down payment. Doing so gives you the feeling of paying monthly for a buy. This can be done so with the help of an agent early on, so you don’t make a rash decision,” said Taylor.

To break it down considering today’s market, experts recommend in buying today as prices will be higher 10 years from now.

“If you can afford a $2,000 or $3,000-monthly rent, you should qualify for a house or condo,” said Eisenberg. “But if you can’t sometimes it’s better to stay renting for six months to a year.” 

NEW RV/BOAT STORAGE

upscale features and finishes.

Each of the new home collections provides inviting indoor/outdoor living and entertaining spaces and high performance measures for greater comfort and energy efficiency. All neighborhoods are in a gated, resort-style setting, overlooking Golden Valley, with parks, dog parks and on-site trailheads that make walking and hiking part of everyday living.

Freeway Close in SCV Full Lighting and Video Security Concrete Paving, 8’ Walls Free Holding Tank Dump

Serving all Aliento residents, The Terrace community center features enclosed fitness facilities, adult and children’s pools, and event and play lawns. A spa and outdoor exercise space also highlight the community center’s amenities.

(661) 230-6993

To reach Aliento, take 14 North to Golden Valley Road exit and turn right off the freeway onto Golden Valley Road. Make a right on Oak Crest Drive. Turn left at Via Princessa to get to model homes and The Terrace. For more information, visit www.alientoliving.com. Call 661-450-6813 for Arista, Cresta and Verano; call 949-478-8607 for Lucera and Tierno designs, pricing and opportunities.

32204 Castaic Road, Castaic, CA 91384

AllLockedUpStorage.com

2 0 · S U N D AY S I G N A L

Opinion

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

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

OURVIEW

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

Basic Question of Ethics: Fed Up with Bullies, We Endorse Steve Knight Being a Better Person

By The Signal Editorial Board

W

e have encouraged and supported peaceful debate about the issues in all political races in our valley during this election season. We have covered all the races fairly and without bias in our news stories. The only place where you will find our opinions in The Signal is on the opinion pages, and they are clearly marked as our opinions.

We have covered the Steve Knight/ Katie Hill campaign for the 25th Congressional District as fairly and in the most straightforward manner possible.

We covered Hill when she opened her new campaign headquarters, we covered her when celebrities from out of town came to visit her or endorse her. We covered her campaign by running three stories and a live Facebook stream of gubernatorial candidate Gavin Newsom coming to town to speak on her behalf. We have quoted her right along with Knight and given her fair and equal treatment in our news coverage.

We even held off on running two stories that would have been embarrassing to Hill and her campaign. We felt those stories would not inform the voters on the issues and would amount

By David Hegg

to little more than attack pieces.

However, a Democratic political agitator associated with the Hill campaign, masquerading as a concerned citizen, has done everything he could to try to unfairly discredit The Signal. He has lied, misrepresented and conflated facts in order to relentlessly attack this paper, the publisher, his family and the editor. This is such a hotly contested race that Hill’s advocates contacted left-leaning publications to attack us with unfounded accusations and material intentionally taken out of context.

Such agitators will attack anyone who does not 100 percent agree with them. This is happening in politics all around the country. It’s a coordinated effort to create distrust and pit neighbor against neighbor. These agitators take to social media to create a cybermob. They post something that is not true or is taken out of context and keep reposting it so people will See OUR VIEW, page 22

T

he basic question in the study of ethics has always been that of determining right and wrong, moral and immoral. Some find right to be that which aligns with authoritative truth or standard, while others base morality on the consequences of individual actions. The former (deontologists) and the latter (consequentialists) have argued for centuries, and the battle rages on today in academia.

But in the corridors of everyday life ethical determination has taken a different turn. Today in many cases right and wrong, moral and immoral are determined on a far simpler basis: Does what you believe make you a better person? We might call this “relational ethics.”

Increasingly I’ve come to see this worked out in many arenas of life. In debates ranging from the political to the theological, it is clear that winners are considered to be those who came across as nicer people, someone we’d like to go to lunch with. Never mind the factual nature of their declarations, or the cogency of their arguments —

the thing we want most is someone we can like, relate to, and even hang out with.

As an ethicist I inhabit the ranks of the deontologists who believe that, ultimately, right and wrong are not determined pragmatically but on the basis of absolute truth.

However, I also believe a correct ethic or moral worldview ought to make one a better person. If there is a gap between what we believe is right and our living as good people, then there is a radical disconnect somewhere.

Let’s put it to the test. While I expect that many who read my opinions will disagree with my ethical starting point and worldview, I will ask you all to accept my presuppositions, for the sake of argument. I believe in the God of the Bible, and the worldview that flows out from understanding the Bible in the way the original authors intended it to be understood. That means I don’t stand with those who, while claiming to follow God, twist the Bible to align with their own crazy ideas.

Given this, I would tell you that See HEGG, page 21

READERLETTERS

Stop the Mailers Already!

To all campaign mailing companies and politicians: My wife and I have already voted. Please stop sending us your campaign literature.

Rand Pinsky and Kathy Swaine, Santa Clarita

Bjorkman to Bridge COC Divide It is a rare occasion that someone embodied with such incredible levels of compassion, vision and focus emerges as a viable choice to serve on the College of the Canyons board of trustees. The occasion

is now. That person is Ann-Marie Bjorkman.

If you are as proud of College of the Canyons as I am, if you or your children have benefited from an education here, or if you expect the college to provide you or your loved ones with higher education or career training in the future, Ann-Marie is the only logical choice. She will bridge a divide that has hampered the current board and threatens to undermine the college’s ability to serve all who desire to better themselves.

Ann-Marie is driven, passionate and results-oriented. More importantly, she has exhibited these qualities behind the scenes for more than 20 years

for nonprofit organizations and initiatives that have improved lives and made our community an infinitely better place. She has not sought fame, or adulation, or even recognition. She has done so because she genuinely cares for people, especially our children.

As many of our children have reached college age, she has become intimately aware of the challenges they face and the obstacles they encounter when attempting to go to college. Ann-Marie believes in our children — all of them — and she is See LETTERS, page 21

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 2 1

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 C O N C LU S I O N S J E F F S TA H L E R

Katie Hill's Disqualifying Response on Cemex

By Tim Whyte Signal Editor

I

t was one of my earliest cloak-anddagger experiences as a reporter. It was the early 1990s. I got a call from a guy — let’s call him John (not his real name) — who said he had information on a news story that would be the biggest ever to hit Santa Clarita.

He was cryptic. He wanted to meet me to talk about it, at a diner down in Van Nuys next door to a fleabag motel.

I was skeptical. (If it were today, I would have been concerned for my safety.) But I met the guy for lunch, and he brought a banker’s box of documents. (This was pre-internet.)

“John” said it was all about a massive proposed sand and gravel mine, right on the outskirts of Santa Clarita, that would pollute our air, threaten our water supply, endanger wildlife and dump more than 1,000 rock-spewing gravel trucks onto the 14 freeway every day.

In the box were records of the application, by a company called Southdown, to secure mining contracts from the Bureau of Land Management.

“John” was right.

Mexico-based CEMEX would soon acquire Southdown, and with it the proposed Soledad Canyon mega-mine.

Within a few years, it would become one of the biggest and most long-running local stories ever.

The city of Santa Clarita launched an aggressive campaign to fight the mine.

Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon was asked to carry bills to stop the mine, and he did so, usually just in time for the community to hang “Thank you, Buck” banners from overpasses before an election.

Legal strategies were considered.

Rallies were held. Dozens of elected officials — from both political parties — went on record opposing the mine.

So did more than 100 organizations and public agencies, including every local school district and various environmental groups.

Fast forward to 2018: After two decades of negotiation with CEMEX and failed legislative attempts, two important things happened in the past few years: 1) The BLM in 2015 canceled the original mining contracts, which is an important step toward stopping the mine. However, CEMEX is appealing the cancellation and the Interior Board of Land Appeals is taking its sweet time reviewing the appeal. Since it was filed, all we’ve heard is crickets.

2) Rep. Steve Knight, who’s running for re-election Nov. 6, authored legislation — part of an omnibus appropriations bill signed into law by President Trump — that prevents any future mining on the site subsequent to those original contracts that are still under review by the IBLA. It bears noting that Knight and Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein cooperated on the bipartisan legislation, the first major congressional victory directly affecting mega-mining in Soledad Canyon.

Knight touted his accomplishments on our community’s behalf during his opening statement in a debate last weekend against his Democratic challenger Katie Hill. (Video: signalscv. com/decision2018) Said Knight: “In my first nine months in Congress, we did the No. 1 priority in this valley, and everyone talked about it. It was CEMEX. In nine months we turned around the contracts, 180 degrees, they cannot mine. CEMEX cannot mine. In my next session in Congress, we did a bill, making sure that there wouldn’t be any mining in that area in the future. That See WHYTE, page 22

LETTERS

Continued from page 20

committed to removing all barriers that prevent them from pursuing their dreams.

Please join me in supporting Ann-Marie Bjorkman for Seat 5 on Nov. 6. She will bring much-needed focus, common sense and stability to the board of trustees — and make

HEGG

Continued from page 20

my worldview makes sense of reality, and also provides for an amazing life.

Simply put, my worldview can explain the presence of evil, the reason for, and benefit of suffering, as well as define a path of forgiveness, beauty, peace, purpose and satisfaction both in this life and the life to come. I love my life, despite the hurts and pains of living in a broken world. My marriage is amazing, and all of my children are healthy, responsible adults, have married very well, and are pursuing both career and family with joy and purpose.

Now it’s your turn. What kind of a person are you? What is your worldview? Do you have a cohesive understanding of why things are the way they are? Can you explain the presence of evil and suffering? Can you say your way of life brings you satisfaction, and you live your life with real purpose?

certain that the college continues to move forward and provide all students with access to affordable higher education and career training.

Wayne Crawford, 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.

My suspicion is that some reading this will say yes to these questions.

I also suspect that a great majority will have to admit that they have no cohesive, comprehensive worldview at all and are just living life as it comes to them, without purpose other than to find as much pleasure as possible. In my opinion, this isn’t living life at all but rather letting life live you.

I am reminded of Socrates' great statement that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” By this he meant that we should each strive to grow personally and spiritually during our time on this earth. Sadly, many refuse such an examination and find at last, to their great regret, that their lack of a cohesive ethical worldview has left them with more regret than purpose in life.

Don’t let that be you.

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

2 2 · S U N D AY S I G N A L

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

Opinion

OUR VIEW

Continued from page 20

read it and believe it’s true, creating an echo chamber for their own propaganda. The same four or five people repeat the same thing over and over, distorting facts and creating doubt and distrust.

The tactic fires up their base and in this case helps get national attention and money for the campaign.

Forget about the issues. Forget about who’s the best candidate for the job.

They don’t care about the damage they are doing to the community. They don’t care about sowing strife. They don’t care that they are pitting neighbor against neighbor. Their goal is to discredit anyone who doesn’t agree with them.

The name calling, the personal attacks, the smearing, the bullying on social media — it’s all part of the plan.

Anyone who has actually read The Signal knows our news coverage has been fair. In fact, Hill campaign staffers have even told us that privately.

Even on the opinion page, we’ve been biting our tongue, until now.

Enough is enough.

While we are not saying Katie Hill or her campaign personally did these things, they were done by her support-

WHYTE

Continued from page 21

is a result.”

Knight added: “For the last 24 years, CEMEX has been the No. 1 issue. Absolutely anyone in Santa Clarita would say that.”

Hill sees it differently. Very differently. Her response to Knight: “I’ve been a resident of Santa Clarita for most of my life. And Congressman Knight keeps saying that CEMEX is the No. 1 issue, and I hate to say it but that’s not the case for most people I know. And I think that CEMEX is an important issue of course, but it’s something that I hadn’t even heard of until relatively recently. And it’s certainly something that my parents, my friends, my family hadn’t heard of.”

Wait. What? That’s a jaw-dropping admission. Never HEARD of it?

