Sunday Signal November 3, 2019 by Signal

NOVEMBER 3, 2019

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Concerned Citizens and Supporters of

The 25th Congressional District In California

Santa Clarita Valley conservatives have been divided too long.

We’ve lost because of internal strife. Now is the time to unite behind a single candidate, and that candidate is

MIKE GARCIA.

We sincerely appreciate the dedication and sacrifice of those who have gone before him, and we applaud the desire of those who are willing to serve now. We encourage you to join us in supporting Mike Garcia for Congress.

Affirming his support for Mike Garcia, BOB KELLAR, Santa Clarita City Councilman observed, “I have come to know Mike as a candidate and a friend, as fate would have it, he is the right candidate for the job, at the right time.” As one supporter stated, “service to country isn’t just a value in which he believes, it’s what he lives... He has defended us in battle, and he is ready to take the fight to Washington.” Join us in putting your trust in and your vote for our homegrown American Hero, Mike Garcia

H Kim & Jeff Greiner H Sue & Howard Groff H Betty & Frank Arenson H Diane & Steve Arklin H Craig Helm, Md H Janelle & John Costello

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N O V E M B E R 3, 2019

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES 4 4 Flying high after all these years 5 Saving furry friends with flare, creativity 6 Best wedding venues in the SCV 7 Tick Fire: My reflections from the fire lines LOCAL NEWS 8 8 Hill’s last day was Friday Wilk, Lackey call on feds to help those subjected to outages 9 Searching the ashes 11 Fire-cause investigators seek source of Tick Fire FROM THE CITY MANAGER 12 12 Off-street trails enhance quality of life FROM THE CITY MAYOR 12 12 Santa Clarita helps in Tick Fire recovery TECHNOLOGY 13 13 Blocked calls, malware and staying anonymous SPORTS 14 14 COC golf primed for another state title run TRAVEL 15 15 Gettysburg National Military Park DINING GUIDE 16 ENTERTAINMENT 19 19 Ozomatli coming to Canyon Santa Clarita CALENDAR 20 21 KIDS & FAMILY 21 Four facts to consider about antiobiotic resistance Simple ways to help children lose weight 22 Donna’s Day: Collect tree bark for crafts FOOD 23 23 A holiday roast to remember THINGS TO DO 24 24 Celebrate the Holidays: Family Fun Events FINANCE 26 26 Credit application denied? Here’s what to do next HEALTH 27 27 Coping with eating disorders during the holiday season INTERIOR DESIGN 28 28 An easy, stylish decorating upgrade HOME IMPROVEMENT 29 29 Determining proper water pump size; water leaks TIMERANGER 30 30 Homewreckers, Converts & Giving a ‘Dam’ Typo … SENIOR LIVING 31 31 What is long-term care insurance? GARDENING 32 32 Plant those beautiful bulbs now for Spring OPINION 35 35 Our Views • David Hegg • Tim Whyte VILLAGE IDIOT 38 100 YEARS

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Richard Budman Perry Smith Tim Whyte Doña Uhrig Karen Bennett • Abner Gutierrez

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661-259-1234 The entire contents of the Sunday Signal is copyrighted 2019 by Paladin Multi-Media Group, Inc. All submitted letters and columns are strictly the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of the publisher. All rights are reserved and no part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. If you would not like this delivered to your home, please call (661) 259-1000.

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N E W S F E AT U R E S

Flying high after all these years By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

ith only a handful of planes in the world still running a 28-cylinder R-4360 engine, Dennis Nobile, owner of Sun Air Parts in Valencia, a world-renowned supplier of vintage aircraft engines and parts, is proud to say he has every part available. “We’re the largest parts dealer in the world and, actually, one of the last ones,” Nobile said. “There are a few people that have some stuff, but we have every part for this engine in stock.” The R-4360 powered various notable aircraft, including the Spruce Goose, which has eight of these engines, and the B-50 Superfortress, which was an upgraded version of the B-29. Nobile is also proud to say that this engine won his sponsored plane, Dreadnought, the Gold Unlimited Trophy at the 2019 National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada, in September, flying at an average speed of 403.274 mph. “It’s the fastest motorsport in the world, and everybody around the world goes there. We’ve been going there since the 80s,” Nobile said, adding that each year, they sponsor numerous aircraft in both the T-6 and unlimited categories, which run on their engines and parts. “We’ve probably won first 12 or 13 times, and second, probably more. Then in the T-6 class, (we win) every year.” This was the 56th year of the Reno Air Races, which is one of the few remaining venues for the sport. Aircraft in the unlimited class consist primarily of World War II fighter planes, some modified, others stock, racing at speeds of 400-500 mph. Flying this fast takes a toll on the engines, as they weren’t made to fly that fast in the war, so planes need varying degrees of overhauls after each race, some needing entire engines rebuilt, Nobile said. With rising costs associated not only with the upkeep of the planes but also the sport itself, the Reno Air Races are not quite as popular as they once were, and many of Nobile’s

“Imagine being in the middle of the ocean with those 80-year-old engines. And they all made it back.” — Dennis Nobile, owner of Sun Air Parts

Dennis Nobile, owner of Sun Air Parts in Valencia, inspects one of several World War II-era, zero-time, 28-cylinder R-4360 engines at Sun Air Parts in Valencia. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

sponsored planes have not returned, but what Sun Air does at Reno is primarily for the love of air racing. Sun Air Parts was created in Sun Valley in 1970, specializing in Pratt & Whitney piston engine parts and tools, filling the need for spare parts, tools and engines after Pratt & Whitney decided to stop support of their old engines. “Most of these engines after the war were sent to Arizona to the scrapyard or the storage units, and then they started making crop dusters in the early 70s, using surplus World War I planes and World War II planes,” Nobile said. When turbine engines became popular, they stopped building new airplanes with the old piston engines. “But there’s still 6,000 of them out there flying around the world, and

they have to overhaul them every thousand hours of use, so that’s where we come in and we make all the parts that wear out.” The company moved its operations to Valencia in 1990, and since then, has continued to supply Pratt & Whitney engine parts, stocking dozens of overhauled engines, hundreds of engine cores and thousands of parts acquired from various aircraft manufacturers worldwide over the years. Their customers include engine overhaul shops from around the world, and their engines go into fire bombers, cropdusters, racer planes, restored planes and regional airliners among others. June 6, 2019, marked the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Landings and the Battle of Normandy, and

many returned for the international ceremony, including many of the airplanes flown 75 years ago. “All those airplanes flew in Normandy … they were dropping the parachute guys for the 75th anniversary, every one of them had our engines on it,” Nobile said. “They had all kinds of airplanes from all around the world, but they only let nine fly, I think — they really did a pretty good inspection on them.” Many of those planes had to fly all the way there and back, making various stops in order to complete the journey. “Imagine being in the middle of the ocean with those 80-year-old engines,” Nobile added, chuckling. “And they all made it back.” 

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N E W S F E AT U R E S

Saving furry friends with flare, creativity By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

ith approximately 6.5 million pets entering animal shelters nationwide each year, volunteers at rescues across the country are constantly searching for homes. The sheer volume of pets, especially after recent emergencies like the series of fires in the region, have prompted local animal rescues to create new, innovative ways to promote their adoptable animals. Shelter Hope Pet Shop, located in the Westfield Valencia Town Center, uses various events throughout the year to bring people in, such as its Shelter Hope Kitty Cafe. “It lets the cats intermingle, while people can really immerse themselves and get to know the cats,” founder Dani Caouette said. In addition, Shelter Hope puts on numerous “Kids Night Outs” with varying themes throughout the year, which allow parents a night off while kids get to have some fun surrounded by animals. “The kids go crazy, they are just so excited,” she said. “They are our word-of-mouth. They go back and tell their friends and family, then parents will come back and adopt.” Rescues on the Runway similarly uses events to promote its animals, such as its annual fashion show fundraiser, putting models on the runway with rescues. Attendees can also walk their pets on the runway, competing for trophies and prizes in various categories, such as Best Bark or Best Tail Wag. Founder Mardi Rivetti strategically schedules this event in November to raise awareness for her adoptable animals during the holidays. “Pets are dumped into shelters at the highest point at the beginning of summer and before Christmas,” Rivetti said, adding that it coincides with peak travel seasons. “Because shelters are overflowing this time of year, I try to use this particular event as a celebration of rescued animals and a chance for them to find a home for the holidays.” Each year, the Brittany Founda-

Monte, a dog housed by the Brittany Foundation, was one of the pets visitors could meet at the “A Day in their Paws,” the nonprofit’s event to raise awareness for shelter animals. PHOTO BY BOBBY BLOCK / THE SIGNAL

tion Animal Sanctuary puts on its “A Day in their Paws” fundraiser, in which volunteers spend 24 hours “on lockdown” with a shelter dog in their kennel to raise awareness on how they live each day before they’re adopted while they raise funds for the sanctuary by getting sponsors to “bail them out” at $1 per minute. Other events at the sanctuary are kid-focused, working to educate kids on animals while teaching them the values of volunteerism early on, according to founder Nancy Anderson. “Kids are going to be the future of whether we have responsible pet ownership or not,” Anderson added. Though Mutt Match L.A. gets a majority of their adoption referrals either by word of mouth or by attending adoption events, they also get people’s attention with their unique truck: Daisy Doodle’s Canine Confections, a dog treat food truck. “We actually have L.A.’s first and only treat truck that’s rescue-owned and -operated,” founder Sheilah Aragon said, adding that its goal is community outreach. “It’s a great way to lure people in and educate them about the importance of spay and neuter and adoptions.” Like Mutt Match L.A., many of these rescues participate in various off-site events, such as Bark for Life,

which helps to get the animals out in front of the community. While many also use online pet adoption sites where they can post photos and bios of all their adoptable animals, others, like the Castaic Animal Care Center, instead turn to social media to do the same. The center’s Facebook and Instagram accounts are entirely volunteer-run with the help of their social media team, Denise Martin, Julian Moser and Terra DiSpirito, who have come up with a system to ensure that each animal that comes into the center gets their time in the limelight. “It’s all about teamwork,” DiSpirito said. “We have a really strong team working together to get these animals promoted because we love them.” About a dozen volunteers help to take photographs and videos of the animals and write their bios, then the social media team then works to get every animal posted as soon as possible, typically within a week of them arriving at the center. While they try to make each post unique, choosing clear photos that help to showcase each animal’s personality, all posts contain the adoptable animal’s ID number, which viewers can then click on to see updates and follow the animal’s story. The team spends at least two hours

Remy, an 11-year-old tuxedo cat available for adoption at the Castaic Animal Care Center, is shown in a photo from the Instagram account, @ Catsteezy, which is an account run by volunteer Joel Rosario to help promote adoption. PHOTO COURTESY JOEL ROSARIO

each day, replying to questions and comments. “We try really hard to answer every question and be active, and we have a direct connection with the staff to answer any questions we can’t.” The center has seen a significant increase in adoptions since creating the accounts, according to DiSpirito. “More have found out about us through social media, and we’re reaching a lot of people.” One particular pup had such a following that he became famous in the community. Tank, a 6-year-old pitbull-mix, was surrendered because of his bad habit of running away. After months and more than 100 Instagram posts, Tank was adopted into a loving home. “None of us would give up on him, and we promoted him so hard it literally made him famous,” DiSpirito added, laughing. “Now he has the best life.” Shelter Hope Pet Shop is located at 24201 Valencia Blvd., No. 1335. Mutt Match L.A. is located at 16654 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita. The Castaic Animal Care Shelter is located at 31044 Charlie Canyon Road, Castaic. The Brittany Foundation can be reached at brittany_dogs@yahoo.com and phone (661) 713-5240. 

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N O V E M B E R 3, 2019

N E W S F E AT U R E S

Best Wedding Venues in

The Santa Clarita Valley

Valencia Country Club is one of the most well-known venues in the area, offering indoor and outdoor options for couples. PHOTO COURTESY VALENCIA COUNTRY CLUB By Vivianna Shields Signal Staff Writer

he Santa Clarita Valley can lay claim to some of the best wedding venues around, including ones that work with budgets and offer a variety of services. Though weddings are known for being expensive endeavors, there are ways around not paying a lot for the wedding of a couple’s dreams. Nowadays, weddings are very different because everyone wants something different for their wedding, according to Jorge Lopez, CEO and president of J&M Events. No one wants a standard wedding, they want a wedding of their own. “People want to express themselves through their wedding,” Lopez said. “They want some control.” However, weddings today are often driven by costs, and could leave a couple feeling limited on how they can achieve their dream wedding. Here are a few of the favorites, according to the experts:

Valencia Country Club

For weddings, Valencia Country

Club is one of the most creative when it comes to working within a budget, Lopez said. A wedding specialist, provided by the venue, will help create a one-ofa-kind wedding that fits within the couple’s budget, according to the Valencia Country Club’s website. With the specialist’s assistance, couples can solely focus on envisioning their dream wedding rather than having to worry about the costs of it. Their beautiful clubhouse can accommodate up to 180 guests while their outdoor event pavilion fits up to 300 guests, said Tiffany Grummer, director of special events at Valencia Country Club. Smaller rooms are also available for more intimate weddings. With the golf course as the centerpiece of any event, the greens and lakes create a great backdrop for any occasion. “We are the only full-service venue in Santa Clarita that offers outdoor wedding receptions,” said Grummer. “Our packages are customizable, and we can work with any budget.” Info 27330 Tourney Road, Valencia, (661) 254-4401.

Hyatt Regency Valencia

An array of event spaces and pictureperfect gardens create the practical and elegant wedding experience offered at the Hyatt Regency in Valencia. These gardens are a charming sight, and couples often go here to have their photos taken, even if their wedding is not at the venue, Lopez said. Here at the Hyatt, they hope to create a wedding that is custom designed to the couple’s dreams, their website says. Creating a wedding that is anything, but the standard is a goal of the venue. Another unique option the venue includes is the ability to stay overnight at the hotel. Wedding guests will receive a special room rate to ensure the guest’s safety after the party and for out of town guests. For many wedding venues, a place for guests to stay overnight is uncommon. In addition, there is plenty of parking available for guests, according to Lopez. Info 24500 Town Center Drive, Valencia, (661) 799-1234.