Katie. This one should have been right in your wheelhouse. You’re a Democrat. It’s an environmental issue.

ers in her name and for her benefit and by one political agitator in particular.

Hill’s campaign knew it was happening. They knew the accusations were not true or fair. They knew it was a smear campaign based on lies and misleading statements. They could have stopped it, but chose not to, for political gain.

Is this someone you want in Congress? Is this someone you want to represent you? Someone who does not care what is happening as long as she benefits? Someone who will divide a community just to win?

We’ve invited Hill, more than once, to meet with us to discuss the issues before we make an endorsement in the campaign. She has ignored the invitation and left phone messages unreturned. So much for creating positive dialogue.

Hill did agree to participate in a debate with Knight, hosted by The Signal last week. In the debate, both candidates did a good job of explaining their positions on the issues.

But Hill also demonstrated that she is out of touch with this community.

In the debate, Hill said the CEMEX sand and gravel mine was not the No. 1 issue for Santa Clarita. In fact, she had not even heard about it until recently. It

has been a major issue for this community for over 20 years.

Hill also supports a gas tax hike, a view that seems out of tune with the majority of Santa Clarita residents.

Further, she wants to increase health care spending by creating a single-payer system, which would increase federal health care costs by approximately $32 trillion. Where will those funds come from? Hold onto your wallets, taxpayers. This is going to sting a little...

If elected, expect Hill to go to Washington and vote with Nancy Pelosi and the national Democratic agenda, regardless of what the 25th District needs.

Steve Knight has served the community well as the valley’s congressman since 2015. Before that he served in the state Legislature, on the Palmdale City Council and as a law enforcement officer.

Contrary to accusations from the Hill campaign and left-leaning political analysts, Knight has proven himself as an independent thinker. He has voted with his party on tax cuts, Obamacare and border security, but he also has broken with the party on immigration reform, child protection and the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

He has openly criticized President Trump on issues including Trump’s

proposed “space force” and the president’s downplaying of the death toll in hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico.

According to the bipartisan index created by the Lugar Center and Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy, Knight ranked 73rd for bipartisanship out of the 438 individuals who served in the House in 2017.

That puts him in the top 17 percent for bipartisanship overall. Further, he ranks sixth out of the 53-member California congressional delegation, and only one California Democrat ranks higher than Knight.

Knight has proven himself as someone who can successfully work across the aisle. Where would Hill rank?

We would rather not take that chance. We choose to re-elect Steve Knight to the 25th Congressional District. We hope you will also.

We hope you will send a message that we must stop this vitriol and rancor in our politics — that people have a right to their opinion, to disagree and debate peacefully without being smeared just in the name of winning and politics.

We need to send a message that this kind of behavior is unacceptable both locally and nationally, and it starts here and now. 

This is a waist-high fastball right over the plate. Knight’s Republican predecessor, McKeon, introduced several bills that quietly died in committee. And, in his own statement, Knight omitted a pertinent fact: The contract cancellation is still subject to IBLA review, so you could say he’s overstating his achievement on the issue, at least for now.

Should’ve been a slam dunk for a Democratic challenger.

That is, if the challenger were at all in touch with the community she proposes to represent. I know there’s been some complacency in town the past few years, as the CEMEX issue waits on the IBLA. But how could any office seeker live in this community for the past 20 years and NOT be aware of it?

Hill lives in Agua Dulce — one of the communities that could most be devastated by the environmental and health impacts of a 56.1-million-ton surface mining operation just down the road, spewing microscopic particles of pollution into the air in close proximity to homes, the elderly and children in

Santa Clarita, not to mention the small farm where Hill lives in Agua Dulce.

For me, Katie Hill’s ignorance of the CEMEX mine disqualifies her to represent this community in Congress. I can’t vote for someone so unaware and dismissive of the biggest federal issue ever to confront her hometown.

This is an opinion column. It’s on the opinion page, and clearly labeled as such. I’m under no obligation to seek response from the Hill campaign, yet, in spite of the way some of her supporters have treated me and this newspaper during this election season, I wanted to bend over backward to be fair.

So I asked the Hill campaign for a response, before I wrote this piece. They submitted a 300-word statement that delved into unrelated issues, and we’ll run the whole thing next week. But here’s what Hill said about the CEMEX question specifically: “In our debate with The Signal, Steve Knight was asked what his top legislative priority will be if elected. Instead of answering, he discussed what he con-

sidered to be his greatest accomplishments to date – namely taking steps to close the CEMEX mine.

“I agree that taking common-sense steps to close the CEMEX mine is important. However, Steve Knight stated in his March editorial, ‘CEMEX Controversy Nearing an End,’ that he considers this job done. If we’re talking about our legislative agendas moving forward, let’s focus on the issues our communities still face every single day.”

That March editorial was actually written by Carl Goldman of radio station KHTS, not Steve Knight. (The congressman shared a link to it on his Facebook page.)

Another minor point of fact: We are still, indeed, facing the CEMEX mine issue, and Knight never said he took steps to “close the CEMEX mine.”

That’s because you CAN’T “close” the CEMEX mine.

It’s not open yet.

Tim Whyte is editor of The Signal. His column appears Sundays. 

O C TO B E R 21, 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: 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: 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 pre-register at SantaClarita Volunteers.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: 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: 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: 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: gibboncenter.org

EVENTS BY DATE Sunday, Oct. 21, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

SCV Child & Family Center 15th annual Kid Expo, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Golden Valley High School, 27051 Robert C. Lee Parkway, Canyon Country. Free. Exhibitors that offer products or services for children in the Santa Clarita Valley share information with parents and families. In addition, there will be fun, games, arts and crafts, reading and storytelling, art, music, sports and entertainment.

Info: kidexposcv.com Sunday, Oct. 21,10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Halloween at The Gentle Barn, the annual Gentle Halloween. Activities include: 18th birthday party for Truffles the Pig, costume contests, a Gentle 12 sponsor and feeding pumpkins to the animals.

Tickets should be reserved at gentlebarn.org.

Sunday, Oct. 21, 2 p.m. Survival Skills with Christopher Nyerges Placerita Canyon Nature Center, 19152 Placerita

= Family Friendly Event Canyon Road, Newhall. Nyerges has been teaching outdoor skills and self-reliance since 1974 specializing in wild foods and useful plants. He has written nearly 2 dozen books including How to Survive Anywhere, Self-Sufficient Home and Foraging California. He will share some of the basic skills that people of the past took for granted such as using plants for food and medicine, making fire without matches, weaving with natural materials, and making primitive weapons. Free, fun for the entire family. Info: placerita.org Thursday, Oct. 25, 11:30 a.m. 2018 Santa Clarita State of the City Luncheon City of the Arts.

The theme for this year is “Santa Clarita – City of the Arts. ”Tickets are $40 per person and $400 per table of 10. Ticket price includes luncheon and commemorative gift. Hyatt Regency Valencia, 24500 Town Center Drive, Santa Clarita. $40 per person, $400 per table of 10. Info and reservations: city of Santa Clarita (661) 255-4939.

Friday, Oct. 26, 7 p.m. to midnight. VIA Monster BASH Ball. Benefiting Connecting to Success and the VIA Education Foundation, the annual VIA BASH transforms this year into the VIA Monster BASH Ball. Costumes encouraged or black tie. $150 individual tickets; $1,750 table for ten. Hyatt Regency Valencia, Grand Ballroom,

24500 Town Center Drive, Santa Clarita.

Info: via.org, (661) 294-8088 or email: admin@via.org.

Friday, Oct. 26, 7 p.m. “Goin’ Country at Hart,” is the latest “Recreation After Dark” event series at Hart Hall and Patio. DJ Al Ewing will be in charge of music for the evening. “Goin’ Country at Hart” events will feature two dance floors, line dance instruction, arts & crafts and food trucks. William S. Hart Regional Park, 24151 Newhall Ave, Newhall. A $10 donation at the door will benefit the Friends of Hart Park.

Info: friendsofhartpark.com.

Friday, Oct. 26-27, 11:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Let’s do the “Time Warp” again for the 1975 cult classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Musical science fiction comedy horror film at The MAIN in Newhall. Guests are encouraged to wear costumes and to bring props. (Hotdogs and water guns are NOT allowed.) This movie is Rated R and suggested attendance is at least 18. Adult beverages will be available for purchase inside the theater.

Doors open one hour prior to show time. Tickets: $10 presale, $15 at the door. The MAIN, 24266 Main St., Newhall. Info: eventbrite.com/e/the-rocky-horrorpicture-show-tickets-50289343781

N!IN! IN! WIW W CONGRATULATIONS to Shirley Marsolek of Newhall — the winner of $100 for correctly identifying the artwork as being from Exer Urgent Care advertisement on page 25 of our Oct. 7 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 Advertiser: Page # Name: Address:

Phone:

This week’s entries are due Wed. Oct. 31.

Winner to be announced in 2 weeks.

24 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

Wonder Horses, Drunks & Bear Eats Hunter

H

ello you Sunday Signal saddlepals, which is what we in the Wild West like to call alliteration. C’mon. Out of those memory foam yuppie beds and into your boots and jeans and, this being a family community, other wardrobe accoutrements. We’ve a most interesting trailride into the Santa Clarita yesteryear.

We’ve got a whole passel of trick ponies, a world-famous SCV boxer and the sad tale of Peter Lebeck, a hapless hunter who may have written his own obituary.

There’s graft, African lions roaming Newhall and Bruce “But Not Caitlin Yet” Jenner to, ahem, inspect.

C’mon. Dawn’s breaking. And that swirling vortex into our past looks mighty inviting …

WAY BACK WHEN & THEN SOME

• Oct. 21, 541 B.C., and this is just a guess, but I’m betting it was raining here in the SCV. About 7,000 years ago yonder, the SCV enjoyed a cooler and wetter clime. It rained about three times as much (about 50 inches per year) as today (14 inches).

• Funny that centuries will pass and all we’ll probably ever know about Peter Lebeck was that he was killed by a grizzly bear up in Frazier Park 181 years ago this week. This inscription: “IHS [+] PETER LEBECK KILLED

BY A x BEAR OCTR 17 1837.” was carved into the bark of an oak tree.

An unknown passer-by read the primitive obituary five years later, but left it there. In 1890, explorer Edward Fitzgerald Beale and a troop of his Foxtail Rangers from Bakersfield went hunting for Beale’s remains and found just that — remains. Possibly the bear and other critters made off with what used to be the 6-foot-tall Lebeck’s feet, forearm and left hand.

The decomposed corpse also had broken ribs, consistent with a bear attack. Best guess was that Lebeck was Catholic, possibly from a French-Canadian hunting party. “IHS” are the first letters of “Jesus,” as spelt by the Greeks. Trappers referred to grizzlies as “X” bears because their huge backs looked like they formed an “X.”

OCT. 21, 1928

• It’s amazing how many super famous movie horses were from the

dead drunk. Adding insult to apSCV. There was Bill Hart’s Wonder Pinto, Fritz. Roy Rogers would later pearance, Ellis had been knocked buy Trigout. Seems ger from a the boozPlacerita er had just trainer after been let out seeing the of the pokey A weekly trailride through horse in the in downSanta Clarita Valley History Errol Flynn town L.A. movie, “RobHe caught in Hood.” a freight

by John Boston On this date, and on the Western hero way to our Ken Maynard scenic SCV, was up at Vasquez Rocks, filming an managed to gulp two gallon bottles oater for National Pictures. Ken’s trick of vino. He passed out and fell off the pony, Tarzan, was also an SCV horsey. train here.

• Hmm. Wonder if the legend of OCT. 21, 1958 Jack & The Beanstalk originated • Don’t you hate it when you try in Newhall. Local farmer Henry to explain to friends that your pet is Scheidler was showing off some giant harmless as a, well — kitty? That’s green beans he had grown. They were what happened to Merrill W. Heuer more than a yard long and 16 inches while walking his 600-pound male in circumference.

African lion, Caesar, down the streets

The Time Ranger

OCT. 21, 1938

• Famed author Hamlin Garland was in the SCV, searching for the Lost Padre Trail that led from the San Fernando Mission through here and onto Simi. Specifically, Garland was searching for those missing stone and wooden trail markers that guided the friars (no chicken jokes, please).

Garland didn’t fine a single one. The novelist was friends with Will Rogers and won the 1922 Pulitzer Prize for literature.

• Aubrey “Haystack” Sloan was a Castaic boy and world-famous heavyweight. Here’s a clipping on Sloan (of Sloan Canyon fame) from a New York fight promoter: “…Sloan, a young and up-and-coming fighter, has been playing a leading role in Suey Welch’s Olympic Community Slayhouse and will perform at Mike Jacob’s Summer Sock Company.” Darn poetic, I’d say.

One of Sloan’s two pro losses came when he was poisoned before a bout.

He was famous for his “ice tong” punch, where the behemoth would charge an opponent, hitting them at the same time in the temples with his massive fists.

OCT. 21, 1948

• Dewitt T. Ellis’ alleged dead body was found stone cold and not moving in Railroad Canyon. Shocked locals called the police. The cops arrived and pronounced Ellis not dead, but

of Downtown Newhall — at 3 a.m.

Caesar escaped. Heuer chased him down and also drew the attention of local sheriff ’s deputies. The Agua Dulce man guided the beast into the back of his pickup and into a makeshift cage. Trying to calm the deputies, Heuer pointed out that Caesar was as gentle as a kitten and to prove his point, stuck his hand inside the cage to pet the big cat. That’s when Caesar just about took his handler’s arm clean off.

• “Big” Bill Bonelli wrote a tell-all book called “Billion Dollar Blackjack.” It was an exposé on how powerful California forces, including The Los Angeles Times, were behind a huge extortion and illegal alcohol racket. Bonelli was arrested in Mexico City on this date and set for extradition back to the U.S. The popular Saugus multi-millionaire tweaked the noses of Republicans for 20 years.

Bonelli had been falsely accused of racketeering and income tax invasion by powerful foes. He flew all over Mexico and the Southwest between his various ranches, occasionally sending resort postcards to Gov. Goodwin Knight saying, “Having a wonderful time, glad you’re not here.”

Bonelli was never extradited. In the late 1970s, he was given a clean bill and rare apology by the state and feds.

OCT. 21, 1968

• No one in Downtown L.A. asked us. Still. On this date, San Francisquito Canyon had its name shortened to Seco Canyon. Interestingly, that part of town was called “Ratsburg” in the late 19th century. When the foreman for The Newhall Land and Farming Co. would ride out on the first of the month to collect rent from miners, they would frequently dive into their mines, like “rats.” The foreman commissioned a large sign which read: “Welcome to Ratsburg.”

OCT. 21, 1978

• You won’t find Tericide 15D on most restaurant menus. Bob’s Big Boy used to sit across the street from the Valencia sheriff ’s office and it was forced to close. Seems a Boskovich tractor was spreading the fungus-killing tear gas when the October winds shifted and a large cloud of the toxic fumes floated toward the burgertorium.

• I’m guessing if you yelled: “Hey Caitlin! Show us your best feature,” this particular athlete would probably have NOT turned around. Olympic decathlon winner, and, guy, Bruce Jenner, was in town, filming a tennis shoe commercial.

• While the future buff lady was filming, Nick Nolte was down the street, starring in “Who’ll Stop the Rain.” Same day, the Prussians motorcycle gang were starring in a David Cassidy epic: “Man Undercover.”

• As far as range wars, this one was smallish. Dalton Celauis was arrested for cruelty to animals when his neighbor’s bull and three cows wandered onto his property and ate a big chunk of feed. Dalton killed all four of the ruminants. Celauis’s defense?

He claimed that after he shot the bull, the three cows attacked him.

Welp. Looks from the coordinates on my compass and that swirling time vortex ahead, we’re about to plunge into the tedious Here & Now. I thank you for the company on this SCV history trailride and I suggest we do this all over again next week with another exciting Time Ranger adventure. Until then compadres, vayan con Dios!

John Boston, aka, Mr. Santa Clarita Valley, has been writing about and teaching the history of the SCV for more than 40 years. 

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 25

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Make Spider Rolls For A Creepy Treat

BY Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

C

ombine a child’s love of playing with dough and a fascination with spiders, and you’ll have both a “hit” activity and a healthy treat when Halloween partygoers come to your house.

The simple ingredients you’ll need:

• Prepared frozen white dinner rolls

such as Rhodes brand (available in the frozen-food section of grocery stores) • 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water for several spiders • Poppy seeds or sesame seeds

Here’s the fun: 1. Each large spider requires two dinner rolls. Thaw the number of rolls you plan to use.

2. Slice one-third off of one roll and

A sweet and savory Halloween treat

S

ave the tricks for another time; this Halloween is all about the treats.

Halloween parties are par for the course, and spooktacular hosts and hostesses want to serve their guests something special. Enter a dessert hybrid that layers various flavors to create a masterpiece that simply works.

This recipe for “Grilled Chocolate Chip Cookie Bacon S’mores,” courtesy of the National Pork Board and Tiffany Edwards of Le Creme de la Crumb, is the Frankenstein’s monster of the dessert world. You’d be hardpressed to find a person who can pass up the salty swagger of smoked bacon paired with the creamy richness of chocolate and the crunch and sweetness of a chocolate chip cookie.

Top it with marshmallow, and this Halloween treat is alive with flavor.

Grilled Chocolate Chip Cookie Bacon S’mores Yields 12

12 thick-cut slices bacon (hickory smoked, Applewood smoked or maple) 12 large marshmallows 12 2-inch squares chocolate good quality 12 skewers 12 tablespoons butter, softened 3/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla 1 egg plus 1 egg yolk 2 cups flour 1 3.4-ounce box instant French vanilla pudding mix, dry, not prepared 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Make the cookies: In a bowl, cream together butter, sugar and brown sugar for 1 to 2 minutes until light and very fluffy. Add vanilla, egg and egg yolk and mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, pudding mix, baking soda and salt.

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until incorporated and dough comes together. Stir in chocolate chips. Cover very tightly and chill for at least 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll dough into balls (about 1-1/2 inch) and space 2 to 3 inches apart on a baking sheet.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until lightly browned on top. Allow to cool five to 10 minutes on baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.

To grill the bacon: Heat a grill to medium-high heat. Thread bacon onto skewers in an S-shape. Place skewers directly on grill and cook eight to 12 minutes, rotating as needed to ensure even cooking. Transfer to a plate, let cool and then remove bacon from skewers. Set aside.

Meanwhile, roast the marshmallows: Roast marshmallows directly over the grill using skewers or roasting sticks until cooked to your preference.

Assemble s’mores: Flip one cookie over so it’s upside down. Place a square of chocolate on top of the upside-down cookie, then top with grilled marshmallow, bacon and a right side-up second cookie. Serve immediately.  — Metro Connection

let your child form a ball with his hands. Form a second, larger ball with the remaining two-thirds.

Set aside. Slice the second roll into four equal parts. Roll each part into a 5-inch-long snake. To form spider legs, place two of the “snakes,” one inside the other, in a U-shape on a cookie sheet coated with nonstick cooking spray. Allow space between the spider legs to distinguish one from the other.

3. With the remaining two snakes, form another U-shape going in the opposite direction, joining them together with the first two snakes at the curve. Place the two balls next to each other on top of the curve for the head and body.

4. Let rise about 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees while dough rises.

5. Brush some egg mixture on top of the spider. Sprinkle with seeds.

Bake for about 20 minutes or

until light brown. Remove and set on cooling rack.

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.

HUGE WEEKLY SAVINGS Smart Source Coupons in the Sunday Signal News Magazine

STARTS NOVEMBER 11th!

26 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

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

Fast Times dudes up for Halloween, Pre-Turkey Day dance parties at Canyon Santa Clarita

By Stephen K. Peeples Signal Staff Writer

R

ock ’n’ roll ghosts. goblins and free spirits 21 and older are in for tricks and treats Saturday night, Oct. 27, when the Fast Times ’80s crew will headline a Halloween Dance Party and costume contest at the Canyon Santa Clarita.

“Our Halloween Party’s a chance for some adult cosplay and musical mayhem without the kids,” said Johnny Ventura, party-hearty front man of the popular dance band billed as “The Ultimate ’80s Tribute.”

He and the Fast Times revue have actually been in costume on stages all over Southern California for the last 15-plus years, and they rule Thursday nights at the Canyon Santa Clarita.

Ventura plays ’80s icon Jeff Spicoli (the surfer-stoner played by Sean Penn in director Cameron Crowe’s “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” on

rhythm guitar), abetted by bandmates Diego Russo as Slash (Guns N’ Roses, lead guitar), Eddie Ayala as Nikki Sixx (Motley Crue, bass) and Kyle Cunningham as Devo (as in “Are We Not Men?” on drums).

Fast Times’ Halloween Dance Party will start at 6 p.m. when doors open for dinner. Stranger Things will open the musical entertainment at 8 p.m. with a set of original music, followed by hard-rocking AC/DC tribute band TNT at 9 p.m.

Fast Times will wreak havoc from 10:15 p.m. to midnight with totally rad ’80s classics like Guns N’ Roses’ “Welcome to the Jungle,” Devo’s “Whip It,” Violent Femmes’ “Blister in the Sun,” Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love”

and many more.

There’s also going to be a costume contest with cash prizes.

“Halloween parties are great, because everyone really lets loose when they’re dressed up,” he said. “And who doesn’t love ’80s music?”

“OUR HALLOWEEN PARTY’S A CHANCE FOR SOME ADULT COSPLAY AND MUSICAL MAYHEM WITHOUT THE KIDS.” – FAST TIMES’ “SPICOLI”

Pre-Turkey Day Dance Party

Fast Times will also headline the all-ages Pre-Turkey Day Dance Party at the Canyon Santa Clarita on Wednesday night, Nov. 21, for families that like to rock.

“It’ll be a blitz party,” according to “Spicoli,” where everyone can have fun celebrating the short school and work week and kick off their four-day Thanksgiving weekend. “It’ll be the perfect place for outta-town school buds to reunite when they’re home for the holiday.”

Doors are set to open for a Pre-Turkey Day dinner at 6 p.m. and following two special guest opening acts, Fast Times is slated to hit the stage at 9:30 p.m.

The Canyon Santa Clarita is on the ground floor of the Westfield Valencia Town Center. Tickets are available for purchase at the box office 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday, by phone at (888) 645-5006, or via TicketMaster. com. For more info, visit Wheremusic meetstheSoul.com. 

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

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 27

S C V F E AT U R E

Community drawn together Arts organization spreads inspiration with broad strokes

By Patti Rasmussen Signal Staff Writer

Y

ou’ve seen many of their creative pieces around town — the black-andwhite, oversized photographs of children on a building on Railroad Avenue; the mosaic that adorns the trail system running along Santa Clarita Creek; or the history-inspired artwork at Newhall Elementary.

These are some of the masterpieces from ARTree, a local nonprofit dedicated to providing opportunities to nurture creative thinking and expression in the community through the power of art.

ARTree President Bob Hernandez said about 10 years ago, the city of Santa Clarita asked residents what

they thought was lacking in the arts.

Wanting to get involved with the community, Hernandez decided to go and listen to what was being said.

“I went to one of the meetings and it seemed obvious to me that if Santa Clarita was ever going to do something (with art) we should start with the young children and build from that,” he said. “So I naively stood up at the meeting and said I was going to start an art organization and I could do it alone or someone could help me.”

He soon received a call from Jeff Barber, arts supervisor for the city of Santa Clarita. Barber walked Hernandez through the different areas of nonprofit versus profit and how he might start the organization. Barber also recommended that Hernandez meet with Dianne Foderaro. The two immediately clicked.