The Oaks Club

With a beautiful view and Old California ranch-style architecture, The

Oaks Club claim they create a unique experience for every ceremony. Because of the sophisticated setting and set rooms, many wedding photographers love shooting here because of the unique shots they achieve, said Lopez. The Oaks Club includes indoor and outdoor event spaces that include an unbeatable view of the Santa Clarita Valley, said Courtney Nolasco, private event director at The Oaks Club. On request, the venue also provides preferred vendor references for entertainment, photography, lighting and decor, to make planning even easier for the couple. “Each of our staff members are on a personal mission to ensure that every wedding is the couple’s best day of their lives,” she said. “Our wedding packages are created to provide endless options for all weddings within any budget,” according to Nolasco. “We also offer Friday, Sunday and weekday weddings at discounted rates.” Info 26550, Heritage View Lane, Valencia, (661) 288-1995. See VENUES, page 8

N O V E M B E R 3, 2019

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N E W S F E AT U R E S

Tick Fire: My reflections from the fire lines By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

orking in the media does have its perks. The occasional media sneak preview at Six Flags Magic Mountain is always popular in the newsroom; there are the interesting and unique people we meet every day; and, we’re the first to hear about breaking news, like when the original alarms sounded of the radio scanner that signified what would become the Tick Fire this past week. My home in the Shadow Pines area of Canyon Country had been without power since 11 a.m. that morning — the second time in two weeks due to the Red Flag warnings in effect — and my dog Praia was home alone. Tick Canyon Road is less than a mile from my house, so when the call went out, I immediately stopped and listened. It only took a few seconds of internal debate for me to decide to run home from work, just in case. As I drove away from the office, about eight miles from the fire, I began to see the cloud of dark gray smoke quickly filling the air in the distance. Within about a half-hour, my home would be one of 10,000 that would eventually be threatened by the nearly 5,000-acre inferno that transformed the lives of more than two dozen people who lost their homes and everything inside as the flames roared through Tick Canyon. It felt eerily quiet when I got to my neighborhood, like the calm before the storm, about a half-hour from the time the first alarms sounded. Many of my neighbors were standing outside, while others had already started to pack their cars. I quickly packed the few belongings I thought were important into the car, along with the most important one of all: Praia. I had been in the house for only a couple of minutes, but when I came out, things had gotten significantly worse. The smoke

Nicholas Burgess sprays water on the roof to help protect his home from the approaching Tick Fire in the Shadow Pines neighborhood of Canyon Country on Thursday. INSET: Praia. PHOTOS BY EMILY ALVARENGA / THE SIGNAL

cloud that had seemed a safe distance away was now filling the air above my house, turning the sun red. I could hear sirens coming my way to warn my neighbors that it was time to get out as I began driving away. After dropping Praia off at a friend’s place, I headed back toward home, not knowing if it would still be there when I arrived. By then, my boyfriend, Nicholas, had returned from work and together we went back home. As we drove up our street, I breathed a sigh of relief — our house was still standing — but the danger wasn’t over, winds were blowing the fire toward us and the hill across from us was on fire. While I got the remainder of our things, Nicholas got to work covering the vents on our roof with wet towels. Our house backs up to one of the many hills in our neighborhood, so as we worked, we continued to watch for signs that the hill had caught. I felt the rumble of a Los Angeles County Fire Department Air Operations Firehawk helicopter flying over my head, and I looked up, recognizing the “15” printed on its belly. I thought Firefighters protect homes as flames from the Tick Fire encroach upon a Canyon Country neighborhood.

to myself that I had recently sat in that very helicopter during an interview, as I watched Copter 15 make a water drop nearby, quenching the flames that were encroaching upon our street. A few water drops later, we could no longer see smoke on the horizon and the fire trucks that had lined the street were beginning to leave. Just as quickly as it had started, it all seemed to be winding down. Before dusk, we decided to take a drive around the neighborhood to assess the damage and were confronted by the sight of a house burning on a hill not too far from us. “Wow,” was all we could say. As we drove, I began to notice something incredible. Like a line drawn in the sand, the hills stood black and smoking, as a majority of homes sat untouched. The fire had come right up to the backs of almost every home in the neighborhood before it was halted by firefighters. It was humbling. Being a California native and a reporter nonetheless, I’m no stranger to wildfires, yet somehow this felt different. Looking back, it’s almost as if fires had seemed like something that happened to other people, not me. My story seems insignificant compared to those who lost everything. I was one of the lucky ones, but many others were not as fortunate. I can only thank the wonderful first responders for doing all they could so I could be that lucky. A simple “thank you” doesn’t seem like enough for these brave men and women who risked their lives to save our homes. 

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N O V E M B E R 3, 2019

LOCALNEWS

Hill’s last day was Friday By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

ep. Katie Hill, D-Agua Dulce, announced her final day in Congress would be Friday. She is expected to deliver her final floor speech on Thursday, Hill according to Hill’s chief of staff Emily Burns. “Resigning from Congress was one of the most difficult decisions of my life,” Hill said in a prepared statement Wednesday evening. “But I could not allow myself to be a distraction from the constitutional crisis we are faced with and the critical work to fulfill our promises of quality health care, housing we can afford and a government that works for the people. I look forward to joining my colleagues (Thursday) to give my final floor speech, and to working with them in other capacities in the future.” Hill’s resignation announcement came Sunday in a tweet, where she said her “fight is going to be to defeat

this type of exploitation that so many women are victims to and which will keep countless women and girls from running for office or entering the public light.” After intimate photos of Hill and personal text messages were published, the House Ethics Committee opened an investigation into allegations that she had a relationship with a congressional staff member. Hill denied those allegations, but admitted to having a relationship with a campaign staff member. Officials with the committee and Hill were unavailable for comment Wednesday to discuss the status of the case. With the 25th Congressional District seat left vacant, Gov. Gavin Newsom will have until Friday, Nov. 15, to issue a proclamation calling a special election. The process thereafter to fill the position could take anywhere between three to five months. Some candidates in the 25th district race have already indicated interest in running for the special election. 

Wilk, Lackey call on feds to help people subjected to outages By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

tate Sen. Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, and Assemblyman Tom Lackey, R-Palmdale, requested on Wednesday federal assistance for rural communities, including parts of the Santa Clarita Valley, left in the dark by California’s continuous power shutoffs. The legislators wrote and signed a letter to President Donald Trump “directly requesting assistance from FEMA in response to the impacts of these (public safety power shutoffs) sustained power outages,” by asking them for personal generators and the delivery of water trucks for those on wells. Thousands of Southern California Edison customers in and around the SCV have faced ongoing and purposely imposed power shutoffs due to powerful Santa Ana winds that could increase fire risk in the region. These “unprecedented and recurring” outages, as Wilk and Lackey called them, have caused frustration

among residents, however; particularly among older adults and those in rural neighborhoods. Earlier this month, at least one Canyon Country resident was left without her regular supply of oxygen. Wilk and Lackey, who visited the local assistance center that’s aiding Tick Fire victims on Wednesday, said their letter is to give voice to residents of rural communities who are sometimes forgotten during emergencies such as wildfires and are left with no cellphone coverage. “When there is no power, people have zero access to water and are unable to communicate to family, friends or first responders,” read the letter. “Ordinary Californians are suffering and possibly dying because of Sacramento policies. Until we can address these policy flaws we need FEMA to intervene to save lives.” Assemblywoman Christy Smith, D-Santa Clarita, who was also at the center Wednesday, said she wants to hear from the community the power shutoffs have directly affected them. See OUTAGES, page 10

VENUES

Continued from page 6

Blomgren Ranch

Among trees and a western ghost town, Blomgren Ranch creates a unique landscape for any wedding. Unlike other venues, this venue can serve up to 1,000 guests. Lopez didn’t know of any other venues in the area with that kind of capacity for a wedding. Even though the site can hold big parties, they have staff who will set up and tear down the event, so the wedding party can focus solely on enjoying themselves. On the estate, there’s a Western ghost town where guests can pose in front of a saloon or jailhouse. Other amenities at the ranch include a petting zoo with farm animals, park for children, and free parking on site. Though they do not offer an indoor venue, they provide heaters on stand by if the party needs them.

If you’re looking for a big wedding, Blomgren Ranch is the largest venue around, which is said to be able to accommodate about 1,000 guests. PHOTO BY CORY RUBIN / THE SIGNAL

“We don’t force customers to go through our vendors, we work with their budgets,” said Hector Isiordia,

owner of Western Ranch Events. There is a minimum we charge, and from there, we can make it as fancy as

they want.” Info 15142 Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita, (818) 424-2958. 

N O V E M B E R 3, 2019

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

Searching the ashes

riends, family and neighbors worked through 60-70 mph winds Wednesday morning, as ash and debris blew through the air, searching for Casey, Sam Hull’s missing dog. Casey, a 10-year-old Queensland heeler, was lost during the Tick Fire that burned down Hull’s family home. “We’re here to find Casey, one way or the other … to get some kind of closure,” Hull’s mother, Alejandra Corrales, said. For the past three years, the family had been renting a property on Sand Canyon Road, which was home to some of the animals they’ve rescued, including dogs, cats, bunnies, a tortoise, birds, sheep, pigs and even a peacock, among others. “Every single one of them was a rescue or from a family that couldn’t keep them any longer so they needed a home,” Corrales added.

When the fire broke out and Hull found out how close it was to her home, she immediately left work. “She flew across town and she got here as soon as she could … but by the time she got here and started letting (the animals) out … (the fire) was literally already over the ridge and coming up the sides of the plateau,” Corrales said. “Even when you have evacuation plans and you have crates set out and you have everything ready, sometimes there’s not enough time.” Minutes later, the flames had begun circling the house, which sat atop the hill. “She literally had to drive through flames to get out.” Hull hadn’t gotten enough time to let everyone out, and the family’s dogs, Benji and Casey, were in the enclosed patio near the house. “Casey would jump on top of the pump and jump out all the time, whenever she wanted to,” Corrales said.

LOCALNEWS

From left, Christina Park, Chrissy Ball, Marissa Hull, Brianne Silva, and Russell Ball look out over the hills behind Sand Canyon Road as they plan where to search for Casey, a Queensland heeler that was lost during the Tick Fire that burned down the Corrales/Hull family home, in Canyon Country on Wednesday. PHOTO BY GILBERT BERNALL / THE SIGNAL

The family learned after the fire Benji didn’t make it out in time. But

“If she wanted to get out, she could get out,” Hull added. “She did it for fun, often.”

See SEARCH, page 10

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N O V E M B E R 3, 2019

LOCALNEWS

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Rubble is all that remains Wednesday of the Corrales/Hull family home in Canyon Country after the Tick Fire. PHOTO BY EMILY ALVARENGA / THE SIGNAL

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they’ve yet to find Casey. When Corrales was able to get back to the area, she watched as a helicopter doused the fire on the nearby hills from a safe distance. “The fire was out, and then an hour later, the house caught fire,” she said, adding that the rubble was still burning when she was allowed up to the house that evening. “When I drove up, (the potbellied pigs) heard me and they came running out of I don’t know where — they were so scared.” Before leaving, Hull was able to open up the doors to the birds’ pens, and when Corrales returned, they were all in their coops going to bed. Pinnacle Veterinary Center stepped up to help, even though they don’t typically work with livestock, also referring the family to North Valley Veterinary Center in Lancaster, which was able to help treat the animals. “There’s not really anything salvageable,” Marissa Hull, Sam’s sister, said regarding the pile of rubble that once was the family’s home. The only thing they were able to recover was some of Corrales’ mother’s ashes. “Aside from losing some of our animals, the fact that my mom’s ashes were in the house was the worst part,” Corrales said. “We were able to find some though, so that was a little glim-

mer of hope.” For Sam, the main priority remains to find Casey. “All this stuff is whatever, but if Casey’s home, that’s really all I care about,” Sam said. “She’s extremely intelligent. My concern is how dry it is and how long she could live without water.” They’ve hiked every canyon in the 20 acres of open space around the house, and have found no remains or tracks, according to Sam. “Casey is probably really scared, so if anyone sees her, don’t try to catch her or call to her, instead just call us,” Marissa added. Casey is primarily black in color with white speckles Anyone with any information is asked to contact Sam Hull at 661349-0308. To donate to the family, visit bit.ly/CorralesHull. 

OUTAGES

Continued from page 8

“We are hearing from across the community this has been a huge challenge, particularly for our seniors, our medically fragile population and those out in rural communities,” she said. “We want to make sure we’re doing everything we can at the state level to hold our energy providers accountable for those outages and what we’re going to do to correct these dangerous situations.” 

N O V E M B E R 3, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

LOCALNEWS

Fire-cause investigators seek source of Tick Fire

n the daily Tick Fire updates posted by fire officials, one column on their checklist - alongside homes destroyed, acres burned, residents displaced - has remained unchanged since the fire began a week ago, its cause. Each Tick Fire update reports the same status when it comes to cause: unknown. Now that containment of the Tick Fire nears completion, arson investigators are expected to poke through the charred rubble inside Tick Canyon for clues. Lt. Sue Burakowski, who heads up the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department’s Arson/Explosives Detail, joined arson investigators assigned to the Los Angeles County Fire Department on a recent survey of the fire source. The lead investigator on a search for a cause of the Tick Fire is Fire In-

vestigator Tim Carillo, of the county fire department. Carillo was out of the office all day Wednesday, but Burakowski and others close to the probe provided some insight into what caused one of SCV’s most damaging fires. “The area where it is believed the cause of the Tick Fire began is on federal land,” Burakowski said Wednesday. “We went up there together and worked side by side,” she said. The Tick Fire began near the intersection of Tick Canyon Road and Summit Knoll Road, said Arson Investigator Jermaine Johnson who works with Carillo. The source is at the southern most tip of uninhabited Tick Canyon, where the first homes appear. “I was out there and I was on the scene later on that day,” Johnson said, referring to the day of fire cause investigators from both the fire department and LASD went to the origin of

the Tick Fire. Finding the cause of the fire is expected to take time, investigators from both agencies said. Both Burakowski and Johnson were asked about wide-spread reports on social media, speculating about the cause. Each investigator said what the daily status sheet has been saying: the cause remains unknown. And, the arson investigators are not the only ones looking for answers. A forensic team of investigators with the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner have questions about a human skeleton found in the Tick Fire’s wake. “Right now, the decedent is listed as Undetermined Doe #20,” Sarah Ardalani, spokeswoman for the coroner, said Wednesday. Unidentified human remains are tagged John Doe if they’re male, Jane Doe is they’re female. They’re called “Doe” when the gender has not been

PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

determined. One of the many questions coroner investigators want answered is the gender of bones found in the Tick Fire. “Law enforcement placed a security hold on the case,” Ardalani said, meaning the only information she can disclose is the case number, the name of the decedent, a date of birth and date of death. 