“As a CalArts alumni, I’m a big believer in kids discovering their creativity, what it takes to create and the joy of creating something,” Hernandez said. “Kids do art naturally and I felt it was our responsibility to guide them and, more importantly, make the parents aware of what their children are capable of doing.”

Foderaro helped by hosting dinner meetings once a month in her home and the first 10 people who would respond would be seated at the table, she said.

“I was a gathering of all kinds of people interested in the arts and the conversations were wonderful,” Foderaro said. “After dinner, we’d all sit around and talk about arts in Santa Clarita.”

See ARTS, next page

ABOVE: Artist Alanna Chandler, left, shows model Alena Haun her drawing at the ARTree freeform drawing class at the ARTree Community Arts Center in Newhall. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

28 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

ARTS

Continued from previous page

“We charged for the three course dinners so that’s how we paid our insurance,” she added with a smile.

In the early days, classes were held wherever ARTree could find a room or space or even a street corner.

“We were street hippies.” Hernandez said with a smile. That is exactly where Michael Powell found them three years ago.

“I was at an art festival and ARTree had a booth where children and

O C TO B E R 21, 2018 adults were making hats out of bags,” Powell said. “It freaked me out. Here were all these people walking around the festival with bag hats and not only did they have a big smile but I could see how the instructors were having fun as well.”

“I knew then I wanted to be a part of this,” he said “Everyone involved in this seemed to be excited about what they were doing,” Powell said. “For me, I get an opportunity to teach. All the materials and the students were in place. All I had to do was provide my knowl-

edge and love of teaching.”

Two years ago, ARTree found a home. Hernandez was always fascinated with the old buildings on Sixth Street that once housed The Signal newspaper offices. He contacted the owners and now ARTree has two buildings in which to hold classes. As a bonus, a beautiful tree sits right in the middle of the courtyard. This is an inspiration for Hernandez.

“When we named the ARTree, we imagined a tree that has roots in the ground and stays stable. It also has

branches that grow out into the community,” he said. “We like to say we give to the community, we don’t take.”

Classes are listed on their website and in the city of Santa Clarita Seasons catalog.

“All we need is a spark that sets off a flame,” Hernandez said. “Sometimes it can take an entire lifetime to find it.

If we can help people do that, then we are doing what God put us on Earth to do.”

For more information about ARTree, check our their website at www. theartree.org. 

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 29

PETS

Keeping Fido fit

By Michelle Sathe Signal Staff Writer

J

ust like with people, American pets are struggling with a preventable epidemic: About 60 percent of cats and 56 of dogs qualify as overweight to obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.

That number sounds about right, according to veterinarian Evelyn Vega, owner of Happy Pets Veterinary Center in Valencia, based on her daily experience.

“About 50 percent of both dogs and cats I see are overweight,” she said.

Consequently, medical conditions such as osteoarthritis, diabetes, heart disease, back pain, fatty liver disease and respiratory issues are on the rise.

That means a decrease in the quality of life for pets.

“A canine study in 2012 found that obesity general lowers companion animals’ vitality and increases emotional disturbances,” Vega noted.

“Even mildly overweight cats and dogs are at risk for complications that will shorten their lifespans. A recent study showed that Labradors with just 10-20 percent extra body fat lived a median 1.8 fewer years.”

The most common reasons for pet obesity are wide ranging, starting with pet owners not thinking their dog or cats are overweight. Vega has to show them what a normal waistline looks like via a chart in her

examination rooms.

For example, according to the Nestle Purina Body Condition System, a well-proportioned pet has ribs that can be easily felt without excess fat with a waist that can be observed behind the ribs from above.

Next is the lack of knowledge about how many calories are contained in pet food, which can vary greatly from brand to brand.

“One dry food may be 300 calories a cup and another may have 400 calories a cup,” Vega explained. “If a pet owner buys a new brand, they will feed one cup regardless.”

Add treats to the mix and it’s a recipe for obesity. A small dog bone can contain 45 calories and contains ingredients that are not healthy for pets.

Ironically, many pet owners give pets extra treats because they feel guilty if the pet is left alone for long periods of time or doesn’t take them for walks, creating an especially vicious cycle.

As Dr. Ernie Ward, lead researcher of the 2009 National Pet Obesity Awareness Day Study, puts it, “Today’s treats are so loaded with sugar and fat I call them ‘kibble crack.’ Modern treats are creating cravings that go far beyond what is normal in many pets”

Combating Obesity So how do you combat obesity in See PETS, next page.

West Covina Resident Jade Hutchinson pets Sol as Mikka, the Chow Chow, poses for the camera at Golden Valley Dog Park on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017. PHOTO BY NIKOLAS SAMUELS / THE SIGNAL

Pablo L. Suarez 1943-2018 lovingly

He was a fixture at all of their

known as “Grampi”, passed

baseball, soccer & volleyball

away peacefully at home. He

sporting events. Grampi loved

Pablo

L.

Suarez,

was 75 years old.

baseball

and

truly

enjoyed

coaching the kids for many years He immigrated to the United States from his birth country of

at the Hart Baseball & Softball complex with his son Pablo.

Cuba when he was 17 years old, shortly after Fidel Castro took

He will always be remembered

power. He eventually settled

for his high energy and zest

in Los Angeles where he met

for life. He was always very

his wife Lydia and they were

positive and enjoyed talking

married in 1967. They had 3

with everyone. Pablo was a kind

children together Pablo, Anna, and loving man. & Jennifer. He became a widow in 1998. Grampi permanently

He was also passionate about the

moved to Valencia in 2001. He

Los Angeles Dodgers and living in

had 8 grandchildren. Justin, Kyle,

the United States which he called

Jack, Olivia, Sophia, Emily, Julia, “the greatest country in the world!” & Christopher.

A memorial service will be held

To place an obituary notice or share

at Saint Kateri Catholic Church on

661.259.1234 | obits@SignalSCV.com

The Signal, October 21, 2018 Sign the Legacy online guestbook at www.signalscv.com

a memory please call or email:

Misty, a blue mastiff, lies in between an isle in PetSmart in Stevenson Ranch in June 2017. PHOTO BY SAMIE GEBERS / THE SIGNAL

To view obituaries visit SignalSCV.com

Friday, October 26th at 11:00 am.

30 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

PETS

PETS

Continued from previous page

green beans, or canned pumpkin instead of processed, high-calorie treats

your pets? Vega had the following suggestions: •

Figure out your pets daily caloric intake with your veterinarian

•

If that doesn’t result in weight loss, decrease food by 25 percent

•

Try giving your dog veggies such as snap peas, carrots,

•

•

using wand toys, laser pointers, cat trees, and rolling, jingly balls to get your cat moving.

Strive for regular daily exercise.

For dogs, that can mean long walks, hikes and/or a game of fetch in the yard. Dogs require a half hour to two hours of activity daily, depending on age, breed, size, and overall health.

•

If you’re unsure about what the proper level of exercise is for your pet, consult with your veterinarian.

•

Cats need exercise, too. Try

•

On days you can’t exercise your pet, cut down on the amount of food you feed Take your pet for an annual or

twice-yearly veterinary exam to track weight and rule out any underlying medical causes for obesity The results of such efforts yield great results, as Dr. Vega illustrated.

“By keeping your pet at an ideal weight,” she said, “they’ll live a long, happy life and you’ll have your best friend by your side as long as possible.” 

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 31

Calm the chaos on busy school mornings

M

ornings can test the patience and stamina of busy families as adults and children hurry to get out the door on time.

Starting off the morning already stressed can lead to feeling tense throughout the rest of the day.

There is no magic formula to make mornings less hectic, but the following are some ways families can streamline their morning routines.

• Make use of the night before.

Morning madness may come about due to lack of preparation the previous night.

• The more that can be done the night before, the less there will be to do on weekday mornings. Encourage children to lay out clothes for the next day and take a shower or bath that evening.

Make lunches the night before a school day, and gather all supplies from homework stations, restocking backpacks and gym bags so everything is ready to go come the morning.

• Get to bed earlier. Sleep experts say that if you need to rely on an alarm clock to get up in the morning, you may not be getting enough sleep.

• The National Sleep Foundation says school-aged children should get between nine and 11 hours of sleep a night.

Teenagers require between eight and 10 hours of sleep per night, while adults need between seven and nine hours. A good night’s rest can reduce morning crankiness and get everyone moving more efficiently.

• Incentivize timeliness for kids.

Children who are reluctant to head to school may need extra motivation to get out the door.

Offer small rewards to kids when they get ready on their own or finish breakfast in a certain amount of time.

Rewards can include a treat like choosing a favorite show to watch after school or a special outing on the weekend.

SCVSCHOOLS

• Follow a schedule. Make mornings the same each day so everyone knows what to expect.

Uniformity can streamline tasks and ensure everyone knows what’s expected of them.

• Stay organized. Racing around trying to find keys or jackets can be very stressful. Make it a point to return items to their proper places so that everyone knows where to look for the items they need.

School mornings can be challenging, but with some ingenuity and forethought, the stress can be tamed.  — Metro Connection

School mornings tend to be calm when certain tasks are completed the night before, everyone is well-rested and routines are adhered to. COURTESY PHOTO

CLIP N SAVE Elementary School Menus Menus courtesy of Santa Clarita Valley School Food Services which serves these school districts: Castaic USD • Newhall USD • Saugus USD • Sulphur Springs USD

(choice of one entree, seasonal fruit and milk)

Monday, Oct. 22 Tuesday, Oct. 23 Wednesday, Oct. 24 Thursday, Oct. 25 Friday, Oct. 26

BREAKFAST Triple Berry Blast Mini French Toast Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fruit Juice Breakfast Pizza Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit Scrambled Slider Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit Buttermilk Bar Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fruit Juice

LUNCH Kickin’ Chicken Drumstick & Mashed Potatoes Cheeseburger Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar Turkey Taco Chicken Nuggets PBJ Sandwich & String Cheese Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar BRUNCH FOR LUNCH Maple Burst’n Mini Pancakes & Sausage Patties Popcorn Chicken Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar Celebration Cookie Cheeseburger Sliders Chicken Sandwich Spicy Chicken Sandwich Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar Cheesy Quesadilla Carnitas Quesadilla Chicken Nuggets Deli Sandwich Smart Choice Pizza Manager’s Choice Seasonal Salad Bar Frozen Fruit Cup

32 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

The SCV’s best picnic spots

By Michelle Sathe Signal Staff Writer

S

ummer may be synonymous with picnics, but I think fall is a much better time of year to dine al fresco — especially in the Santa Clarita Valley, where summer can be brutally hot.

Fall offers tolerable temperatures that allow for lingering outdoors and enjoying the many beautiful landscapes that this valley has to offer.

So, whether you like the desert, being near water or luxuriating on a lawn, here are some beautiful spots to bring friends or family, a picnic basket and make a day of it.

Bridgeport Park 23520 Bridgeport Lane, Valencia Open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Free A peaceful spot with beautiful water features, including a waterfall and small lake, Bridgeport Park is an idyllic place to relax over good food and conversation.

Take a seat on one of the thoughtfully provided benches or spread out on the grass, taking the time to smell some of the park’s fragrant flowers.

As a bonus for bird lovers, there are ducks, geese, and blackbirds to watch and miles of paseos to take a leisurely stroll after your meal.

Castaic Lake 32132 Castaic Lake Drive, Castaic Open 7:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. $11 parking ($5 for seniors) Longing for a beach experience, but don’t feel like dealing with the drive or masses of people? Head to the lower part of Castaic Lake.

Here, you can hang out of the sandy shore and watch the glistening water or head up the hill a bit to a grassy spot. Once the picnic is done, walk along the shore for miles and stop at the impressive 425’ high Castaic Dam. And if you’re looking for a spot to hold masses of people, Castaic Lake rents out picnic areas for up to 600 guests.

William S. Hart Park 24151 Newhall Avenue, Newhall Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Free It’s easy to see why this is a popular

spot for family reunions and other festivities. Hart Park has lots of grass, huge shade trees, picnic tables and people-watching opportunities.