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N O V E M B E R 3, 2019

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Off-street trails enhance quality of life By City Manager Ken Striplin

ith nearly 90 miles of paved, off-street trails, the City of Santa Clarita offers residents and visitors amenities that are unparalleled in the region. Building infrastructure that enhances the quality of life is a priority for our City Council and the robust trail system provides numerous benefits for all members of our community. The first thing you may think about when you see a trailhead — whether it is the Iron Horse Trailhead in Valencia, the Camp Plenty Road Trailhead in Canyon Country or any of the other four in the City — is getting active. Any time of day, you will encounter cyclists, runners and rollerbladers getting in a workout or training for their next challenge.

Why off-street trails? It can be discouraging for people to get out and exercise if they have to do so near the threat of traffic, or if they have to travel far from home to get started. By designing our trails away from streets and protecting those portions adjacent to roads with landscaping and other barriers, the City has created an attractive amenity that also promotes safety. Thanks to wayfinding signs, it is easy to navigate the trails and discover new places you haven’t visited before. With emergency location signs posted throughout our trails, residents can take comfort knowing that first responders will know exactly where they are should an emergency occur. If you haven’t had the opportunity to use the trail system in Santa Clarita, you may not know that it extends to virtually every corner of our City. No matter where you live, you are at most a short drive away from being

able to explore a new perspective on your hometown. You can also rent one of the dozens of Pace bikes in the City for a leisurely ride through Santa Clarita. You can get more information on how to rent a Pace bike and get started with an account at ridepace.com. Being away from the sights and sounds of streets allows residents to appreciate the natural beauty of Santa Clarita. This is just one reason why the Santa Clarita Marathon, which is taking place this weekend, takes runners through our picturesque trails and paseos. One of the most important benefits and the original intention behind created an off-street trail system is that our trails keep our communities connected. Prior to becoming a City in 1987, Santa Clarita was comprised of the four distinct communities of Canyon Country, Newhall, Saugus and Valencia. The trail system extends from one

end of our City to the other and has major destinations along the way to help residents get from point A to point B. These include the Westfield Valencia Town Center, Metrolink stations, Old Town Newhall and Central Park. Having a series of interconnected trails and paseos improves the walkability of Santa Clarita and gives residents an additional way to get where they want to go. Neighborhoods are connected to parks, parents can walk their children to school and local shopping centers can be accessed with ease. The next time you have the chance, I invite you and your family to pick one of our off-street trails and see where the path takes you!

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

F R O M T H E C I T Y M AY O R

Santa Clarita helps in Tick Fire recovery By Mayor Marsha McLean

o say this has been a tough couple of weeks in our City is an understatement. After completing an initial assessment, nearly two dozen valley residents are dealing with the loss of their homes and all of their belongings, dozens more are facing substantial smoke and fire damage to their houses and tens of thousands have coped with evacuations due to the Tick Fire. This fire forced the largest evacuation in our City’s history. More than 11,000 homes had to be evacuated, resulting in more than 40,000 residents forced to flee their homes as the fire swept through 4,000 plus acres fueled by the strong Santa Ana winds. City staff was a part of the unified command, along with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Sheriff ’s Department and California Highway Patrol. The first priority whenever a fire breaks out, or our City faces emergency circumstances, is to ensure the safety of our residents. When our public safety partners call for

evacuations, they do it for your safety. We appreciate all of you who heeded their warnings and left your homes so they could do their jobs. Even with the incredible jobs of our first responders, this fire moved so quickly that homes were lost. For our neighbors who were impacted by the Tick Fire, I urge you to take advantage of the resources and help available to you. The City, in cooperation with Los Angeles County, has activated a Local Assistance Center at The Centre, 20880 Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita. The LAC will be open through Monday, Nov. 4, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. The LAC has more than two dozen organizations represented, offering assistance on everything from replacing personal documents, getting insurance questions answered, finding out about tax relief support, getting crisis counseling services, obtaining ash/soot cleanup tips, getting info on debris removal, finding local licensed

contractors and much more. LAC services are free to any member of the public — no identification or documentation is needed to access help. Bilingual support will be available onsite, as well as support for those who have disabilities, access or functional needs. You can also visit lacounty.gov/ recovery for more recovery resources. In addition to this official support being offered, the outpouring of community support has been awe-inspiring, as it truly defines the tightknit Santa Clarita community. Social media pages are flooded with offers of food donations, clothing, places to stay, camps for kids during school closures and so much more. One of the images that best sums up the support among neighbors is of posters that have been placed on the front lawn of a home that was burned. The signs read, “You are not alone” and “We love you.” Neighbors supporting neighbors and a community rallying around those who lost everything exemplifies what our City stands for. I want to remind all of you that fire season doesn’t end here in South-

ern California — and the Santa Ana winds will be back. Please review your family’s emergency preparedness plans and make sure your Ready Set Go evacuation plans are in place. For more information, please visit fire.lacounty.gov/rsg and find critical information on creating defensible space around your home, retrofitting your home with fire-resistant materials and how to prepare to safely evacuate well ahead of a wildfire. I also want to say thank you to all of our first responders who worked long days and nights to safeguard life and property. Thank you for protecting Santa Clarita. And, thank you to the Red Cross and volunteers for providing help and services to those who needed to utilize the Evacuation Centers. When I visited last week, the families were very grateful. Mayor Marsha McLean is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council and can be reached at mmclean@ santa-clarita.com. The views expressed in her column are those of the city and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal. 

N O V E M B E R 3, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

TECHNOLOGY

Blocked calls, malware and staying anonymous Catch call1blockers

I think my ex blocked my num ber from his phone. He never answers my calls. Is there a way to know is someone blocked your number? A There is no technology that will tell you for sure about a blocked number. Instead, you’ll have to check for certain clues. Does your call go directly to voicemail? Are you calls never answered? Do you receive an automated response, indicating, “This caller isn’t available?” These are all strong signs that your number has been permanently deflected.

Apple malware check

I tapped the wrong thing and I think my iPad is infected. How can I check my iPad for malware? A The biggest danger of owning Apple products is the false sense of security. Over the years, millions of Mac addicts have accepted the myth that their devices can’t contract malware. But your iPad is absolutely at risk. The most obvious signal is an annoying pop-up ad that claims you have malware. Mysterious messages and unexpected activity in your accounts may also point to malware or a breached interface. You may be able to tackle this problem pretty easily, but you should act soon. Once you have your passwords ready to go, open Settings, then tap Safari in the left menu. Tap the Clear History and Website Data link on the lower part of the page and tap Clear to confirm your choice. That malware/virus warning should now go away, as should any pop-ups.

Anonymous calling

my competQ Iitorswouldandlikelearnto call more about their pricing. Is it possible to make a call anonymously?

A You can block your number, and

there are several different ways to do it. The easiest method is *69, which is a temporary solution, and you’ll have to enter these digits every time you dial a number. But it’s simple and free, and the phrase “Private Number” will show up on caller ID. On an iPhone, you can actually switch off your number completely, depending on your carrier. Keep in mind that many companies will be suspicious of any unlisted number, especially in the era of robocalls, when many businesses are bombarded with anonymous spam.

Streaming TV comparison

are so many streaming Q There services now and I can’t keep

them all straight. How does Netflix compare to Hulu and Disney and Amazon? Help! A Yes, there are. The arrival of Disney+ and Apple+ will add thousands of hours of digital entertainment to an already glutted market, and it’s hard to tell who will survive in the coming years. Usually, new formats like this obey the “survival of the fittest” rule, but it’s still so hard to tell which streaming services are “fittest.” I recommend checking out my handy chart, which illustrates the benefits and drawbacks of each platform and lays them out side-by-side. You may still find yourself playing “streaming roulette,” but at least there won’t be any big surprises. Visit the link to check out a comparison chart for online streaming services: www.komando.com/ charts/603455/on-demand-streamingservices-comparison-chart-netflixhulu-amazon-prime-video-disney. For information on Kim Komando on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks, visit her at Komando. com. 

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N O V E M B E R 3, 2019

SPORTS

COC golf primed for another state title run By Diego Marquez Signal Staff Writer

he College of the Canyons women’s golf team long has been a force. Winning 17 straight Western State Conference events over the past two seasons, the Cougars are the defending CCCAA Southern California and State Champions, winning an unprecedented 23 events over the span, including two Morro Bay Invitationals. Canyons returns four of the six women from last year’s conference and state championship team including the 2018 CCCAA State Championship individual runner-up Haruka Koda, as well as Jessie Lin, Paige Hebert and Shabana Poswal. Freshman Delaney Young from Ventura is the only addition to the 2019 roster. “The difference is, that I think the girls are more mature and have a definite goal in mind, and they don’t

want anything to get in the way of it,” said College of the Canyons head coach Gary Peterson. Koda leads Canyons with five individual first-place finishes, winning the second, third, fourth and fifth WSC events. The most recent win came on Oct. 21 at Sand Canyon. “She is solid as a rock,” Peterson said. “Her attitude on the golf course is like her golf game itself, it’s down the middle, it’s on the green in regulation, it’s two putts.” Koda has her eye on one objective: “Win the individual state championship,” Koda said. “I was second last year and I was only one shot behind, so that was kind of disappointing.” Following Koda are Canyons’ second and third women’s golfers: sophomores Jessie Lin and Paige Heuer. Heuer kicked off the season by medaling in the first WSC event, shooting a 71, her lowest score of the year. “What I’ve worked on more this year is playing 18 holes more than

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just going to the hitting range and the putting green,” Heuer said. “Just playing 18 holes every day or at least three times a week really helps.” Practicing with one another for countless hours over the past year and a half, Lin says there’s still a lot that they are learning from each other. “We practice together and we also improve together,” Lin said. “We help each other improve our games because Paige and I always want to learn from Haroka’s short game because we think it’s the best.” Lin has proven why she is considered to be on the top golfers in the conference with back-to-back medal performances at the sixth and seventh WSC events, shooting a 71 in the latter. She believes that the team’s strengths have upped her game, especially the play of Fredeliza Lieberman. “I think this semester our team has improved a lot, especially Liza,” Lin said. “Compared to last semester, she improved a lot. I think because she

College of the Canyons women’s golfer Jessie Lin is one of several returning reasons why the women’s golf team is primed for success this year. PHOTO COURTESY JESSE MUNOZ/COC SPORTS INFORMATION DIRECTOR

improved a lot, it helped us do so well this season.” Leaning on one another for help, support and guidance, the Canyons women’s golf team is primed for yet another run into the postseason and possibly back-to-back conference and state titles. “This year’s title was born last year, with these amazing golfers coming in all at the same time,” Peterson said. “It’s kind of like, lets get them to the golf course and let them loose.” 

N O V E M B E R 3, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

T R AV E L

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

he Battle of Gettysburg was fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863. In November 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered his most famous speech, “The Gettysburg Address,” at the dedication of the National Cemetery at Gettysburg. My husband, a Civil War buff, has always wanted to visit Gettysburg. In late September, we flew into Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport because it was a direct flight and the closest airport to Gettysburg. We rented a car and drove the 60 miles to Gettysburg in southeastern Pennsylvania, which took about 90 minutes. The drive took us through many charming small towns and countless cornfields. We spent three full days in Gettysburg, but left feeling there was so much more to see. The first day we visited Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center. The next day we met up with our professional Gettysburg guide, Jack Drummond, for a tour of the battlefields. It provided an in-depth look at several battlefields and helped us focus on what we wanted to do on our last day. Our third day was spent visiting Cemetery Hill, Gettysburg Nation-

al Cemetery, Devil’s Den and other notable locations. We stopped and explored the many monuments and memorials that dot the battlefields.

The Gettysburg National Military Park and Visitor’s Center

Info www.nps.gov/gett/index.htm There is no fee to tour the 6,000acre Gettysburg Battlefield, but there is a fee ($15, less with AAA discount) for the film “A New Birth of Freedom,” narrated by Morgan Freeman; the Cyclorama painting; and Gettysburg Museum of the Civil War. All three experiences were well worth the price of admission. The Cyclorama experience is hard to describe, but it was one of the highlights of our trip. It’s a 360-degree, 377-feet by 42-feet oil-on-canvas painting that depicts the full fury of “Pickett’s Charge.” This unique painting, first shown in Boston in 1884 before coming to Gettysburg in 1913, is now featured in its own specially designed hall with a sound and light show. There are approximately 1,328 monuments, markers and memorials scattered around Gettysburg National Military Park. In addition, there are approximately 370 cannons that sit on the battlefield. An interesting fact is that you can find the age of the cannon by looking at the muzzle, where the year of manufacture is stamped into the metal. While only one battlefield cannon is documented to have been used in the battle at Gettysburg, many of the cannons on display were manufactured during the Civil War era.

Gettysburg Tour Guides

Info https://gettysburgtourguides. org/reservations We hired a private Gettysburg This monument to Union General Gouverneur Kemble Warren, dubbed the “Hero of Little Round Top,” honors one of the decisive battle victories by Union troops at Gettysburg. PHOTOS BY MICHELE E. BUTTELMAN

Battlefield tour guide. Only officially tested and licensed guides are legally permitted to conduct paid tours of the battlefield. Their rates ($31.50 per hour, with a minimum of two hours) are set by the federal government. The two-hour tour is standard, but we opted for the three-hour tour, which was perfect. You can also book four-hour and all-day tours. Our tour guide, Jack Drummond, was an expert in all things Gettysburg. He brought along photos of important people associated with the battle and other images that enhanced the tour experience. The tour guides drive your car (even rental cars) around the battlefield so you can concentrate on the sights. I highly recommend hiring a private guide, however, there are also bus tours, as well as audio and do-ityourself tours.

Gettysburg National Cemetery Info www.nps.gov/nr/travel/national _cemeteries/pennsylvania/gettysburg _national_cemetery.html Gettysburg National Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 3,500 Union soldiers killed in the Battle of Gettysburg. The graves are laid out according to state. Nearly 1,000 soldiers buried at the cemetery were never identified. Their graves are marked with small, square marble markers engraved with a number. At the cemetery’s dedication on Nov. 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address. The exact spot of where Lincoln spoke is unknown, but historians have suggested a few different locations within the cemetery grounds.

Gettysburg Favorites

Our favorite restaurant was the Garryowen Irish Pub. Excellent food, great service and authentic atmosphere. We enjoyed the Scotch eggs, Guinness Irish stew, and fish and chips. Another option perfect for

families is Friendly’s. Friendly’s is an 80-year-old East Coast chain with more than 150 locations that specializes in ice cream treats and offers a menu of American comfort food. Of note is the Dobbins Inn, the oldest building in Gettysburg. The Inn dates to 1776 and offers lunch and dinner. I recommend the French onion soup, the best I’ve had in years. We stayed at the Best Western in Gettysburg. Only a year old, the clean, modern hotel had everything we needed including a microwave and fridge. There are many “historic” inns, and bed and breakfasts, in the area as well.