Spread out a blanket on the soft, cushy lawn, lay back and look up at the sky. Afterward, burn off a few calories by going for a stroll on one of the easily accessible paths or take a quick trip to the museum, which has Western memorabilia galore — or visit some of the adorable animals in the barnyard area.

Placerita Canyon Nature Center 19152 Placerita Canyon, Santa Clarita Open sunrise to sunset Free This is the place to head if you truly want to feel away from the hustle and bustle. Placerita has a huge, campground-like picnic area featuring large tables under shaded oak groves and a seasonal stream running nearby.

After you eat, there’s something for everyone to explore — from native plants to the Walker Family cabin to a plethora of easy to navigate hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate.

Todd Longshore Park 28151 Whites Canyon Road, Canyon Country Open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Free This is the classic community park, with soccer games going on in the lawn area and happy little kids being pushed in swings by their parents.

What makes this place extra special is its cleanliness, the plush lawns, and the pagoda-style picnic tables that provide shade. A few of those tables are located at the top of the park with fabulous views of the city below, so it’s a stellar place to unwind and have a bite.

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area 10700 Escondido Canyon Road, Agua Dulce Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Free For a rustic, otherworldly experience, head to Vasquez Rocks. With its jutting, jagged, magnificent mountains, the 932-acre park has served as the backdrop for many movies and

Dave Tye, left, celebrates his 58th birthday with his family at the picnic area at Castaic Lake State Recreation Area Lower Lake lagoon. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

ABOVE: Stormie Art kicks back in the shade while eating lunch with 8-yearold Chihuahua, LuLu, at Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park in Agua Dulce . RIGHT: Michelle Chambers, 10, swings on the rings in the kids play area at Bridgeport Park in Valencia.

TV shows, such as “Westworld,” “Star Trek” and “Masters of the Universe.”

There are plenty of picnic tables scattered about here, but if you really

want to take advantage of the spectacular scenery, hike up on one of the rocks and take in an incredible vista along with your meal. 

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 33

More Halloween fun outside the SCV

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

W

ant to shoot zombies from a train? View sitting on a rooftop?

How about watching a classic silent horror film in the comfort of the Walt Disney Concert Hall?

We have Halloween treats waiting for you.

Zombie Hunter Train

Address: Fillmore & Western Railway, 364 Main St., Fillmore, 93015.

(805) 524-2546.

Hours: Sunday, Oct. 21 5:30 p.m.; 7 p.m.; 8:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 26 7 p.m.; 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 27 5:30 p.m.; 7 p.m.; 8:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 28 5:30 p.m.; 7 p.m.; 8:30 p.m.

Take a train ride through the battlegrounds of the “Zombie Apocalypse.” Roaming the countryside

are Zombies and Motorized Killer Tribes.

The hunter train has one mission, exterminate anything that is not on the train. You will be armed with a paintball gun loaded with Zombie flesh eating toxic paintballs. Help beat back the attacking zombies and return the un-dead to the dead.

Snacks and beverages are available.

For those over 21 liquid courage is also available.

Tickets: $55 for zombie hunters; $35 for spectators.

Info: http://fwry.com/holidaytrains. html

Rooftop Cinema Club Address: NeueHouse, 6121 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, 90028 LEVEL, 888 S Olive St., Los Angeles, 90014 Rooftop movie viewing at two locations, downtown L.A. at LEVEL and in Hollywood at NeueHouse.

Check movie schedule below. The

18 0 2

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

by Signal Readers

Rooftop Cinema Club is a comfortable and less stressful alternative to other outdoor movie screenings. You don’t need to bring your own blanket or camping chair, Rooftop Cinema Club provides you with a comfy lawn chair, as well as blankets on request. And instead of listening to the movie over loudspeakers, you’ll get a set of wireless headphones so you never have to miss a word. Oct. 21 at NeueHouse: “The Greatest Showman”; Oct. 22 at NeueHouse: “To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything, Julie Newmar”; Oct. 23 at NeueHouse: “Dirty Dancing”; Oct. 23 at LEVEL: “Set It Off ”; Oct. 24 at NeueHouse: “Tombstone”; Oct. 25 at LEVEL: “What We Do In The Shadows”; Oct. 26 at NeueHouse: “Hocus Pocus”; Oct 26 at NeueHouse: “The Witches”; Oct. 26 at LEVEL: “The Silence Of The Lambs”; Oct. 27 at LEVEL: “Poltergeist”; Oct. 28 at NeueHouse: “The Sixth Sense”;

L CHÊNE e French Cuisine

Halloween Organ & Film: Nosferatu Address: Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Ave., Los Angeles 90012 Hours: Wednesday, Oct. 31 8 p.m.

Watch the classic silent film “Nosferatu” from silent film director F.W. Murnau with accompanying live score from organist Clark Wilson on Halloween night.

Tickets: The prices start at $33.

Info: www.laphil.com/events/performances/308/2018-10-31/halloween-organ-film-nosferatu/. 

Best Happy Hour in Town 25% off

Bar & Cocktail Menu Monday - Friday 4:30PM - 7PM Sunday 2PM - 7PM

Open 7 Days for Dinner Mon-Thu Fri & Sat Sunday

Oct. 29 at NeueHouse: “Super 8”; Oct. 30 at NeueHouse: “Evil Dead 2”; Oct. 30 at LEVEL: “Alien”; Oct. 31 at NeueHouse: Halloween; Oct. 31 at LEVEL: “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.”

Tickets: General admission for $17.

Info: timeout.com/los-angeles/movies/rooftop-cinema-clubs-summer2018-schedule-is-here

5:30-9:00PM 5:30-9:30PM 5:00-9:00PM

Sunday Brunch 11:00-3:00PM

Delighting our customers with fine food and classic wines since 1980.

3

Banquet Room and Garden make us the ideal location for weddings, anniversaries, and other special events.

(661) 251-4315 | lechene.com

12625 Sierra Highway Santa Clarita, CA 91390

34 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

Switch up your game day menu

B

urgers and dogs may be typical game day grub, but a lineup that never changes can get tiresome a few weeks into the season. Infuse new energy and homemade favorites into your game day menu so you can enjoy great games and good eats for a winning combination.

Explore new flavors. Add variety by building your meal around a different main dish, like ribs or pulled pork instead of burgers. Or invite guests to get in on the action and offer a DIY pizza or taco bar with a wide range of toppings for the ultimate custom plate. Then adapt your side dishes to fit the theme, like adding a barbecue spice seasoning to your party mix, for example, or offering a chipotle-style dip for veggies and chips.

Add an unexpected twist. If you prefer a more traditional menu, there’s no reason to abandon all your favorite game day fare. Instead, reimagine a popular dish with a special or unexpected ingredient.

For example, this recipe features a homemade pizza topped with creamy ranch dressing.

An option like Litehouse Homestyle Ranch has no artificial colors,

flavors or preservatives, no high fructose corn syrup and is gluten free.

The dressing is a versatile addition to your game day spread since you can use it to top off everything from pizza and fries to tacos, burgers and more.

Don’t forget dessert. A good game requires lots of savory, hearty foods, but by the fourth quarter, you’re likely to start craving sweet victory and a sweet treat to go along with the win.

Easy individual desserts are a great bet, that way you can grab a quick bite and get back to the screen before you miss any action. Think along the lines of finger foods like marshmallow cereal bars, brownies and cookies to offer a little something for everyone.

Find more ideas for your game day gathering at LitehouseFoods.com.

Homemade Pizza Recipe Total time: 45 minutes Serves: 4 1 ball pizza dough (store-bought or homemade) 1 jar pizza sauce pepperoni (optional) sausage (optional) ham or Canadian bacon (optional) black olives (optional) mushrooms (optional) peppers (optional) 1 package (8 ounces) fresh mozzarella, shredded 1 squeeze bottle (20 ounces) Litehouse Homestyle Ranch dressing Heat oven to 425 F. Prepare dough by pressing it onto a pizza pan or pizza stone. Spread pizza sauce over crust and top with pepperoni, sausage, ham or Canadian bacon, black olives, mushrooms and peppers, if desired. Sprinkle cheese evenly over top of pizza. Bake 20-30 minutes.

Top with ranch dressing before serving.

Note: Toppings can be substituted as desired.

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 35

Leopard looks, staying neutral

By Taylor Harding Signal Staff Writer

LEOPARD LOVE I love that leopard and animal prints are in style right now.

I pretty much consider leopard another fall neutral at this point. It has the perfect fall color palette and it instantly elevates your look.

And while there can be a fine line between trendy and tacky when it comes to leopard, you gotta just own it. Sometimes you wanna feel like Jackie O, and other times, you wanna feel like Cardi B. There is a leopard for every mood, y’all.

Everything is under $100 except for Matisse booties because I’ve

FALL NEUTRALS

Taylor Harding found this leopard cardigan from @colette.prime.

PHOTO FROM INSTAGRAM @TAY7TAY

So I have been very into neutrals this summer.

I think my closet is overflowing with white & off-white items at this point, lol. I used to think neutral tones washed me out, but I’ve discovered they can actually make me look pretty tan and glowy, which is ideal for fall since I’m usually pasty from October to May. Now that we are transitioning into fall (RIP summer), I have been on a serious hunt for neutral toned sweaters and cardigans.

Gotta keep that neutral vibe going,

y’all. I found such cute stuff (everything is under $100 but selling out so fast, ugh).

As always, outfit details available at StyleStash.co.  TOP: 12th Tribe’s Tribeca Ivory ruffle sleeve sweater ($72).

12thtribe.com. RIGHT: Revolve’s prospect sweater ($59).

FA S H I O N said it before and I’ll say it again: “They are worth every damn penny.”

They’re so comfortable and so chic — Matisse can “have alllll my money hunnayy.”

Also — I found my leopard cardigan in pic from @colette.prime.

For more looks and details, visit StyleStash.co.

36 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

HOME&GARDEN

Make moving much easier

T

he average person in the United States changes residences more than 11 times in his or her lifetime, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

With each move, the process of moving may become more familiar.

But even the most practiced nomad can find moving to be an overwhelming experience.

Those on the cusp of moving and nervous about packing up and leaving can employ a few tricks to make moving much easier.

Research areas carefully

Buyers are advised to do their research when seeking new towns or cities to call home.

There are many factors to consider, including school district ratings, proximity to shopping, distance from work/commute times, availability of transportation, climate, and crime ratings.

Before falling in love with a particular home, potential buyers can visit the area in which the home is located during a typical weekday to get a feel for the atmosphere.

Check out shopping centers, observe the residents and drive by the

schools and businesses. This can help paint an accurate picture that may or may not differ from that depicted in the real estate listing.

Stack the deck Working with qualified professionals who have gone through the moving process before can make for easier work for buyers and sellers.

Ask for recommendations regarding real estate companies, real estate attorneys, home inspectors, insurance agents and all of the other people who will assist with buying, selling and moving. Carefully vet these professionals, relying on third-party reviews as well as any information provided by the Better Business Bureau.

sorting through boxes and getting rid of items they may not need in their new homes.

Secure temporary storage

Get estimates and verify licensing

It can help to put some belongings into a storage center prior to moving, and then gradually take items from the storage unit to your new home.

This will free up space to make repairs to your new home and give you time to figure out decorating schemes while ensuring clutter won’t get in the way of renovation projects. New homeowners also can take their time

tions for estimates and those who demand payment in advance before the move.

Have a first-week survival kit

The BBB advises consumers to verify all licensing for movers. Solicit at least three in-home estimates and get those figures in writing. Confirm insurance coverage for the company chosen, and be sure to have all agreed upon information spelled out explicitly in a written contract.

Red flags to consider include movers who don’t make on-site inspec-

New homeowners can pick up takeout restaurant menus and premade grocery store meals. In addition, stock up on staples such as paper plates, toilet tissue, light bulbs and cleaning supplies in advance of the move, so you won’t have to unpack everything at mealtime or when you want to clean after arriving at your new home.  — Metro Creative

microorganisms are killed.