Lasting Impressions

We met people from throughout the United States, everyone we met was delightful, interesting and kind. Reading about a place in the history books is one thing, standing on a battlefield once soaked in blood, is another. It was a sobering reminder that as Americans we can never let our differences divide us to the point of war. A visit to Gettysburg is a must for every American. 

Cemetery Hill overlooks the main downtown area of Gettysburg. It was the location of fighting every day of the Battle of Gettysburg July 1-3, 1863.

16 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

N O V E M B E R 3, 2019

BBQ Dickeys Barbecue Pit 18742 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita (661) 251-0840 L&L Hawaiian BBQ 18727 Via Princessa, Canyon Country (661) 251-8333 Lucille’s Bar-B-Que 24201 West Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 255-1227

AMERICAN Backwoods Inn 17846 W. Sierra Highway, Canyon Country (661) 252-5522 The Backyard Grub n’ Brews 26509 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita (661) 286-1165 Bergie’s 16404 Delone Street, Canyon Country (661)251-3133 Black Angus 27007 McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 288-2000

The Local Pub & Grill 26876 The Old Road Stevenson Ranch Ca 91381 661.495.9192 Mama’s Table 23340 Cinema Dr, Santa Clarita (661) 284-5988 Marston’s Restaurant 24011 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 253-9910 Nealie’s Skillet 25858 Tournament Road, Valencia (661) 678-0031

Q&Q Hawaiian BBQ 27530 Newhall Ranch Road #101, Santa Clarita (661) 383-9098 Rattler’s BBQ 26495 Golden Valley Road, Canyon Country (661) 251-4195

BREAKFAST & BRUNCH

Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing Co 18810 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 252-7883

Crazy Otto’s Diner 25373 Wayne Mills Place, Valencia (661) 291-1733

The Cheesecake Factory 24250 Town Center Dr #110, Valencia, CA 91355 (661) 286-1232

Route 66 Classic Grill 18730 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 298-1494

Egg Plantation 24415 Walnut Street, Newhall (661) 255-8222

Saddle Ranch Chop House 24201 Valencia Blvd., Valencia (661) 383-0173

Eggs N Things 27560 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 702-8664

Crazy Otto’s Diner 25373 Wayne Mills Place, Valencia (661) 291-1733

Salt Creek Grille 24415 Town Center Drive, Valencia (661) 222-9999

Halfway House 15564 W. Sierra Highway, Saugus (661) 251-0102

The Daily Harvest Cafe & Juicery 22722 Lyons Ave #6, Newhall (661) 383-9387

Souplantation 24303 Town Center Drive, Valencia (661) 286-1260

Mama’s Table 23340 Cinema Dr, Santa Clarita (661) 284-5988

Eat Real Cafe 23414 Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 254-2237 27530 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 254-2237

Stonefire Grill 23300 Cinema Drive, Valencia (661)799-8282

Marston’s Restaurant 24011 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 253-9910

The Old Town Junction 24275 Main Street Newhall (661) 702-4888

Mimi’s Cafe 24201 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia (661) 255-5520

Islands 24180 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 284-5903

Thelma’s Cafe 22876 Copperhill Drive, Saugus (661) 263-8283

Lazy Dog Cafe 24201 Valencia Blvd., Valencia (661) 253-9996

Wing Stop 18547 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 251-9700

Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewing Co. 27746 N. McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 263-9653

BURGERS/SANDWICHES

Brother’s Burgers 20655 Soledad Canyon (661) 299-9278

Brooklyn Bar & Grill 25860 McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 284-6057

Grilled Cheese Factory 24201 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 888-1508

Pocock Brewing Company 24907 Avenue Tibbits, Valencia (661) 775-4899

Wood Ranch Bar-B-Que & Grill 25580 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch (661) 222-9494

Black Bear Diner 23626 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 799-4820

The Social 23329 Lyons Ave, Ste A, Valencia (661) 799-9155

Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing Co. 18810 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country (661) 252-7883

Bricks 23820 Lyons Ave, Newhall (661) 286-1091

Casa Canela 27647 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita (661) 523-7282

Iconic Eats 23460 Cinema Dr, Valencia (661) 481-9404

BJ’s Restaurant 24320 Town Center Drive, Valencia (661) 288-1299

Smokehouse on Main 24255 Main St, Old Town Newhall (661) 888-4585

Newhall Refinery 24258 Main St, Newhall (661) 388-4477

Claim Jumper 25740 The Old Road, Valencia (661) 254-2628

BREWERIES

The Old Town Junction 24257 Main Street, Newhall (661) 702-4888 Saugus Cafe 25861 Railroad Avenue, Saugus (661) 259-7886 Way Station Coffee Shop 24377 Main Street, Newhall (661) 255-0222

Burgerim 23740 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita (661) 670-8939 Corner Bakery 24290 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 259-2813 Cousins Burgers 19318 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country (661) 298-4200 Everest Burgers 18645 Soledad Canyon Road Santa Clarita, CA 91351 (661) 252-3412 Final Score 23754 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita (661) 254-6557 Firehouse Subs 23630 Valencia Blvd. Valencia (661) 255-3473 Five Guys 24201 W, Valencia Blvd #3672, Valencia (661) 255-0981 The Habit 25948 N. McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 291-1575 Italia Panetteria & Deli 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 294-9069 Jimmy Dean’s 22941 Lyons Ave, Newhall (661) 255-6315 JJ’s Bar and Grill 25848 Tournament Road, Valencia (661) 799-7557 Panini Palace 23120 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita (661) 678-0552

N O V E M B E R 3, 2019

Pita Pit 28253 Newhall Ranch Road (661) 702-9977 Red Robin 27063 McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 260-2411 Route 66 Classic Grill 18730 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 298-1494 Rustic Burger 24025 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 254-1300 Rustic Eatery 25343 Wayne Mills Place, Valencia (661) 254-8100 Submarina California Subs 26517 Carl Boyer Drive, Canyon Country (661) 259-4782 Tiny’s Submarine Sandwiches 27251 Camp Plenty Rd, Canyon Country (661) 251-5885

CHINESE China Express 19417 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 251-8783 Genghis Khan 24506 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall 661-254-0351 Golden Wok Restaurant 16668 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 424-0888 Grand Panda 23802 Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 253-1898 27924 Seco Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 297-9868 Mandarin Wong Chinese Restaurant 23758 Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 259-5823 Moon Wok 23460 Cinema Drive Suite H, Valencia (661) 288-1898 New Moon 28281 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 257-4321 Pei Wei Asian Diner 24250 Valencia Boulevard, Valencia 661-600-0132 Pick Up Stix 25960 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch (661) 288-2090 WaBa Grill 19120 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country (661) 367-7297 31739 Castaic Road, Castaic (661) 295 9222 Wok’s Cookin’ Chinese Restaurant 31565 Castaic Road, Castaic (661) 257-2890

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 17

CUBAN Hidden Havana Cuban Cafe 23548 Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 254-4460

DELICATESSEN Bob’s Country Meats 19012 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country (661) 251-5995 Cathy’s Delicatessen 23120 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 288-2217 Italia Panetteria & Deli 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 294-9069 Maria’s Italian-American Deli 22620 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 259-6261 The Sandwich Shop 25530 W. Avenue Stanford, Valencia (661) 257-4811

Home Made Flavor, Home Made Desserts

Weekend Breakfast Special Fri, Sat + Sun

8 oz. New York Steak and Eggs $14.99 8 oz. Rib Eye Steak and Eggs $17.99

Homemade Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Made with Mama’s Love!

FRENCH Le Chene French Cuisine 12625 Sierra Highway, Agua Dulce (661) 251-4315

GREEK Gyromania 20655 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita (661) 252-4976

Homemade Cooking!

INDIAN An Indian Affaire 23360 W. Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 288-1200 Karma Restaurant, Bar & Lounge 23460 Cinema Drive, Valencia (661) 288-0080 Royal Tandoor 26532 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita (661) 263-7100

ITALIAN Bella Cucina Ristorante Italiano 27911 Seco Canyon Rd, Saugus (661) 263-1414

4 Homemade Soups Served Daily Turkey Noodle, Minestrone, Clam Chowder, Taco Tortilla

Seni or D inner Spec ial W

Homemade 15% OFF Jelly Bar! Mon /Coup - Sun on M ust ,4 Beve pm-9pmbe over rages 5 , not in exp 11 5 clude /17/ 19 d

Buca di Beppo 26940 Theater Drive, Valencia (661) 253-1900 Italia Panetteria & Deli 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 294-9069 Maria’s Italian-American Deli 22620 Lyons Ave, Newhall (661) 259-6261

Strawberry, Blueberry, Orange Marmalade, Green Tomato

661.284.5988

23340 Cinema Dr Valencia CA 91355 www.himamastable.com

online order by Postmates • DoorDash • Uber Eats Continued next page

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N O V E M B E R 3, 2019

DININGGUIDE Continued from previous page

ITALIAN Piccola Trattoria 18302 Sierra Highway, Canyon Country (661) 299-6952

JAPANESE & SUSHI

Achita Sushi 22913 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita (661) 476-5522

Kogiya 2 Korean BBQ 23410 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita (661) 678-0999 Lee’s Korean BBQ & Tofu House 23360 West Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 254-2307

Bonsai Garden 19358 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 251-9008

Sam’s Flaming Grill 24802 Orchard Village, Santa Clarita (661) 222-9060 19433 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita (661) 298-0115 25347 Wayne Mills Pl, Valencia (661) 254-2154 23874 Copper Hill Dr, Valencia (661) 294-1100

Hibiki Restaurant 27625 Shangri La Dr., Canyon Country (661) 298-0273

ZingGa Grill 26910 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita (661) 250-7592

Asako Sushi 27540 Sierra Hwy, Canyon Country (661) 251-6010

KOREAN & MONGOLIAN

Charcoal Korean BBQ Restaurant 19158 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 251-9292 Genghis Khan 24506 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 254-0351 Gogi House 26524 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 263-0048

MEDITERRANEAN Cafe O 20655 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 424-0401 Flame & Skewers 25870 McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 799-7538 Zankou Chicken 24463 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia (661) 705-7265

18 0 2

George Dubeouf Beaujolais Nouveau 2019

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

MEXICAN Azul Tequila 25387 Wayne Mills Place, Valencia (661) 254-5500 Betito’s Mexican 18902 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country (661)251-0557 Cabo Cabana Restaurant 25710 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch (661) 222-7022 El Trocadero Mesquite Grill & Cantina 24274 Main Street, Newhall (661) 284-6615 La Charrita Restaurant 24225 Main St, Newhall (661) 288-1204 Las Rocas Mexican Grill 27923 Sloan Canyon Road Castaic (661) 257-6905 Medrano’s Mexican Restaurant 19319 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita (661) 367-4945

PIZZA Numero Uno Pizza 26111 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 259-3895

L CHÊNE e French Cuisine

Thursday, November 21, 2019, 7:00PM Join us for a special dinner to celebrate the arrival of

Pizza Di Marco 27674 Newhall Ranch Rd, Valencia 661-295-8769 Tomato Joes Pizza & Taps 19167 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita (661) 250-7550 (805) 385-4444 Toppers Pizza 23710 Valencia Blvd, Santa Clarita (805) 385-4444

POLISH Pierogi Spot 26511 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita (661) 254-4850

THAI Original Thai BBQ Restaurant 27530 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 257-6421 Sister House Thai Fusion 26879 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita 661-263-9911

VIETNAMESE Pho Sure 23876 Copper Hill Drive, Valencia (661) 257-3888

Best Happy Hour in Town 25% off

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

New Wine of the Year!

For details, please visit www.lechene.com/events “Join our mailing list at lechene.com to receive

$10.00 off - first dinner.” Open 7 Days for Dinner and Sunday Brunch

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

Sunday Brunch

11 am-3 pm Now offering Sunday Brunch Bottomless Champagne!

N O V E M B E R 3, 2019

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

Ozomatli coming to Canyon Santa Clarita By Perry Smith Sunday Signal Editor

fter touring the country for almost a quarter-century, Ozomatli, coming to Santa Clarita on Saturday, Nov. 16, remains one of the most exciting and worldly acts to come out of Los Angeles, which is truly saying something. After opening for Carlos Santana

during his recent “Supernatural” tour, the band deeply rooted in SoCal culture once again gained access to a broader audience, but it hasn’t changed the group. Ozomatli once again is touring the nation while working on its latest album, “Ozo-fied Volume 1: A Century of Mexican Classics,” which the band describes on its Facebook page as “an album of classic Mexican hits reimagined with a reggae feel.”

Ozomatli’s sound also stays true to its roots, infused with Latin, reggae, pop and hip hop seamlessly blended to create a sound that’s been popular in L.A. clubs and beyond for more than two decades. “The ‘Dioses del Baile,’ or ‘Gods of Dance,’ have created one of the most exciting, captivating and flat-out fun live shows touring today,” according to the Canyon Santa Clarita website. “They continue to harness their

musical instincts by conceiving new concepts and forging new sounds that keep fans on their toes and the world dancing.” Find the Canyon Santa Clarita on the ground floor of the Westfield Valencia Town Center. Get tickets at the box office 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday – Saturday, by phone at (888) 645-5006, or via Ticket Master.com. For more info, visit Where musicmeetstheSoul.com. 

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THIS WEEK’S CALENDAR

= Family Friendly Event

ONGOING Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. California farmers and specialty food purveyors come together rain or shine, to bring you a farmers’ market with the finest in fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables, including organic, baked goods, flowers, herbs, cheeses and prepared foods. Old Town Newhall, 24500 Main St., Newhall. Info: oldtownnewhall. com/old-town-newhall-farmers-market Sundays, 8:30 a.m. to noon The Santa Clarita Certified Farmers’ Market offers locals a breakfast prepared onsite from one of the market’s several food vendors, or you can try some of our wonderful artisan bakery products. Open year-round, rain or shine. College of the Canyons, Parking Lot 5, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita. Info: vccfarmersmarkets. com/santa-clarita Thursdays, 4-9 p.m. The Vegan Exchange SCV at Wolf Creek Brewery is a weekly 100% vegan market featuring local food, beverage, apparel, cosmetics and lifestyle vendors. At Vegan Exchange, you’ll find a rotating list of vendors serving tacos, cinnamon rolls, drinks, burgers, elote, cosmetics, apparel and more. Pocock Brewing Company, 24907 Ave. Tibbitts, Suite B, Santa Clarita. Info: vegan exchangeevents.com/vxscv Thursdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Stroll, shop and enjoy the sounds of Northpark Village Square evenings through Nov. 21 for the Autumn Nights Music Series. Great shops, restaurants and free concerts full of family-friendly music to ease into those relaxing autumn evenings. 27756 McBean

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Parkway, Valencia. Info: facebook.com/ events/2415899645364304/?event_time_ id=2415899655364303 Saturdays, 7-10 a.m. Join Runners Lane Santa Clarita for a group run of all different levels. We are currently training for the Santa Clarita Half Marathon! So join us and share some miles and smiles with Team Runners Lane. Open to all and always free to join! 22959 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita. Info: runnerslane.com First Thursday of the Month, 7-9 p.m. 10 by 10 is a variety night giving 10 selected entertainers the chance to take the stage for a 10-minute performance of their choosing. Audience members will enjoy storytelling, magic, comedy, improv, music and other forms of entertainment at this ever changing event. Admission is free. The MAIN, 24266 Main Street, Santa Clarita. Info: thursdaysatnewhall.com/10by10/ Third Friday of the month, 7-9 p.m. Calling all performers and artists! Now is your time to get yourself out there at The Open Book’s Open Mic and Art Bazaar Sign up as a performer, sign up as an artist to display your work or both! Performers may sign up for 15 minute time slots and artists may sign up for display space. All works must be original and family friendly. 19188 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita. Info: facebook.com/ events/282386709378434/?event_time_ id=282386726045099 Third Saturday of the Month, 6-10 p.m. Join the monthly Deaf Social. Come and eat, play games and socialize. Starbucks, 25918 McBean Park-

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CONGRATULATIONS to Linda Hatter for correctly identifying Pizza diMarco on page 19. Identify this advertiser and the page number in this week’s issue, and you will be entered to win a $100 gift certificate for a local restaurant. One game and one winner each week.

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

This week’s entries are due Wed. November 13 Winner to be announced in 2 weeks.

way, Valencia. Info: facebook.com/ events/2307889265908176/?event_time_ id=2307889295908173

EVENTS BY DATE Sunday, Nov. 3, 7 a.m. to noon The Half Marathon is presented by Parkway Motorcars and starts simultaneously with the Marathon, following the same course but breaking away after mile 12 for a 13.1 mile finish at Westfield Valencia Town Center. The Half Marathon is now walker-friendly! Participants are required to finish the race under a 20-minute-per-mile pace. Info: scmarathon.org Sunday, Nov. 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Gentle Barn will host a Halloween Bash! Come for a scavenger hunt, pumpkin decorating and costume contests. There will also be samples of vegan food and vegan candy for the kids. 15825 Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita. Info: gentlebarn.org/events/upcoming-events/ halloween-2019 Sunday, Nov. 3, 2-6 p.m. Join Soroptimist International of Valencia for Boots & Barrels, a fun afternoon of music, dancing, and family fun! There will be a line dance instructor teaching us a couple of real line dances, DJ Ty playing your favorite country hits, and Monika’s Tacos selling delicious food! In addition to all that fun and food, kids can make and take their own noodle horse, and there will be gift baskets and country themed fairy gardens available to win. 25108 Rye Canyon Loop, Valencia, Santa Clarita. Info: sivalencia.org Monday, Nov. 4 5:30-6:30 p.m. Join the Santa Clarita Library’s cookbook club! The November theme is pie! Check out a cookbook fitting this month’s topic, try at least one recipe from the cookbook, bring in a recipe you tried to share with other members potluck style, and be ready to discuss the book you tried! Valencia Library Meeting Room, 23743 Valencia Blvd, Santa Clarita. Info: santaclaritalibrary.evanced.info/ signup/Calendar Friday, Nov. 8 and Saturday Nov. 9, 8-10 p.m. Comedy Tonight is an evening of hilarious original one act plays presented by the Comedy in a Week wing of the Off Book Theatre Company. In the span of one week, each of these comedies is cast, produced, directed, rehearsed and presented by local artists. With each one act having its own director & the actors working under the adrenaline of limited rehearsal time, the evening will be fresh, contemporary and

most of all funny! $12. 24266 Main St., Santa Clarita. Info: atthemain.org Saturday, Nov. 9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join us in supporting the Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valley’s mission of improving the lives of women and girls locally and globally by attending our 9th Annual All That Jazz Fashion Show! VIP Experience entitles ticket holders to early admittance and access to our vendors at 10:00am as well as runway seating. $95, VIP $150. The Canyon, 24201 West Valencia Blvd., Valencia, Santa Clarita. Info: one.bidpal.net/ sigscvallthatjazz/welcome Saturday, Nov. 9, 2-3:30 p.m., 6-7:30 p.m. You don’t want to miss Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience, which sold out in 2017! The cast of performers and dogs will delight audiences of all ages, with high-energy excitement and some of the most incredible stunts and behaviors ever performed by dogs. Experience amazing tricks, big air stunts, comedy antics, dancing dogs and athletic feats. Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita Info: facebook.com/ events/362447544449277 Saturday, Nov. 9, 6-9 p.m. Assemble the teams and let’s find out who the real champions in this valley are! Drifters Cocktails’ pong tournament will run a total of 4 months with the finale culminating in February in a winner takes the belt situation. $20 entry fee and sign up required. 18240 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita. Info: facebook.com/ events/687613548383709/?event_time_ id=687613561717041 Saturday, Nov. 9, 6-9 p.m. You are cordially invited to join The Battle Buddy Foundation for an evening of Scotch, wine and cigar tastings.The evening includes sampling five varieties of scotch, wines from Volatus Wine and premium hand-rolled cigars. Join us for an evening honoring our nation‘s veterans and learning about the important work The Battle Buddy Foundation does to serve them. $95. The Oaks Club at Valencia, 26550 Heritage View Ln, Valencia Info: facebook.com/events/2438940819669904/ FF Saturday, Nov. 9, 7-9 p.m. Join The Canyon Theater Guild and the Santa Clarita Valley Concert Band for an evening of music related to baseball! Selections will be about baseball or include baseball terms. We will also pay tribute to Veterans Day. $12. 24242 Main Street, Newhall. Info: (661) 799-2702

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K I D S & FA M I LY

Four facts to consider about antibiotic resistance

hen administered properly, antibiotics can provide essential, even lifesaving, relief to a sick child. However, antibiotics are not without risks. While they are commonly used to kill bacterial infections or prevent infections from occurring after surgery, overuse and misuse of antibiotics over the past several generations has led to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The World Health Organization calls antibiotic resistance one of the top threats to global health. Since babies are just as susceptible to antibiotic resistance as anyone else, it’s critical to educate yourself, so you can advocate for your child’s health.

Consider these facts:

Antibiotic resistance stems from overuse and misuse of antibiotics. According to the CDC, more than 160 million prescriptions are written for antibiotics every year in the United States, and it’s estimated 50% of all prescriptions may be inappropriate. It only takes one round of antibiotics to contribute to resistance, and the average child will receive two rounds by age 2. In hospital settings, 40% of newborn infections are now resistant to standard treatment. Antibiotic resistance can be acquired early in life. Research from Evivo baby probiotic confirms newborns just 7 days old are born with high levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and release millions of resistant bacteria in each dirty diaper, further accelerating the spread of

antibiotic resistance. In the same study, Evivo significantly reduced antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the infant gut by reintroducing a beneficial gut bacteria called B. infantis, which out-competes resistant bacteria. Antibiotic-resistant superbugs spread easily. Antibiotic resistance can spread from humans, farms and animals, and global travel also contributes to the spread of these resistant bacteria. Poor infection control in hospitals is a main factor in the spread of antibiotic resistance, according to the CDC, as bacteria can easily attach to lab coats and medical equipment. These bacterial superbugs have figured out how to survive and spread among humans, creating a vicious cycle that can be difficult and expensive to treat. Antibiotic resistance is hard to treat. Superbugs have left doctors

and scientists scrambling to find safe alternatives that don’t trigger additional resistance. For example, Evivo’s probiotic with B. infantis fights the spread of antibiotic resistance by reducing harmful bacteria during infancy. “Since we know that even one round of antibiotics in children can contribute to antibiotic resistance, it’s important to take precautionary measures to ensure babies are best prepared in case antibiotics are ever needed,” said pediatrician and best-selling nutrition author Dr. Tanya Altmann. “Evivo is the only baby probiotic that is shown to protect baby’s gut from bad bacteria, and now it’s proven to reduce antibiotic-resistant bacteria before they can multiply or spread to others.” (Family Features) 

Simple ways to help children lose weight

hildhood obesity is a global health issue. In fact, childhood obesity is so prevalent that the World Health Organization identifies it as one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. As daunting a task as tackling childhood obesity may seem, it’s a problem that can be solved. The WHO notes that, in 2016, an estimated 41 million children across the globe were overweight. That’s a troubling statistic, as overweight and obese children are likely to remain so into adulthood, increasing their risk for various diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Parents of children who are overweight or obese may find it difficult to get youngsters to change their lifestyles and adopt healthy behaviors that can help them lose weight and keep the weight off. Like adults, many children are creatures of habit, particularly when it comes to diet. And getting kids to change those habits is not always so easy. However, a few simple strategies might be all it takes to help kids lose weight and get on the path to a healthier lifestyle.

Limit sugar intake

The WHO recommends reducing

A few simple strategies might be all it takes to help kids lose weight and get on the path to a healthier lifestyle.

kids’ sugar intake. Sodas and juices, even fruit juices, are often loaded with sugar. Many children drink these beverages every day, with some even consuming multiple servings per day. Water is a healthy alternative to soda and juice, and parents can slowly transition their youngsters away from sugary beverages by diluting the beverages with water and only allowing kids to have them on special occasions. Switch things up at snack time. Many children eat daily snacks, and

that’s perfectly normal. Youngsters are growing and, as a result, tend to get hungry between meals. What parents serve at snack time can have positive or negative effects on youngsters’ weights. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents use snack time as a way to increase kids’ intake of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are nutrient-dense, and the WHO says increasing fruit and vegetable intake is a great way to fight childhood obesity. Focus on more than the dinner

table. Getting overweight and obese kids to eat healthy diets is just one aspect of helping them lose weight. Routine physical activity is another essential part of a successful weight loss plan. The WHO recommends that children get at least 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity every day. Parents can promote a physically active lifestyle and limit the time kids spend on devices or playing video games by only allowing access to such distractions after kids have been physically active. Overweight and obese children may need help and some extra encouragement as they try to lose weight. (MC) 

Thursday Nov. 7 8:30am

Monday Dec. 2nd 6:30pm

28310 Kelly Johnson Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355 TrinityClassicalAcademy.com | (661)296-2601

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N O V E M B E R 3, 2019

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Collect tree bark for fun craft project By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

hat’s better this fall than taking leisurely family walks to grab some fresh air and enjoy the stimulation of the outdoors? While everyone might recognize houses and neighbors, and get caught up in collecting fallen leaves along the way, this time can also draw everyone’s attention to new discoveries … like taking a closer look at the bark on trees. Is it knobbly and cracked? Talk about the colors and shapes. Some might even look like pieces to a puzzle. How does bark from an oak look different from that of a maple? If you live in a rural area or near a nature preserve where you are

allowed to collect bark on the ground, bring it home for fun craft and decorating projects. Or, if you have a pile of firewood, use the bark from the cut logs and branches. (Never strip bark off of a living tree, as that can harm it.)

Birch bark

Since we have an abundance of beautiful birch bark strewn in the woods where we walk and hike, I use the outer thin layer for unique craft projects and as a fire starter. Cards Place a thin layer of bark between heavy books for a day or two

to flatten it, then trim the edges and write a note to someone directly on the lightest side of the bark with pen. Tuck it in an envelope and send to a friend. If you have lots of bark, make sets of cards and envelopes to give as presents. Or simply cut mini gift tags, punch a hole at the end, slip string through and knot. Cover recycled containers Wrap and glue a piece of birch bark to a tin can for a charming vase or pencil holder, or around a small glass jar for a votive candleholder. Use when camping When you head off for a camping trip now or next summer, keep in mind that dry birch bark is an ideal fire starter. Collect it from the ground on day hikes, and keep in your pockets for use when you get back to your campsite.

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)

BREAKFAST

Tuesday, Nov. 5

Cinnamon Toast Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit

Rodeo Roundup Burger & Spicy Curly Fries Chicken Nuggets Cheesy Stix & Marinara Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar Turkey Taco Dippin’ Chicken & Sauce Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar Frozen Strawberry Cup

Wednesday, Nov. 6

Breakfast Bagel Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit Fruit Juice

Hot Dog (turkey) on a Bun Dippin’ Chicken & Sauce PBJ Sandwich & String Cheese Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar Chocolate Chip Cookie

Strawberry Splash Mini Pancase Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit Skillet Omelet & Tortilla Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fruit Juice

Orange Chicken w/ Rice Corn Dog (chicken) Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar

Monday, Nov. 4

Thursday, Nov. 7 Friday, Nov. 8

Banana Muffin & String Cheese Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fruit Juice

LUNCH

Toasty Grilled Cheese Sandwich Popcorn Chicken Smart Choice Pizza Manager’s Choice Seasonal Salad Bar

Other barks

You can use any kind of bark pieces in creative ways. Outfit a house Decorate a milk carton bird feeder to hang in your backyard for feathered friends. Cover the “roof ” and closed sides with strips of bark in all shapes and sizes, along with a few tiny pine cones. Or, decorate a wooden “house” from a craft store for an indoor story time prop. (Use a glue gun for best results.) Photo frame Cover a frame with bits and pieces of bark using a glue gun. Place a photo of your family on a nature walk inside. 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.” © 2019 Donna EricksonDistributed by King Features Synd. 