• Application: Correct application of the mulch is essential. Applying too much mulch can adversely affect lawns, plants and soil. In addition, excessive application can cause decay and make lawns and plants more vulnerable to disease. Homeowners uncertain about when and how to ap-

ply mulch in the fall can consult with a lawn care professional to devise a plan that ensures their lawns and gardens hold up against winter weather.

Mulch may be widely associated with spring lawn care, but applying mulch in the fall can benefit lawns and gardens, as well.  — Metro Creative

Mulch ado about lawn care

H

omeowners may associate mulch with springtime lawn and garden care, but mulching in fall can benefit a lawn, as well.

Mulch protects roots against extreme temperatures, and not just those associated with summer heat waves, according to the Morton Arboretum in Illinois.

Mulch is often connected with its ability to help soil retain moisture during especially warm times of the year, when mulch promotes strong roots that can help lawns and plants survive periods of extreme heat.

But when applied in the fall, mulch also inhibits freezing and thawing in winter, reducing the likelihood that plants will be injured.

While applying mulch in fall can be beneficial to lawns, homeowners should first consider a few factors.

• Timing: The Morton Arboretum notes that mulch being applied as

winter protection should not be applied too early in the fall, as doing so may delay the soil freezing process.

Homeowners should wait until after a hard frost in the fall to apply winter mulch. In many places, hard frost will not appear until late fall.

• Texture: The Morton Arboretum recommends medium-textured mulch. Fine particles may pack down and retain moisture that will evaporate before it reaches the plant roots.

Materials that are too coarse may be incapable of holding sufficient amounts of water to benefit the soil.

• Nutrients: Humus is an organic component of soil that forms when leaves and other plant materials decompose. Organic mulches provide humus and decompose over time, adding nutrients into the soil. The Morton Arboretum recommends that homeowners use organic mulch that was composted or treated prior to application so any weeds, insects or

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 37

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

Ask the Doctors

By Eve Glazier, M.D., and Elizabeth Ko, M.D. Signal Contributing Editors

Can snack foods affect cognition?

Dear Doctor: I love salty foods, always have, and I don’t have high blood pressure or heart disease or anything like that.

But I did see a story recently that said high-salt diets can affect the brain. How worried should I be?

Dear Reader: Our attraction to salt — researchers refer to it as “sodium appetite” — has long fascinated everyone from scientists to philosophers to poets.

At a physiological level, our bodies require sodium, which plays a key role in fluid balance, and in nerve and muscle function.

As cooks (and eaters) know, adding salt to almost any food makes it taste better. And scientists in Australia recently identified specific pathways in the brain’s emotional center, which light up when salt is consumed, a reward system of sorts.

Yet, as your question acknowledges, and as research has shown, too much salt in the diet puts you at risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Now, a recent study from Weill Cornell Medical College, the research unit and medical school of Cornell University, has added the potential for cognitive impairment to woes caused by too much dietary salt.

When scientists fed mice a high-salt diet, the flow of blood to their brains declined, and the vessels that carried that blood were adversely affected. The mice also began to perform poorly on cognitive tests that, before this change to their diets, they had aced.

What was particularly interesting was that, rather than this decline arising from a spike in blood pressure, it appeared to be tied to chemical changes in the brain that

were prompted by an immune response in the gut. When the mice were returned to a normal diet, they regained the cognitive ground that they had lost. Whether this same scenario will translate to humans is not yet clear.

As for your own sodium consumption, we believe that even absent physical symptoms like high blood pressure, overdoing it with salt is not a good idea.

And if you don’t really know how much salt you’re eating, then you’re like the majority of Americans.

That may be why, according to the American Heart Association, most adults consume more than 3,400 milligrams of sodium per day, which is 30 percent more than the organization’s recommended maximum of 2,300 milligrams per day. A whopping 70 percent of that sodium comes from prepared and packaged foods and from restaurant meals. The rest comes out of the salt shaker.

We think it would be wise for you to begin to keep track of your daily sodium intake. Packaged and processed foods will have the numbers you need on their nutritional labels. To be accurate, be sure to pay attention to serving size as well. As of May 7, restaurants with 20 or more locations have been required by the Food and Drug Administration to provide customers with a range of nutritional information, including calorie counts and sodium content. And if you’re a home cook, track the sodium levels — both in the ingredients you’re using as well as the salt you’re adding. Your body and maybe even your brain will thank you.

Eve Glazier, M.D., MBA, is an internist and associate professor of medicine at UCLA Health. Elizabeth Ko, M.D., is an internist and assistant professor of medicine at UCLA Health. Send your questions to askthe doctors@ mednet.ucla.edu.  ©2018 North America Synd. Inc.

BATHROOMS

KITCHENS

CUSTOM CABINETS

CONTACT: Brandon Loveless: 661-583-3020 brandon@scvremodelingpros.com LIC# 1025140

38 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

H E A LT H

Health in the midst of flu season

By Brennon Dixson Signal Staff Writer

I

f you hope to avoid getting sick this flu season, then get a flu shot, said Dr. Tracy “Bud” Lawrence.

“Everybody always asks, ‘if I should get a shot or not,’ but the No. 1 best way to avoid getting sick during the flu season is to get the flu shot,” said the medical director of the Henry Mayo Urgent Care Center. “There’s overwhelming evidence that it’s helpful,” and the time to get it is now.

“Really, we talk about getting the flu shot at the end of September and beginning of October, so if you haven’t, then you should be,” Lawrence said, adding there’s no excuse not to since the flu shot is available at most community pharmacies.

“Most urgent cares will have it in stock,” but so will most community pharmacies, he said. The price point should be around $25-$30 no matter where you walk in.

“It’s a small price to pay to protect

yourself through the winter months,” he added, before sharing some additional ways to prevent sickness in these coming weeks.

“There’s a lot of anecdotal theories (that) vitamin C and, perhaps, zinc can keep you healthy or shorten the length of illness, but — really — nothing out there is going to beat something as simple as hand-washing,” according to Lawrence. Coupling that habit with the flu shot will have the greatest impact.

Another simple solution is to avoid other people if you are sick. Also, try to sneeze or cough into the bend of your elbow, because you don’t want droplets in the air, Lawrence said.

“That’s how others get sick,” so the importance of handwashing and staying home also can’t be stressed enough.

“If you are sick, be kind enough to stay home,” he said. “Fever and flu-like symptoms are best to keep at home so you’re not infecting others.”

But again, get the flu shot so you’re

not dealing with the symptoms in the first place, the doctor said.

“It’s by no means 100 percent effective but it’s much, much better than going without it,” Lawrence said, adding, “It’s super important that the young and super old get a flu shot, too.”  — Metro Connections

Safe ways to deal with sinus pressure

S

inuses are bony, hollow, airfilled cavities inside the face and skull. They are located in the low-center of the forehead, behind the eyes and in bones behind the nose. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center says the sinuses lighten the skull and produce a mucus that moisturizes the inside of the nose.

Unfortunately, when colds or the flu strike, sinuses may become one of the first spots affected by these illnesses.

When the sinuses are working properly, mucus will drain into the nasal passages or out the back of the throat. Most of this drainage goes unnoticed.

However, the American Sinus Institute says that factors such as allergies, illness, weather changes, dehydration and dry air can make the sinus mucus thicker and drainage more difficult.

This is when problems like infection, stuffiness or throat irritation may occur.

In order to combat sinus congestion and drainage concerns, people may try certain strategies that include flushing the sinuses and thinning the

mucus. It is imperative to use safe flushing methods to keep the sinuses healthy.

Neti pots are among the more popular methods to flushing sinuses.

These small teapot-like devices with elongated snouts have become a fixture in many medicine cabinets.

Because they are drug-free alternatives, they can be handy for those worried about antihistamines making them drowsy or reacting with other drugs. Neti pots and other nasal irrigation systems use saline to moisten and clear out nasal passages to promote drainage of sinus cavities.

However, according to the FDA, using these devices improperly can increase one’s risk of infection. CBS News says that neti pots have even been linked to the deadly Naegleria fowleri, which is otherwise known as the “brain-eating” amoeba.

The key to preventing infection is to only use previously boiled, sterile or distilled water to irrigate. Tap water is not adequately filtered, says the FDA, and may contain low levels of organisms that can stay alive in nasal passages and potentially cause serious

infections.

Those who are concerned about nasal irrigation safety may be wise to skip neti pots and use pre-packaged, sterile saline solutions that are bottled for the purpose of alleviating congestion. However, when prepared water is used in a clean neti pot or other device, these methods can be perfectly safe.

Sinuses can get clogged for many reasons. To free up breathing, people are urged to consult their physicians to learn more about how to safely irrigate their nasal passages.  — Metro Connections

Some lesser known allergy symptoms

A

llergy symptoms are a result of a person’s immune system overreacting to something that is harmless to most people but sparks a reaction in people sensitive to the trigger. Some symptoms of allergic reactions, such as sneezing, are widely known. But people may be surprised to discover some of the other common allergy symptoms.

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, a host of physical symptoms are indicative of allergic reactions.

• Wheezing, shortness of breath The ACAAI says that wheezing or shortness of breath are telltale signs of asthma, but notes that such symptoms also may be indicative of an allergic reaction. The ACAAI recommends people see an allergist if they develop unexplained wheezing that keeps returning or if the wheezing occurs alongside symptoms like rapid breathing or difficulty taking in air. Wheezing that appears after a person is stung by an insect, takes a medication or eats something he or she is allergic to is symptomatic of an allergic reaction and requires immediate medical attention.

• Cough The appearance of a dry, persistent cough may indicate an allergy. Coughs are often a byproduct of a cold or flu, but such coughs tend to taper off after a few days.

Chronic dry coughs that linger for more than three weeks may indicate the presence of an allergy. Allergy-related coughs may be more prevalent during certain times of year or in certain environments.

The ACAAI notes that chronic dry cough has been linked to allergies such as hay fever and may indicate an allergy to pet dander, dust, pollen, or mold.

• Headache Though few people associate headaches with allergies, some headaches can be allergy-related. According to the ACAAI, sinus headaches and migraines have been linked to allergies. Sinus See Allergy Symptoms, page 44

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 39

40 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

SENIORLIVING A SECOND WIND

Share your story

By Mary Petersen Signal Staff Writer

O

nce upon a time…

These charming, magical words have opened fables and fairy tales for hundreds of years. “Once upon a time” stories evoke imagination, adventure, and wonder in listeners.

But long before stories were written down, they were passed down orally from generation to generation. Storytelling is an ancient and universal art form which exists in all cultures.

It is a distinctly human endeavor that is hardwired into our cultures and psyches, and some say storytelling is essential to human survival.

What is the allure and power of stories? Why do we desire to tell and hear stories?

Telling stories unifies us. When we share the same legends, myths and histories, we reinforce our group identity.

Our stories reflect the wisdom and values of our culture. Telling and retelling stories draws us together, reinforces those values, and promotes group cooperation. These shared stories also help us to determine appropriate ways of conducting ourselves

within society.

“Story is the umbilical cord that connects us to the past, present, and future,” according to Terry Tempest Williams, a prominent environmental author. “Stories are recognizable patterns, and in those patterns we find meaning. We use stories to make sense of our world and to share that understanding with others.”

Stories lead us to develop empathy.

A 2013 study reported in Science magazine reinforces the idea that stories can help people understand others. (As an English teacher, I love this study.) “Reading Literary Fiction Improves Theory of Mind,” is a study on literary fiction, that shows how it fiction “uniquely engages the psychological processes needed to relate to characters’ subjective experiences.”

Reading fiction, which portrays characters’ inner feelings and thoughts, fosters an understanding of others and a realization that others’ beliefs and desires may be different from one’s own. Being able to read emotions, developed through reading stories, is a crucial skill that enables complex social relationships to occur in human societies. No need to belabor how important this is in today’s climate.