November 3

N O V E M B E R 3, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 3

FOOD

he holiday season is a perfect opportunity to gather with friends and family, and few things bring people together like an elegant, seasonal meal. Serving up a mouthwatering main dish worth celebrating can elicit rave reviews from your guests and keep them gathered around the table longer, creating lasting memories. Creating a crowd-pleasing holiday centerpiece starts with choosing a flavorful, tender cut of meat. For example, elegant cuts like Chateaubriand (roast-size filet mignon) or Bone-In Frenched Rib Roast from Omaha Steaks, a leading provider of premium beef and gourmet foods, can serve as the focal point of a memorable meal. Flash-frozen to capture freshness and flavor at their peak, you can select a roast hand-cut and carved by an expert butcher and have it delivered directly to your door. Simple to prepare and easy to carve, all you need to do is season (or marinate) and roast before serving alongside a wine-infused sauce like Red Pepper Cranberry Sauce or Apricot and White Wine Glaze. Find more recipes and tips to create a holiday dinner to remember at OmahaSteaks.com. (Family Features)

Whiskey Marinated Holiday Roast Prep time 45 minutes-1 hour, plus 48-72 hours thawing time Cook time 2-3 1/2 hours Total time 4 days Yield 4-6 servings

Marinade

4 ounces water 2 ounces whiskey 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Roast

2 pound chateaubriand or 4 pound bonein frenched prime rib roast, thawed completely (allow 48-72 hours) 1 package Omaha Steaks Private Reserve Rub To make marinade In large, re-sealable bag, mix water, whiskey and baking soda. To make chateaubriand Place roast in bag and marinate in refrigerator 30 minutes. Remove roast from marinade. Discard marinade. Season roast with rub 12-18 hours before cooking and leave uncovered in refrigerator overnight. When ready to cook, heat oven to 225 F. Place roast on elevated rack in roasting pan. Roast 2 hours, or until roast reaches

internal temperature between 120125 F. Let roast rest 30-45 minutes. Broil on high 2 inches from broiler, 4 minutes on one side then flip and broil 2 minutes on other side, or until brown crust uniformly covers roast. To make bone-in frenched prime rib roast: Place roast in bag and marinate in refrigerator 45 minutes. Remove roast from marinade. Discard marinade. Season roast with rub 12-18 hours before cooking and leave uncovered in refrigerator overnight. When ready to cook, heat oven to 225 F. Place roast on elevated rack in roasting pan. Roast 3 hours and 15 minutes, or until roast reaches internal temperature between 120-125 F. Let roast rest 30-45 minutes. Broil on high 2 inches from broiler, 4 minutes on one side then flip and broil 2 minutes on other side, or until brown crust uniformly covers roast.

Apricot and White Wine Glaze Prep time 5 minutes Cook time 25 minutes Total time 30 minutes Yield 1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 cups white wine 2/3 cup white wine vinegar 3/4 cup apricot jam 2 tablespoons yellow mustard seeds 2 tablespoons brown mustard seeds 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic 3/4-1 teaspoon chili flakes In medium saucepan over medium heat, combine white wine, white wine vinegar, apricot jam, mustard seeds, salt and garlic. Bring to boil then turn to low and simmer 25 minutes, or until reduced by one-third. Remove from heat and stir in chili flakes. Reheat or bring to room temperature to use as glaze or serve as sauce for holiday ham. Note: This glaze may be prepared up to 3 days in advance.

Red Pepper Cranberry Sauce Prep time 5 minutes Cook time 25 minutes Total time 30 minutes Yield 2 cups 1 2 1 1/4 1/3 2 6 6 1/4

tablespoon olive oil medium red bell peppers, finely diced cup red wine cup red wine vinegar cup white sugar teaspoons yellow mustard seeds tablespoons dried cranberries tablespoons dried currants teaspoon salt

Heat medium skillet on medium-high heat. Add olive oil and diced red pepper; saute 3-5 minutes. Add red wine, red wine vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, cranberries, currants and salt. Bring mixture to boil then turn temperature to low and simmer 20 minutes, or until liquid is mostly evaporated and thickened. Bring to room temperature before serving alongside holiday roast. Note Red Pepper Cranberry Sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance.

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N O V E M B E R 3, 2019

THINGSTODO

Celebrate the Holidays: Family Fun Events

L.A. Zoo Lights starts Nov. 15 and runs until Jan. 5. This annual holiday tradition features the world’s largest illuminated pop-up storybook, light animals and dancing lights that will respond to guests’ voices. PHOTO COURTESY L.A. ZOO. By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

es, Virginia, it is that time of the year to venture out and enjoy holiday lights, festive trees and enchanted forests. Here is a sampling of fun for the whole family.

Nov. 15 to Jan. 5 6-10 p.m.

L.A. Zoo Lights

5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, 90027 Info www.lazoolights.org/ Value Nights Adults (13+) $14.95 and Children (2-12) $11.95 Premium Nights Adults (13+) $21.95 and Children (2-12) $16.95 An annual tradition for holiday-loving Angelenos, L.A. Zoo Lights offers a wild wonderland of light, under the stars in Griffith Park. Zoo Lights guests can enjoy seasonal treats and visits with Santa for a festive, family-friendly experience. See the world’s largest illuminated pop-up storybook, light animals, beautiful hand-crafted Chinese silk lanterns and a high-tech interactive display where dancing lights respond to guests’ voices. Enjoy the disco ball forest, whimsical 3-D animations, a water-laser show and more. Guests

will be greeted at the zoo entrance with a stunning 90-foot-long shimmering wall of lights featuring wintry snowflake displays set to music. Zoo Lights’ popular Twinkle Tunnel has been expanded and upgraded to create an immersive “Tunnel of Lights” within the massive 225-foot-long structure. Santa Claus will be available for photos (additional fee) from 6-9:30 p.m. Nov. 15-17, 22-24, 29-30, Dec. 1, 6-8, 13-15 and 16-23.

Special VIP packages Holiday Happy Hour $75. Includes express entry to L.A. Zoo Lights and access to a private lounge with gourmet hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine and a signature cocktail. 21+ only. Thursday, Dec. 5: Polar Pajama Party; Thursday, Dec. 19: Totally Tubular Tidings. L.A. Zoo Lights Overnight Adventure $85. Includes a guided tour of L.A. Zoo Lights, meals (dinner, snack and continental breakfast), indoor overnight “camping,” a beastly bedtime story, morning animal encounters and more. Nov. 16-17, 23-24, Dec. 7-8, 14-15 and Jan. 4-5. Family New Year’s Eve Adults $70 (13+) and Children (2-12) $45 Includes express entry to L.A. Zoo Lights, buffet dinner with dessert, dancing, live broadcast of the Times Square ball drop and more. All ages.

Nov. 17 to Jan. 5

Enchanted: Forest of Light

Descanso Gardens 1418 Descanso Drive La Cañada Flintridge, 91011 Info www.descansogardens.org/ programs-events/enchanted/ Cost Tickets are $30 per person with timed entry. Enchanted Forest of Light is an interactive, nighttime experience unlike anything else in Los Angeles, it features a one-mile walk through unique lighting experiences. The path veers through the Oak Woodland, Camellia Forest, Japanese Garden and Rose Garden, some of the most beloved areas of Descanso Gardens. There are a variety of large-scale light displays, many of which are interactive, allowing visitors to manipulate the lights and sounds. “Aqueous” by Jen Lewis, is an interactive landscape of meandering pathways of light. Enjoy the shimmery sound effects and tap columns that change color according to your touch, be “enchanted” by “Celestial Shadows,” and view sculptor Tom Fruin’s kaleidoscopic stained-glass-like house anchored in the Mulberry Pond. At “Lightwave Lake,” a swirl of colorful spotlights “enchants” the foggy water.

N O V E M B E R 3, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 5

Boost Your Member Benefit!

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Plan your trip for the Enchanted with Entertainment evenings Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, featuring performances by California School of the Arts San Gabriel Valley and The Flashdance DJs.

Nov. 23-24 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Festival of Trees Santa Clarita

Westfield Valencia Town Center, (indoors near The Canyon and the old Sears). Info www.scvbgc.org/festival-oftrees-santa-clarita Visit website for discount admission coupon

100

Cost $8 adults, $3 children, $4 seniors and military Long considered the “official” kickoff to the holiday season in the Santa Clarita Valley, the annual Festival of Trees will again bring beautifully decorated trees, gingerbread houses, live entertainment and a host of family fun activities. Beautifully designed and elaborately decorated large trees, tabletop trees and charming one-of-a-kind gingerbread houses. Large trees range in height from 6 feet to 9 feet, and many come with gifts including event tickets, wine, furniture, jewelry and more. Trees are only available to bid on during the live auction at the Magic of the Light Gala. Children can enjoy a variety of fun crafts and activities in the Kids’ Corner, and photos with Santa will be available. 

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AAA TRAVELS WITH YOU CALL: (800) 741-1605 CLICK: AAA.com/CreditCardOﬀer VISIT: Your Local Auto Club Branch Must be booked by December 31, 2019 with travel complete by June 30, 2020. Minimum five night stay at participating AAA Vacations® properties required. $150 activity voucher is nonrefundable, nontransferable, has no cash value and applies to the following destinations: Mexico, Hawai‘i, Central & South America and select Caribbean destinations. Savings not reflected in rates shown and applies to the following destinations $75 savings: USA (excluding Hawai’i), Canada; $150 savings: Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Asia, select Caribbean destinations (Anguilla, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Curaçao, Grand Cayman, Grenada, Martinique, St. Barts, St. Croix, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Martin and St. Maarten, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Turks & Caicos), Tahiti (French Polynesia), Fiji and Cook Islands. 2For information about the rates, fees, other costs and benefits associated with the use of the credit card or to apply, go to AAA.com/Creditcard or visit your local AAA branch. Pleasant Holidays/Journese Savings Offer: Save $100 per booking on Pleasant Holidays/Journese transaction(s) that have a transaction date from November 1 – December 31, 2019. Valid on new bookings only. Purchases made through merchants other than Pleasant Holidays/Journese will not qualify for the savings. 3For information about the rates, fees, other costs and benefits associated with the use of the credit card or to apply, go to AAA.com/Creditcard or visit your local AAA branch. How You Earn Points: You earn points when you use your card to make purchases, minus returns, credits and adjustments (“Net Purchases”). The following transactions are not considered purchases and will not earn points: Balance Transfers and Cash Advances (each as defined in your Credit Card Agreement), fees, interest charges, fraudulent transactions and certain other charges. 1 Point: Earn 1 point (base point) for every $1 of Net Purchases charged to the credit card each billing cycle. 2 Points: Earn 2 points (consisting of 1 bonus point and 1 base point) per $1 for Net Purchases made with the card at any eligible gas, grocery store, wholesale club and drugstore merchant categories as designated by Bank of America. 3 Points: Earn 3 points (consisting of 2 bonus points and 1 base point) per $1 for Net Purchases made with the card through any participating AAA Club when AAA is the merchant of record, or at eligible retail travel merchant categories as designated by Bank of America. Points Expiration: Points expire 5 years after the month they were earned. Points Forfeiture: If the owner(s) of the card account voluntarily closes the card account, or if for any reason we close the card account, any unredeemed points associated with the account are subject to immediate forfeiture, unless specifically authorized by us. Rewards Program Rules: Program Rules containing additional details will be sent to you with your new account materials. Other significant terms apply. Program subject to change. This credit card program is issued and administered by Bank of America, N.A. Visa and Visa Signature are registered trademarks of Visa International Service Association and are used by the issuer pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Bank of America is a registered trademark of Bank of America Corporation. AAA is a registered trademark of American Automobile Association, Inc. Auto Club and the Auto Club logos are registered service marks of the Automobile Club of Southern California. ©2019 Bank of America Corporation ©2019 AAA. ARGS6NSF. 4Rate is per person, land only, based on double occupancy, for check-in on April 1, 2020 in resort view king room accommodations at the Hilton Hawaiian Village® Waikiki Beach Resort on O’ahu and includes government taxes. 5Kids 17 and under stay free in same room as adults using existing bedding. Occupancy limits apply. Unless otherwise indicated: Rates quoted are accurate at time of publication & are per person, based on double occupancy. Airfare, taxes, fees, surcharges, gratuities, transfers & excursions are additional. Advertised rates do not include any applicable daily resort or facility fees payable directly to the hotel at check-out; such fee amounts will be advised at the time of booking. Rates, terms, conditions, availability, itinerary, taxes, fees, surcharges, deposit, payment, cancellation terms/conditions & policies subject to change without notice at any time. Cruise rates capacity-controlled. Advance reservations through AAA Travel required to obtain Member Benefits & savings which may vary based on departure date. Rates may be subject to increase after full payment for increases in government-imposed taxes or fees & supplier-imposed fees. Blackout dates & other restrictions may apply. Not responsible for errors or omissions. The Automobile Club of Southern California acts as an agent for Pleasant Holidays®. CST 1016202-80. To learn how we collect and use your information, visit the privacy link at AAA.com. ©2019 Automobile Club of Southern California. All Rights Reserved. 1

Descanso Gardens’ Enchanted Forest of Light is a one-mile meander through some of the most beloved areas of the urban retreat. PHOTO COURTESY DESCANSO GARDENS

2 6 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

N O V E M B E R 3, 2019

FINANCE

Credit application denied? Here’s what to do next

t’s no fun being denied anything, especially credit. Usually when someone is trying to get a line of credit, it’s for a big reason or major life milestone and having a credit application denied can feel like a real setback. But this rejection isn’t something to take personally. It’s more common than people realize and doesn’t spell doom for your financial future. In fact, credit denials can be a good opportunity to take proactive steps to improve your credit health long-term. How will I know I’ve been denied credit? If a lender denies your credit application, they will send you a letter called an “adverse action notice.” Don’t worry — it sounds more menacing than it really is. This letter will explain why the lender denied your application and give you information about the credit reporting agency where they got your information.

With the notice, you are entitled to get a free credit report from that agency within 60 days. While the credit reporting agency provides your information, the lender ultimately makes the decision on whether to grant credit or not. If you need more information specifically about your denial, it’s usually best to contact the lender directly. Why was I denied credit? There are many reasons a credit application could be denied and the reasons vary by lender, the types of credit requested and your personal credit history. The adverse-action letter will list the reason or reasons why you were denied. Common causes include having a limited credit history, too many recent inquiries and a high balance on current credit accounts. But every situation is different. If you are still unsure about the reason for the denial after reading the adverse action letter, you can call the lender to find out more.

The Salvation Army

Santa Clarita Valley Corps invites you to the

Red Kettle KICKOFF Thursday November 7th 5-7 Pm - Kickoff at 6pm

JOIN US: for an evening of Music, Community and family activities.