Stories play a significant role in binding us together and reinforcing our shared identity. Nonetheless, storytelling, which likely evolved as a group survival strategy, can some-

Women gather around the table talking and sipping wine during Wine on the Lake at Fred Arnold’s home. FILE PHOTO / THE SIGNAL

A conga line of women clap and dance to the song “Celebration” as they weave through the tables to begin the program during the 13th annual Circle of Hope Afternoon Tea event held at Robinson Ranch Golf Course in Santa Clarita last October.

PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

times be used to isolate or invalidate others.

Even inadvertently, a culture may tell stories that misrepresent others.

Stories are powerful. If people have no prior knowledge about a group except through popular culture portrayals, that is the depiction that will be retold as the definitive description of the group.

As an intentional abuse of power, stories can be perpetuated to subjugate people who are viewed as enemies.

Wielding storytelling as a weapon promotes stereotypes and robs people of their identity and dignity.

As Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Adichie explains, if the only story that the West tells about Africa is one of darkness, negativity and poverty, the people are then defined by that story.

That story excludes the loving family bonds, commitment to community, and resilience that Nigerians embody.

When we define people as only one thing, that is what they become.

There is no default story about any culture and no group can be reduced to a single narrative.

Clearly, stories matter and our stories need to be told, particularly the stories we tell about ourselves.

Each day we create our lives and add to our stories. Taking the diverse aspects of our lives and weaving them together into a narrative creates a tapestry that unifies our lives and makes sense of them.

Telling our stories can be redemptive and provide a vehicle to reclaim our lives in the face of adversity. It is a courageous act to tell one’s story since it is open to the judgment and scrutiny of others who may dismiss or disparage it. We expose ourselves to vulnerability, but at the same time we broaden the depth of our character and personal integrity.

It is empowering to engage in honest self-reflection and to enter the peace and wholeness of standing in our own truth.

As elders, parents, and grandparents in our community, we are in an optimal position to tell the stories of what we love, what we believe in, what we have learned.

Through our stories, we honor the defining experiences that shaped us and allow our loved ones to know us and to accept our triumphs and shortcomings. We offer our loved ones a wealth of family history. These stories provide a context within which children grow to know their families. Research shows that family histories, anecdotes about parents, shared memories, even recipes tighten family bonds and build security and self-confidence within children.

Our personal stories are the lifeline to our descendants.

Tell your story.

Mary Petersen is a retired COC English instructor, 30-year SCV resident and two-time breast cancer survivor. 

Better brain health.

Dear Neighbor, O C TO B E R 21, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 41

Did you know brain health is directly connected to hearing health? Treating hearing loss can help reduce your risk of serious health issues like depression1 and dementia.2

Help for those helping their loved ones

SENIORLIVING

By Martha teeth brushing, hand washing, to Introducing Livio™ Garcia AI, a REVOLUTIONARY, multi-purpose Signal Staff Writer having her adult diapers changed.” hearing aid designed to deliver:

ing services.

“This is a 24-7-365 situation and Galbraith worked tirelessly. That the caregiver feels responsible,” hen John Galbraith, was until it become too much. Rivera explained Dorio, who has run a 66, began caring for was taken to Henry Mayo’s ER. At the house-call practice for 30 years. “I tell • Superior quality and his ailing partner ofsoundsame time, he was admitted to the thget burned they20 will Join us,caregivers August -24th, out.

30 years, clarity he was to unhear comfortably in hospital.

They have to bring in others to help.” aware of the toll caring for would anyher environment for our 5-Day special event “Because of advances in science, Dorio recommends enlisting famtake on his own health. Focusing on we keep people alive longer, ” ex* ser• The ability to set body and brain members and outside nursing anddoctry ily Livio AI RISK-FREE her constant care landed him in the ™ plained Dr. Gene Dorio, Rivera’s health goals with the new Thrive vices. The Santa Clarita Senior Center hospital last year. tor and longtime Geriatric Specialist Hearing app offers Adult Day Care. Caregivers can Now 85, Sally Rivera’s memory and in Santa Clarita. “But it isn’t easy for You’ll also enjoy: bring family members who need care health declined slowly•over the past of phone Streaming calls, caregivers to deal with all the work.” and supervision to the center for five • A free hearing screening and consultation 10 years after her Alzheimer’s diagmusic and messages fromwas yourin the hospital for Galbraith hours a day. ** nosis. Yet, she was able tosmartphone function • 0% financing available directly to your four days, treated for total exhaus“This gives the family respite and and knit, something she had always hearing aids tion, dehydration and anemia. He time to care for their own needs,” exenjoyed. had lost more than 40 pounds and • Convenient adjustments to your Limited Time Only plained Suzanne Nelson, director for Last year, she reached a turning was weak. hearing aids without an office visit support services the Senior Center. point and her health began to de“Without realizing it, I was going a set ofatLivio AI “It also gives the participant a time to cline drastically. She was once able sideways,” he explained. “Not to the hearing aids socialize Offersstimulation. expire: 8/24/18” degree she was, but it was serious.” to shower on her own or accompany OFF and Appointment times are limited, so call today! XXX.XXX.XXXX Offers cannot be combined.

For those suffering from memory Galbraith to the store. Now, she needconditions, they may not remember ed extensive help. She stopped doing what own they are for breakfast, but they activities. She even Caregivers are an integral part of Yours for many betterbeloved hearing, Currently hearing aids? still want to be social and do things, forgot how to knit. existence for adults who are ailing.

Trade up old hearing aids for CASH VALUE! “She needed help doing everyIn many cases, the families caring Receive upexplained to a $2,000 Nelson. credit when you trade in old hearing for premium for their loved ones don’t have your nursTheaids Adult Day Caretechnology. is a licensed thing,” Galbraith explained. “From

W

40%

A Common Problem

Signature

Offers expire: 8/24/18 Offers cannot be combined.

Kathleen Bambrick, right, serves coffee after the meal Thursday at the Senior Center. PHOTO BY RYAN PAINTER / THE SIGNAL

social day care. It provides social and supervision needs, but is not licensed to administer medicine. It offers support groups for caregivers on Fridays and individual counseling for families.

“Brining a loved one here doesn’t mean you love them any less,” said Nelson. “It can be a lifesaver for everyone.” 

Better hearing. Better brain health.

Hearing Professional Name Credentials

Any Street Name Any Town, ST XXXXX

XXX-XXX-XXXX Like Us On

www.websiteaddress.com/CustomURL

*Deposit may be required. **Subject to credit approval or see store for details. © 2018 Starkey. All Rights Reserved. 7/18 LETR3192-00-EE-ST | Apple® and iPhone® are a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

National Center for Health Statistics, Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research. (1989). National Health Interview Survey. United States Department of Health and Human Services. Doi:http://doi.org/10.3886/ICPSR09583.v1 | 2Amieva, H., Ouvrard, C., Giulioli, C., Meillon C., Rullier, L., & Dartigues, J. F. (2015). Self-reported hearing loss, hearing aids, and cognitive decline in elderly adults: A 25-year study. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2015 Oct;63 (10):2099-104. doi: 10.1111/jgs.13649.

1

The world’s first hearing device that tracks brain and body health Translates languages and can be programmed from anywhere.

We are the first in the SCV to introduce the most advanced technology.

INTRODUCTORY OFFER

$500 OFF

OUR EVERYDAY LOW PRICES

Offer includes a no obligation test drive. 0% financing, free hearing screening and many more perks.

Call now to book your appointment.

23822 VALENCIA BLVD. STE 103 | VALENCIA

Next to AAA in the Owen Patterson Building

42 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

SCVPROFILE BRIDGET BISHOP

“I think she was outspoken, like I am.”

KATHY KEYSOR KELLAR,

on her ancestor

BEWITCHED BY HER PAST

Canyon Country woman shares link to ancestor executed for witchcraft

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

I

t’s the season for ghouls and goblins, witches and black cats and hauntings and horrors.

For Kathy Keysor Kellar, of Canyon Country, Halloween is an apt time to remember one of her ancestors caught up in one of the most notorious cases of mass hysteria, paranoia and injustice in American history.

Salem Witch Trials More than 300 years ago, the infamous Salem Witch Trials were held in Massachusetts.

The trials, instigated by the accusations of a group of (mostly) teenage girls, resulted in allegations against 200 people between February 1692 and May 1693 — 14 women and five men were convicted and were executed by hanging. One man was pressed to death for refusing to plead. The term “witch hunt” is used today to refer to accusations that are perceived to be false and to lapses in due process.

Finding Bridget Bishop Kellar’s great-grandmother, going back six generations, was Bridget Bishop. Bishop, born in 1632, was the first person executed for witchcraft

during the Salem Witch Trials on June 10, 1692.

“The joke is that if you want to find out who the horse thieves were in your family, you have to research your family tree,” Kellar said.

Kellar’s family discovered the connection to the infamous Bishop when her father, Bud Keysor, had his family genealogy professionally researched several decades ago.

“That was before computers, Ancestry.com and all the DNA testing we see now,” she said.

Kellar said she is related to Bishop through a daughter born to Bishop during her second marriage (she was married three times).

Kathy Kellar, left, and Family Search Center consultant Glenna Rae White read a trial transcript of Bridget Bishop, a distant relative of Kellar’s. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

“Her daughter Christian Oliver also had a daughter and she married Joseph Henry Felt, and I come through him,” she said. “He was born in Salem.”

Glenna Rae White, director of the Valencia California Family History Center, recently met with Kellar and reviewed her genealogy.

White confirmed that Kellar’s family tree includes Bridget Bishop as her sixth great-grandmother.

Historians believe a financial motive may have been responsible for many of the accusations and executions that occurred during the trials.

Bishop may have been accused because of financial assets she inherited from a deceased husband.

Kellar said Bishop, who was tried twice before being convicted, may have been a target because of her “different” lifestyle, which might have been considered not in keeping with the Puritan values of the times. Her first trial for witchcraft occurred after the death of her second husband. She was accused of bewitching Thomas Oliver to death, but was acquitted for lack of evidence.

“She did not conform to the times.

She owned a tavern where they would play shuffleboard, and was very outspoken,” said Kellar. “She also wore a red bodice.”

Historical records indicate that Bishop may have had run-ins with her neighbors, Kellar said.

“Bridget was perhaps not a wellloved woman in the community,” she said.

Despite Bishop’s untimely end, Kellar is proud of her ancestor.

“I think she was outspoken, like I am,” she said.

Visiting Salem Kellar visited Salem, Mass., and the sites associated with her ancestor’s untimely demise in 1998 and again in 2003.

“I visited Salem with my daughter and my nephew,” she said. “I looked in the phone book and there are still people with the last name of Felt living in Salem.”

Kellar said she also visited the historic Charter Street Cemetery and found numerous old headstones inscribed with the Felt surname.

The Old Burying Point Cemetery, also known as the Charter Street Cemetery, is the oldest cemetery in

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 43

Kellar researches another ancestor, Charlotte Budd Johnson, on a computer screen.

Salem, and the second oldest in the United States. It was opened in 1637.

When Kellar visited Salem, she took in the all the tourist sites related to the witch trials.

“I took a tour where they explained what happened during the trials. It was a terrible time in our history,” she said.

Kellar also visited the Salem Witch Museum and the Witch Trials Memorial.

“The sad thing was that when they were taken to Gallows Hill you then don’t have a clue to where they were buried,” she said.

In recognition of the 300th anniversary of the Salem Witch Trials, the Witch Trials Memorial was dedicated in 1992.

The memorial consists of 20 granite benches cantilevered from a low stone wall surrounding an area adjoining the Old Burying Point. The benches are inscribed with the name of the accused and the means and date of execution.

“It is interesting to think that this is one of your ancestors,” she said.

“Even though it happened a long time ago, it is still very moving.”

Kathy Keysor Kellar Kellar’s roots to Santa Clarita predate her move to the SCV. Her parents and four siblings (she has

“Even though it happened a long time ago, it is still very moving.”

KATHY KEYSOR KELLAR three brothers and one sister) were born in Salt Lake City, but Kellar was born in Glendale and grew up in Burbank.

Her father’s company, Keysor-Century Corp., was located on Springbrook Avenue in Saugus, beginning in the 1950s. The company manufactured resins used in long-playing records, plastic bottles, floor tiles, credit cards and other products. The company ceased operations in the early 2000s.

Kellar remembers her father had a long commute to work before the construction of the I-5 freeway.

“I remember he had to take Sierra Highway to San Fernando Road to get to work,” she said. “No freeways, it

was probably an hour commute from Burbank.”

She remembers her father telling her the family would probably move to Newhall.

“My sister and I would say, ‘No! There’s nothing out there. Don’t take us away from our friends,’” she said.

“My sister and I got our way, but in the end we both ended up moving out here as adults.”

After Kellar married she moved to Valencia in 1971. She is the mother of two sons and two daughters.

“We convinced our parents to move out in 1975,” Kellar said.

Kellar said she has never regretted moving to the SCV. “Santa Clarita is a jewel,” she said.

“I love the community and level of community involvement with the nonprofits and charitable giving. I don’t think there is any place with so many organizations dedicated to helping children, single mothers, the disabled and so many others.”

Kellar married Santa Clarita City Councilman Bob Kellar in 2009, after she was introduced to him by a mutual friend.

“We met after a nonprofit event held at the Hyatt. Then we saw each other frequently at other fundraisers,” she said. “What really brought us together was our belief in serving the community and others.” 

44 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

How to avoid unhealthy habits at the office

W

orking professionals spend an average of 8.5 hours per day at work, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Many professionals spend much of their time at work sitting down in front of a computer, which can be detrimental to long-term health.

Staying sedentary for long periods of time can contribute to a host of health ailments, including being overweight and obese. But professionals who work in offices can take various steps to ensure all that time at work is not having an adverse affect on their overall health.

• Get out of your seat. Modern workplaces are built around sitting, so workers must find some time to stand up and stretch. Sitting too long can compromise posture and lead to craning of the neck for looking at the computer screen. Get out of your chair, walk around the office and get the blood moving in your body.

• Pack your lunch. Bringing lunch to work puts you in greater control

over the foods you are eating. You can pack a healthy and diverse selection of foods. Don’t forget to also bring some snacks that offer a healthy mix of protein and carbohydrates to keep your energy levels up. Otherwise, you may succumb to the temptation of the lunchroom snack machine.

• Take frequent breaks. Stale air inside an office environment can make you feel fatigued and less productive.

Also, spending too much time behind your desk may contribute to feelings of stress and tension. Use every opportunity possible to get up and leave your office. Instead of sending an instant message or making a phone call to a coworker, visit him or her in person. Use your lunch hour to get outside instead of eating at your desk.

Plan a brief, mid-afternoon walk outside of your office to clear your mind and get some fresh air.

• Disinfect surfaces often. Oftentimes, when one person at the office gets sick, many others soon follow.

Colds and the flu can spread rapidly in close quarters. Keep your desk

Getting up and moving around is key to good health while on the job.

drawer stocked with some alcohol swabs or disinfecting spray and routinely clean your keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, and desk surfaces. You also can wipe off door handles and knobs around the office if you want to be proactive.

• Rest your eyes. Close your eyes and look away from the computer monitor every 20 minutes. Focusing on objects of varying distances can

Decrease mucus production and subsequent sore throats

W

hen allergies, colds or the flu strike, the resulting symptoms can be unpleasant.

Watery eyes, sneezing, aches, pains, and lethargy are common. Two additional symptoms common to respiratory illnesses include excess mucus production and sore throat.

Mucus is a vital component of bodily health. The American Academy of Otolaryngology says glands in the nose and throat continually produce thin mucus to moisten and clean respiratory passageways. This mucus traps foreign matter and can help combat infection. When viruses or bacteria irritate parts of the nose and throat, excess mucus may be produced as the immune system attempts to retaliate. This mucus may thicken and become more acidic.

Extra mucus can produce its own side effects, including further irritation. According to New YorkPresbyterian Hospital, in many cases, excess mucus production can lead to post-nasal drip and subsequent sore throats.

People often mistake post-nasal drip and related sore throat as separate medical conditions. But each can

be traced to whichever illness • Rely on or irritant (such as dry air or salt solutions. chemical exposure) is trigSimple nasal gering the body’s mucus resaline rinses or sponse. Reducing the amount gargling with of mucus pooling in the back salt water can of the throat can help a peralleviate irritason feel better more quickly tion and help and can be used in conjuncreduce some tion with medical advice. of the mucus, • Limit foods that may too. Remember increase mucus production. to use cooledDairy products, wheat, soy, down boiled bananas, sugar, and preserva- Sore throat can result from tap water or tives may contribute to mucus excess mucus production and distilled, sterile production, according to The post-nasal drip irritation. water for nasal University of Maryland rinses to preMedical Center. vent the chance of water contamina• Drink peppermint or regular mint tion, which can lead to serious illness. tea. The natural menthol in these • Consider medication. When natuherbs can help thin mucus and loosen ral remedies are exhausted, prescripit up for more productive coughs. tion or over-the counter products • Increase consumption of mucusmay provide relief. Decongestants can fighting foods and beverages. Musdry up nasal secretions, while antibitard, lemon, garlic, and anti-inflamotics may be needed if an infection is matory oils found in many nuts may bacterial in nature. help reduce swelling in the throat and Always consult with a doctor to get nose and tame mucus production. an accurate diagnosis of mucus issues • Drink plenty of fluids. Clear fluand sore throat causes. He or she may ids, such as water, tea and broth, can suggest one of the tips above or a also thin out mucus, making it flow combination of therapies.  more easily down the throat.

— Metro Connections

help keep the eyes strong and reduce fatigue.

It’s not difficult to remain healthy at work. Breaks, exercise and watching what you eat can help.  — Metro Connections

ALLERGY

Continued from page 38

headaches may be characterized by localized pain over the sinus area and/or pain in the face that may or may not be accompanied by a headache. A throbbing pain on one side of the head indicates a migraine, the symptoms of which may worsen when exposed to light. Among the more painful allergy symptoms, headaches should be discussed with an allergist.

• Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting may be a byproduct of food allergies. Seasonal allergies rarely, if ever, lead to nausea or vomiting.

However, when a person eats a food he or she is allergic to, the immune system reacts to this allergy in much the same way it does to allergies like hay fever, releasing a chemical called histamine.

When a person is dealing with seasonal allergies, the histamine his or her body releases can cause sneezing, runny nose or other symptoms commonly associated with such allergies. But when histamine is released to combat food allergies, it can cause nausea and vomiting.

Allergies affect people in every corner of the globe. Recognizing symptoms of allergies can help people combat them more effectively.  — Metro Connections

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

Give your mind a workout with these brainy exercises!

BRAINGAMES

Relax

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 45

46 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

CROSSWORD TIME

O C TO B E R 21, 2018

THE VILLAGE IDIOT

Getting away from none of it

By Jim Mullen Signal Contributing Writer

“H

i!

We’re Bob and Ellen Yeller, and this is Joe and Patty Screamer.

We love camping! We’re here almost every weekend! This is our spot!

Wait! Look who just pulled in — the Drinkers!

We didn’t know if they were going to show up this weekend! Sometimes, things happen to them and they’re not able to make it but — whoops!

That nutty Donny Drinker, he just backed his camper into a tree. He’ll be sorry about that tomorrow morning.

He loves nature. Wouldn’t hurt a fly, but after a few six packs, watch out!

He’s like a buzz saw in a forest.”

Donny Drinker comes over, beer in hand, to introduce himself. It’s 9:30 in the morning. Sue and I were just going to park here while we spent the day hiking on the trails.

“Here come the Selfies,” Donny says as a humongous camper pulls into the site. “Well, it’s just Tom now. Too bad about Karen, but that picture she took as she fell off Super Dangerous Falls was really spectacular. A classic. It was in all the newspapers. She’d be so happy that somebody finally recognized her work. It’s a wonder she had the presence of mind to take it.

“We all felt bad for Tom, but at least he’s got the hundreds of thousands of photos of Karen eating dinner with friends and standing in front of shops to remember her by. And since no one can figure out to cancel her Facebook account, they’re going to be in the cloud for thousands of years. Sometimes I wonder when she found the time to eat that food she was always photographing. People in the future will be amazed at how many places one person could take a picture.”

We could hear a television inside of the Yellers’ camper. Is there really a signal out here in the middle of nowhere?

“Hey, turn that down in there!”

Bob Yeller screams at the top of his

lungs. The phrase echoes throughout Peaceful Canyon.

“There’s something about being in the middle of nature that just fills my soul!” he says, in his outdoor voice. “I don’t know if it’s the first sniff of pine needles, the smell of a campfire or the odor of a National Park toilet, but it just makes me love getting away from all the junk in the city! Am I right or am I right? Or maybe it’s the sound of the helicopters rescuing us from the top of old Don’t Climb Me Mountain.

That’s always refreshing, and the flight is so scenic.”

A blast of “Ride of the Valkyries” starts blaring from the middle of nowhere. It’s Patty Screamer’s cellphone.

“WHAAAT?” she screams into it while we put on our backpacks and get ready to leave this woodland haven of peace and quiet. After all, aside from all the other campers, and all the birds and animals, who are they bothering?

“I don’t know why, but we never see any animals here, except the bears.

They say we shouldn’t feed them, but they’re just so darn cute!” screams Joe. “The one that mauled Billy had to be put down, but nothing could have prevented that. Billy was just playing with that cub’s tail, he wasn’t hurting it. Besides, the face transplant took, and he’s good as new! Except for the beard,” he continued. “That looks a little weird on a 7-year-old. But there’s so much money left in his GoFundMe account, he won’t even have to go to college. He can just live off the interest.”

Patty Screamer slams down her phone and says, “KIDS! WHY DID WE HAVE THEM? WHAT WAS I THINKING??” Apparently, that was the Screamers’ teenage daughter, Chardonnay, on the phone. She was calling from the camper 20 feet away, wanting to know when they were going back home. After all, they’d been here for two hours already.

We were about a mile up the trail before we stopped hearing campground noises.

“How can you get away from it all if you bring it all with you?” Sue asked.

I, for once, kept quiet.  Contact Jim Mullen at mullen.jim@ gmail.com.

Life gets busy.

Let us go to work for you.

Great health care just got easier and more convenient in Santa Clarita Valley.

Let Facey Medical Group go to work for you and your family.

• Over 34 primary care and 55 specialty physicians in four offices • Easy 24/7 online appointment scheduling for primary care physicians and pediatricians • Online medical records and doctor messaging • Access to nationally ranked specialists • Convenient locations with easy parking • Most insurance plans accepted • Extended hours at some locations We are Facey Medical Group. Let us go to work for you today.

Four Offices to Serve You: Facey Canyon Country 14550 Soledad Canyon Road Santa Clarita, CA 91387 Facey Copper Hill 27924 Seco Canyon Road Santa Clarita, CA 91350 Facey Valencia 26357 McBean Pkwy Valencia, CA 91355 Facey Valencia Specialty & Women’s Health 23803 McBean Pkwy Suites 101, 201 & 202 Valencia, CA 91355

For more information or to make an appointment, call 844-MyFacey (693-2239) or visit Facey.com

YEAR EGNSD! SAVIN

10% OFF $3000 OR LESS AND 15% OFF $3000 OR MORE. Fencing, Decking, Railings, Gazebos, Patio Covers, Gates, Arbors & Much More VISIT OUR SHOWROOM

For over 20 years, Vinyl Fence Depot has been providing a variety of good neighbor vinyl fences to our good neighbors throughout Southern California.

26210 Bouquet Canyon Rd. • Santa Clarita, CA 91350

661-259-1900

www.fencingcalifornia.com

LICENSE # 836988