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(Next to Jimmy Deans one block north from the Newhall Library)

Doing the most gooD® For Questions or to RSVP - Please call: 661-799-5841

What should I do if I am denied credit? If you are denied credit, you don’t technically have to do anything. But that’s probably not your best option. It’s natural to feel bummed about being rejected, but you can use the denial as a motivator to make strides to improve your credit health. Your credit report acts like your financial resume, showing your history

of what you’ve done with credit. Read it carefully to see if there are any areas where you could do better. Are your balances too high? Create a financial plan that includes paying them off as quickly as possible. Did you miss a payment recently? Set up automatic payment options on your monthly bills so you’re always on top of it. Don’t forget to check your report for inaccuracies, as they can occasionally play a role in a denial. If you’ve been denied credit, learn more and take that first, important step by getting your TransUnion credit report at transunion.com/deniedcredit. No financial plan is completed without setbacks, but don’t allow those setbacks to keep you from taking action. Whatever the cause of a credit application denial, there’s a solution. With perseverance and patience, you can achieve your financial goals. (Statepoint) 

N O V E M B E R 3, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 7

H E A LT H

Coping with eating disorders during the holiday season

uring the holidays, no matter where you turn, you find food, food and more food. From vendor treats filling the office breakroom to celebratory dinners with family and friends, virtually everything and everyone seems to be focused on food. For someone working to overcome an eating disorder, it makes the season anything but festive. Eating disorders affect 20 million females and 10 million males in the United States and can be diagnosed in boys and girls 7 years old and sometimes even younger. Eating disorders are not a lifestyle choice; they are mental health disorders similar to depression, bipolar disease or schizophrenia. It is not an individual choice to develop an eating disorder, but rather severe underlying pathological factors which drive individuals to take part in self-destructive behaviors

associated with eating disorders. Genetic, environmental and social factors all play a role in the development of an eating disorder. Interpersonal issues, past trauma, low self-esteem, abuse, co-occurring mental health disorders, substance abuse disorders and unhealthy family and personal relationships can all contribute to the environmental and social factors associated with eating disorders. Even for someone who is well into a successful recovery program, the holidays can trigger unwanted thoughts and comments surrounding food. Whether you are actively treating your eating disorder or suspect you may have one, you can take steps to make this holiday season more comfortable with these tips from eating disorder expert and licensed therapist Dawn Delgado, director of clinical development at Center for Discovery.

Always have a safe plan

If you plan on attending a holiday party or gathering, you may want to consult with your dietitian to have a plan beforehand, especially if you feel you may be inclined to binge. If you feel triggered to binge, or if you feel pressured by another individual, create an escape plan, which may mean having a friend accompany you to the party or even come pick you up. Your plan may also involve finding a safe place at the party where you can be alone to gather your thoughts until you feel comfortable re-engaging with others.

Be prepared to say “no”

Many individuals, with good intentions, will push food your way. They will want you to try their favorite dessert or their new recipe without understanding your struggle. Know that it is OK to say “no” and to take care of yourself in these situations. You can choose to

clarify why you are saying “no,” but do not feel obligated to do so. Also give yourself permission to decline joining holiday office parties, family parties or other holiday-themed get-togethers if your recovery could be compromised, or plan to bring a supportive friend.

Know your triggers

Understanding your triggers and learning how to use coping skills to control them at holiday functions can help keep negative thoughts and self-sabotaging at bay. If there are certain topics of conversation that trigger you then avoid those topics or change the conversation when those topics arise. Be honest with yourself, be honest with others, recognize your emotions and learn to take control of your scenarios. Learn more and find options for treatment at centerfordiscovery. com. 

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2 8 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

N O V E M B E R 3, 2019

INTERIORDESIGN

An easy, stylish decorating upgrade

all is the perfect time to make space-saving upgrades to your house. For example, consider swapping out a traditional swinging door for a smooth-gliding, wall-mounted sliding door. A sliding door can add up to 14 square feet of floor space, which allows for more room to spread out toys and games, and give a more spacious feel to nearly any room. They also allow for more flexibility in furniture arrangements, which can turn even the smallest nook in your house into a cozy space. It’s easy to do with an option like Johnson Hardware’s Soft-Close Wall-Mount Sliding Door Hardware, which can be used with virtually any

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metal or wood door from 1-inch to 1 3/4-inches thick, up to 48 inches wide and weighing up to 200 pounds. The U.S.-made hardware gently slows the door’s travel speed to softly pull it into the fully open or fully closed position and works like a cabinet door closer, enabling doors to open and close quietly and securely. It also prevents door slamming and pinched fingers, as well as reducing door operational noise. The built-in satin or bronze finish fascia can give a warm decorative detail to a room while the smooth-rolling door hardware and track exceed ANSI standards, meaning it can successfully complete 100,000 opening and closing cycles, with adjustable door guides, tricycle hangers and adjustable track stops. The jumpproof aluminum box track is available in lengths up to 96 inches for single doors and up to 192 inches for double doors. Installing wall-mount sliding door hardware in a playroom, or nearly any other room in your house, can be an easy yet high-impact improvement that reduces space constraints while adding warmth, functionality and visual appeal. For more information, visit johnsonhardware.com. (Family Features) 

N O V E M B E R 3, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 9

HOMEIMPROVEMENT

Determining proper water pump size; water leaks By Robert Lamoureux Signal Contributing Writer

Proper water pump size Robert, I am the board president at a property in Van Nuys. We had a pump installed last year and it was barely keeping up with the needs during the rain, and water backed up in the parking garage. How do we know the proper size pump that we need to replace this with? How can we be sure that the replacement pump will handle all of the water that may enter the affected area? We are ok with doing this once again but we want it to be right this time. — Egor S. Egor, I recommend that you either contact a contractor that works with pumps or you can contact the manufacturer directly, they’ll give you their sizing charts. Everything is derived on head pressure, which is rise and run. Hypothetically, from the bottom of the pit out to street level, that rise may be 3-foot, 5-foot or 6-foot. The run would be the horizontal distance from the pit to the street or culvert, wherever the water would discharge to. Mathematically, the manufacturer accounts for the rise, the run and the diameter of the discharge pipe, and they calculate the size of the pump needed. All of this information will help to determine exactly what size pump is needed, and once you install the required size GPM (gallons per minute) pump, then it will work intermittently as designed. An undersized pump will continue to work without a break because it can’t discharge enough at one time, thus endless use and a premature burn out. Be sure that your sump pump pit is cleaned out annually, and know that this debris is considered hazardous waste. This may not be disposed of into the storm channel, so be certain that whomever you have provide this sump pump service is discharging the debris in the correct fashion. Also, be sure that there is an in line

“

If your pump becomes air locked, it stops working and you’ll have a mess on your hands. I don’t recommend a handyman perform this, I’d definitely choose a licensed plumber.”

check valve installed so that the water is prevented from returning to the vault once it’s discharged. I’ve seen many times where a valve is not installed, and the pump then oscillates back and forth. The check valve essentially is a stop sign within the pipe, preventing the water from returning back to the pump. Between the pump and the check valve there should be a three-eighths of an inch hole drilled to keep the pump from getting air locked, this is critical. If your pump becomes air locked, it stops working and you’ll have a mess on your hands. I don’t recommend a handyman perform this, I’d definitely choose a licensed plumber but if your board insists on a handyman then be sure all factory recommendations are followed. Good luck, Robert Water leak remediation Robert, I’m on a board of directors here in Santa Clarita where there are four other board of director’s members who, for lack of a better way of saying it, always take the cheap way out. Last year, we had leaks and my unit was also affected. We park under our building, we have a big concrete slab and our building is on top of that. We had water in our home, and they hired a handyman to solve the issue. He built this concrete berm on the patio and he ran it up the wall about two inches. He said that this would keep the water out of our house, but of course, we’ve since had more water intrusion. I’m frustrated, and now they’re instructing him to put some sort of rubberized spray can stuff that you can spray onto this berm, and say

that this will now fix the problem. I attached photos of what’s been done, can you tell me if this is going to solve the problem? — Brian G. Brian, Absolutely not. The installation of this “berm” — what we call a curb — has now covered up the wall-to-deck flashing, along with the weep screed. I’m able to see in the photos that you sent, this decking system and the flashings, and I can tell you that this is creating a bigger mess. You’ve now gotten more water because the water that is supposed to go through the stucco, down the paper, hit the flashing and weep screed and be directed away from the wall, is now trapped behind this curb. It won’t just stop there, water will take the path of least resistance and in this case, it’s heading into your home. Your decking system is in at best, deplorable condition and this entire system needs replacing. During decking replacement on an area such as this, the stucco all around the deck area will need to be opened up and all new wall-to-deck flashing needs to be installed. If the paper under the stucco is good, then you’ll be safe but there are many cases where the stucco is opened and there is no good paper found, which means that additional stucco needs to be opened until good paper can be found and tied into. Be prepared for this. When a property has been let go which is what this looks like, there is often much deterioration that happens due to the water intrusion over time, and the

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rotting that happens. It’s good for you to know this also, because whomever you hire for this work should be noting the same thing in their proposal to you, that this is a possibility. Responsible members of your board of directors, or your property manager, should be watching over your contractor and making sure that this step is not missed, because the water intrusion would continue. The paper is there to stop the water and guide it downward to the weep screed so if the paper is bad, there are many entry points for the water. It’s a lot of information, Brian, but all very necessary to know in order to move forward and get this repaired properly, once and for all. Your board of directors is going to have to decide to spend some money on this all at once, or they’re going to nickel and dime it all away putting repetitive bandages on it. The remediation alone can cost a fortune, and we all know that water intrusion and the potential of mold is significant. Stay on it and be sure that they do the right thing. Good luck to you, Robert Robert Lamoureux has 38 years of experience as a general contractor, with separate licenses in electrical and plumbing contracting. He owns IMS Construction Inc. in Valencia. His opinions are his own, not necessarily those of The Signal. Opinions expressed in this column are not meant to replace the recommendations of a qualified contractor after that contractor has made a thorough visual inspection. Email questions to Robert at robert@imsconstruction.com. 

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3 0 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

N O V E M B E R 3, 2019

TIMERANGER

Homewreckers, Converts & Giving a ‘Dam’ Typo… Oof and foof. Hope all of you have the smoke coughed out of your lungs by now. Prayers, hugs, whatever it takes, for all of you who lost more than treasure during last week’s fires. If I may, as a change of scenery, let’s you, me and the entire valley drift into the SCV of yesteryear on a calm horseback ride through history…

“sanded.” That’s when too much sand, or in this case, granite, gets in the horse’s digestive tract. • Speaking of language Words meant different things back in 1939. Orie Bercaw Jr. just got himself what The Signal called, “… a brand new gay motorcycle.”

WAY BACK WHEN & THEN SOME

• SCV. Home of the world’s biggest wagon!! Placerita movie mogul Ernie Hickson brought in the supposed biggest wagon ever to stalk the face of the Earth. Ernie got his mitts on one of those old not 20-, but 40-mule team wagons that used to haul borax from Death Valley to the railroad in Mojave. Unloaded, the behemoth tipped the scales at 7,500 pounds. Filled to the brim, it weighed 23 tons. The wagon was one of the 20 original built (by J.W. Perry) and its run was from Furnace Creek to Mojave, a distance of 230 miles. Mule skinners made that trek in about three weeks, averaging 16-18 miles per day. They were paid $120 a month during their hauling season of October to May. • Another epic blaze Firefighters mopped up the largest fire (16,000 acres, combining Haskell Canyon and Sawmill) in this area in the past 25 years (the Whitaker Peak blaze in 1924 consumed 40,000 acres). • We’re in no man’s land William S. Hart Jr. dug deep into the law books to try and block his father’s will, which left Horseshoe Ranch to the county. Hart’s son contested that, under Mexican law prior to 1849 when California became a state, his father couldn’t deed his land to any American government. In case you didn’t notice, there’s still an L.A. County park on the Hart place.

• Our Death Valley connection On Nov. 4, 1849, William Manly and John Rogers set out on foot from Death Valley to find help for their broken-down wagon train. The duo started marching toward what they thought would be San Francisco and ended up in the Santa Clarita Valley. Odd tidbit: On arriving in Soledad Canyon, they asked where WAS San Francisco and a vaquero led them to Don Ignacio del Valle’s spread— which was called Rancho San Francisco. A posse of rescuers set out from the del Valle rancho and rode out all the way to Death Valley with supplies to help the hundred-plus settlers. The wagon train was led back to the SCV and many of them settled in the area. NOV. 3, 1919

• Slapstick a century ago Max Sennett and his slapstick company were in town on this date, 100 years ago. Local stuntman and cowboy, Dude Campbell, assisted in the one-reel unnamed comedy in the “suicide stunt” in one of our canyons. • Horses, special delivery, no pun intended “Cowboy” Bob Anderson came back from Arizona and unloaded his string of trick horses off the train in Newhall. • Home wrecker Here’s an oddball classified ad for you from The Mighty Signal eight decades back: “FOR SALE — large building in Placerita Canyon. Can be wrecked.” Hmmm. I guess the logical question is, “Couldn’t you just wreck it yourself and save me the time, trouble and money?” NOV. 3, 1929

• Funny. You don’t look Jewish Here’s a front page headline for you: “CONVERTED JEW TO SPEAK SUNDAY.” The big show was that a Dr. A.U. Michelson, who once was Jewish and converted, was the speaker at the Presbyterian Church.

NOV. 3, 1949

• Rail tragedy Burleigh C. Mantry was the second rail worker in a week to die in a train accident in Canyon Country. Mantry was struck by a speeding engine while he was riding a little handcar. Sad thing was, he left a new bride and a 2-month-old baby. • Farm o’ foxes A Mr. Lockwood kicked off the valley’s most unusual farm. The ranch, located in Happy Valley, grew not chickens, pigs or cows. Mr. Lockwood raised prize foxes for their pelts. One kit, black with a silver tail, was valued at $750 in 1929 money. A brand new Ford coupe cost just $525. That was more than the cost of an SCV house back then. • Big money in baseball An African-American touring baseball team visited Newhall and put on a comedy show on the diamond, being careful to lose 21-2 (we had a rather healthy Ku Klux Klan following here in the early 20th century). The “colored” team, as it was called then, earned $3.72 for their show. • Giant trees sacrificed It’s a lament still heard today. Two huge and ancient white oak trees estimated to have been saplings in 1439 — were removed at the present-day location of Railroad Avenue and Lyons. The trees were cut down to make room for the widening of the road. “It would have been worthwhile to purchase additional land and go around these fine trees,” Signal Editor A.B. Thatcher commented. No darn kidding. NOV. 3, 1939

• Your new rural word of the day Some ranchers were shocked to discover several of their horses grazing in the local hills turned up dead. Seems either the ponies were nibbling on too much loco weed or they got

NOV. 3, 1959

• Problem with the steering A cattle truck lost its brakes on this date, just north of Castaic. The truck flipped, killing 29 steers. NOV. 3, 1969

• Ask not for whom the bell tolls Fifty years ago this week, The Mighty Signal presented Hart High with a 150-pound bell that came from a train that used to make a run from L.A. to Bakersfield and through Newhall-Saugus. Signal Publisher Tony Newhall formally gave the bell

to the Hart High student body after their football team beat Canyon, 6-0. Saugus High was added to the mix when it opened, as was Valencia High and, later, West Ranch and Golden Valley as they joined the Foothill League, which now includes all six SCV teams. Valencia has held the bell since 2009 and, going into this weekend, was 4-0 in league competition heading into the final game of the regular season. West Ranch and Hart were 3-1. NOV. 3, 1979

• Would you not kill for buck-agallon gas today? Forty years ago this week, L.A. County ended its oddeven gasoline purchasing program. The last number on your license plate determined which day you could buy gas. I’m not sure it was actually enforced, except by unruly mobs. Gas was about $1 a gallon then. Figuring in inflation, that buck would still be about $3 a gallon today. Can’t win for losing in time traveling … • Have a doughnut, ‘A?’ The road folks roped up a new freeway sign for off of Highway 14. The first draft was sort of a compromise between English and Spanish. It read: “Via Princess A.” If you add a comma after the Princess, it almost sounds Canadian. • Dam. Darn. Whatever it takes. Speaking of typos, all the local mucky mucks were on hand to unveil a huge bronze plaque to commemorate the St. Francis Dam disaster of 1928. The writer had the word “COLLASPED” stamped in instead of “COLLAPSED.” It’s not like you could use White-Out on bronze. Thanks for the company, friends and neighbors old and new. I’ll be back right here in seven days, waiting for you with a few hundred thousand horses, each to suit your temperament. See you next Sunday with another exciting Time Ranger adventure. Until then — ¡Vayan con Dios, amigos! John Boston has been writing about SCV history for more than 40 years. Read his historical tome, “Images of America: The Santa Clarita Valley” on Amazon.com. Check out his History of The Mighty Signal series on Saturdays on A1. 

N O V E M B E R 3, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3 1

SENIORLIVING

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What is long-term care insurance?

o one knows what the future has in store. While the future might be unpredictable, it can still be planned for. Financial advisors often tout the benefits of saving for retirement, and for good reason. A carefree retirement that affords retirees a chance to pursue their passions without worrying about money is a dream for many people. However, studies show that people are not necessarily doing all they can to make that dream a reality. For example, a recent study from Northwestern Mutual found that 21% of Americans have no retirement savings at all. The picture is even more bleak in Canada, where a 2018 poll from CIBC found that 32% of Canadians between the ages of 45 and 64 had nothing saved for retirement. The freedom to travel might be something many people look forward to in retirement, and it even motivates many to open retirement accounts. But saving for retirement should not be seen as a means to simply financing a lavish, post-professional lifestyle. It’s essential that people also see saving for retirement as a means to account for unforeseen medical expenses, including personal and custodial care. Long-term care insurance is designed to provide such support, making it something anyone with an eye on their future should consider.

What is long-term care insurance?

According to LongTermCare.gov,

long-term care insurance policies reimburse policyholders a daily amount, up to a predetermined limit, for services to assist them with the activities of daily living. Policyholders can typically choose from a host of care options and benefits that can dramatically improve their quality of life should they ever prove incapable of caring for themselves. Seniors who live alone or those who live with an aging spouse who also has physical limitations can often use a helping hand to perform activities such as bathing, dressing and cooking, and long-term care insurance policies can be that helping hand. The Administration on Aging notes that medical underwriting is typically part of opening a long-term care insurance policy. As a result, adults who are in poor health or already receiving long-term care services may not qualify for long-term care insurance. Other circumstances may limit the amount of coverage a person can buy. Various factors may affect the cost of a long-term care insurance policy. Such factors include a person’s age when he or she opens the policy and the daily payout a potential policyholder wants. For example, the older a person is when opening a policy the more expensive that policy is likely to be. Long-term care insurance should be a part of retirement planning. Learn more at www.longtermcare.gov. (MC) 

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32 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

N O V E M B E R 3, 2019

GARDENING

Plant those beautiful bulbs now for spring By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

How to plant bulbs

Bulbs can be planted anytime until December in Southern California for showy spring blooms. A few tips for planting your bulbs. Plant taller spring-flowering bulbs (like iris and daffodils) behind the early bulbs (like crocus) for color contrast. Make sure the soil drains well, because bulbs will rot in soggy ground. Before planting, work in organic matter such as compost, peat, or shredded leaves to a depth of at least 10 inches. Plant bulbs at the correct depth, generally at a depth three times the size of the bulb. Some blubs require soaking in water for a few hours before you plant.

METRO CREATIVE

iving in the Santa Clarita Valley it is easy to forget about the seasons. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I remember the thrill of seeing beautiful dark blue crocuses emerge in the early spring from beneath a soft, melting blanket of snow. The bright yellow of the daffodils in my grandmother’s front yard lit up the landscape like a sunny morning after the gloom of winter. The stately purple iris would bring majesty back to the dull, lifeless garden of winter. However, my favorite spring bulbs were always the delicate snow drops and grape hyacinths. Pretty pink hyacinths were also among my favorites.

So, be sure to check the instructions on your bulb package or research your bulb variety before planting.

wire cages, which I found very time consuming.

Pitfalls of bulbs

I was often told that crocus doesn’t do well in the SCV because the winters are usually too warm. However, living at the edge of Canyon Country and at an elevation of about 1,400 feet, I found I could successful grow my beloved crocus. I had to plant new bulbs every year, with the occasional hardy survivor returning for an encore. I never had much luck with hyacinths as they prefer colder winters than what we normally experience. Best bulbs for the SCV include: Daffodils, tulips,

When buying bulbs, choose ones that look solid and fresh, pass on those that look dried out, are mushy or soft, and any that look as if they have any fungus growing on the bulb. Store the bulbs in a cool, wellventilated area until you’re ready to plant. Mail-order bulbs offer great selections, but check to make sure it is reputable company with good reviews. Know what you are planting, is it suitable for the climate? Rats, squirrels, gophers and voles will gobble up bulbs if they have the chance. There isn’t much to be done about it except lay down wire netting under a layer of soil over your newly planted bulbs or plant your bulbs in

Friendly Valley Senior Community

Which bulbs to plant

Broker Associate, Realty Executives SCV – CalBRE #01059833

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Enrich the soil where the bulbs are planted with compost, bone meal and granite dust or wood ashes. Also add nitrogen. Nitrogen can be easily washed from the soil by winter rains and bulbs need a small but continuous supply all winter for strong growth of the foliage and the bloomstalk. Water after you plant bulbs to close up any lingering air pockets underground, but don’t water too much until the plants emerge in the spring to avoid bulb rot. 

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scilla, oxalis, peonies, anemone and freesia. If you are unfamiliar with scilla, it is a family of low-growing plants that offer mostly tiny, blue, bell-shaped flowers in the spring. Oxalis is an interesting looking plant, a sorrel, one variety offers burgundy shamrock shaped leaves and tiny white flowers, another variety sports candy-cane colors. The advantage of oxalis is that it thrives in Southern California. French peonies are among my favorite flowers because of the riot of color they offer when they bloom. Red, pink, white, yellow and orange on strong, tall, 12-15-inch stems. They flower in June or July, a bit later than most spring blooms. Freesias are one of the world’s most popular cut flowers because of their long vase life and sweet scent. Each of the graceful 12-15-inch stems will bear about 10 trumpet-shaped blossoms. Available in just about any color you fancy.

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N O V E M B E R 3, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 33

Beautiful Property ~ Beautiful Home Country Estate on easily one of the most beautiful pieces of property in all of Agua Dulce! Single story, Hacienda style ranch house, 4,080 sf, 5 Bedrooms/4 bathrooms. Spacious kitchen with Center Island. Formal Dining room. Family-room with raised hearth fireplace and wet bar. The Master suite has a fireplace & giant walk-in closet. Absolutely stunning park like 7.2 flat and usable acres is completely fenced and private. 3 car garage. Incredible views from everywhere on the property. This property will not disappoint.

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Kitchen upgraded with granite counters, cabinets, stainless steel appliances, recessed lighting, sinks and fixtures. Property upgraded with carpet and hard wood flooring. All bathrooms have upgraded granite, sinks and fixtures and toilets. recently painted. Attached 2 car finished garage with epoxy floors and washer and dryer. This community includes pools, playgrounds and bike path near by. VA Approved! Tres Robles Townhome 2 Master Suites +2.5 baths $344,900

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Mountains, trees and nature all around. What an opportunity for full time residence, personal get away or rental. Beautiful 3 bed- 2 bath well maintained 2002 manufactured home on permanent foundation. Back deck for outdoor dining & enjoying the view. Open updated kitchen w/custom cabinets, granite counters, newer flooring & morning room. Master suite has two walk in closets. Ensuite with soaking tub, separate shower, water closet and vanity dual sinks. Living room with wood burning fireplace, vinyl dual glaze windows & increased insulation in walls, ceiling & floor. Single extra length garage. Amenities at Pine Mountain Club include pool, tennis, golf, Equestrian Center, hiking trails, lake, etc..................$275,000

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This charming unit features upgraded kitchen and baths. There is Pergo style flooring thru-out and plantation shutters as well as dual paned windows. The delightful entertainers patio is accessed by dual opening sliders and the setting for summer parties is exceptional. Lush landscaping gives added ambiance. This Senior guard gated community is patrolled 24/7 and has all the usual country club amenities including two golf courses. There are clubs galore and a little theater group, a City of Hope chapter is a great way to get involved in the community as is the community church. Senior lunch program at the church is an added plus. Come join the fun! You can be as active as you wish or just enjoy the quiet life style....$475,000

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Are you looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the crowded city life, whether its just for the weekend, or PERMANENTLY? Come and look at this home in Pine Mountain Club, Santa Clarita's best kept secret! This 2,304 sq ft Log Cabin home has rural charm mixed with practical layout and a LOT of STORAGE!!. Large Covered Front Porch! 3 Bedrooms plus a Bonus Room. 1 Full bath and 2 half baths. Master bedroom on the top floor as well as a recently converted Master Bedroom on the bottom floor. The property is just over a Quarter Acre of USABLE land! Also, close to the heart of Pine Mountain Club where you will enjoy restaurants, the local festivals, golf course, hiking trails, and much more! FANTASTIC VACATION HOME, OR PERMANENT RESIDENCE!!! Come see for yourself!!!!

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6 beds 5 baths 3,674 sq ft 4 car garage Beautifully upgraded Hasley Canyon Estate. Travertine flooring, crown moldings, plantation shutters, mirrored closets, surround sound and recessed lighting! Tons of upgrades throughout this spacious open floor plan. Beautiful views looking down on the valley from every room. Private serene country setting with perfect backyard for entertaining. $1,250,000

34 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

N O V E M B E R 3, 2019

Happy Valley Single Story Home 5+3 – 2,950 sq ft, single story, classic California ranch style pool home in Happy Valley. Lot is 11,822 sq ft and there is tons of RV/Boat/Toy parking. $825,000

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Just minutes from SCV. Enjoy all 4 seasons on this 20+ acre ranch Home is 6247 sq. ft. with incredible VIEWS

~ 3 BEDROOM 3.5 BATH ~ EACH BEDROOM HAS EN-SUITE BATH & BALCONY ~ POOL WITH SUNDECK ~ CUSTOM HOME THEATER ~ MOUNTAIN VIEWS FROM MASTER w/LOFT ~ GOURMET KITCHEN W/ ISLAND ~ UPGRADED APPLIANCES ~ DECORATOR FINISHES THROUGHOUT ~ CALL FOR DETAILS!

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Sierra Bonita 80 acre ranch Located just 40 miles north of Los Angeles. 5 houses built on a high plateau with 360 degree unobstructed views of the Sierra Pelona Mountains and beyond. Built in 2009 the single story main house is 3+3, and is 2,908 sf of understated elegance. The other 4, more rustic, houses range in size from 822 to 1,204 sf and are ideal for the ultimate family compound or corporate retreat. A huge resort style patio with pool & spa, Tennis Court, helicopter garage, airplane hangar, pond, mature trees and 3 wells are also included on the property.

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N O V E M B E R 3, 2019

Opinion

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 3 5

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

OURVIEWS

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

Whoever Represents 25th, An Honest Examination It Should Be One of ‘Us’ of How Our Ethics Erode

“H

By The Signal Editorial Board

here’s a quirk in the Constitution. It’s in the requirements for a member of Congress. Some of it, you’d expect. A member of the House of Representatives must be at least 25 years old, a U.S. citizen for at least seven years, and at the time of election, must reside in the state that he or she will represent. It doesn’t say anything about districts. So, theoretically, you could live in San Francisco and represent a district in San Diego. That, of course, is not the “tradition.” Traditionally, members of the House tend to live in the districts they represent. We would advocate that this should be the case for our own district, California’s 25th Congressional District. Carpetbaggers need not apply. When Rep. Katie Hill announced her resignation a week ago, less than a year into her first term, speculation immediately mounted about the future of the congressional seat, and who would occupy it. It’s really two questions, although they both will probably end up with

the same answer: Who will serve the remainder of Hill’s two-year term, and who will take the seat in the regularly scheduled November 2020 election? Because there’s so much time left in Hill’s term, a special election will be triggered, with its own primary. Hill announced on Wednesday that Friday would be her final day, which would then start the clock on the statutory two-week window in which Gov. Gavin Newsom is required to call for the special election. From there, the process takes three to five months. So, we will elect a representative for the remainder of the term, and that person will serve a half-year or so in the House. At the same time, we will vote in the regular March primary and the top two candidates from that will square off in the November 2020 election. Realities being what they are, the person who wins the special election See OUR VIEW, page 37

ow did that happen?” I find myself asking that question far too often these days. How did a good guy get involved in illegal activity? How did a great company forget its moorings and slide into unethical behavior? How did an honored university get carried away from its foundations by the current of culture? And how did incivility, vile insults and threats, and outright lies become such a staple in our national discourse? To find an answer, I started thinking about the times in my own life when I ended up being and doing things I never intended, things I knew down deep weren’t best or even right. Here’s what I found. For most of us, our ethical convictions provide the guardrails of our thoughts and actions. We set them firmly so that when we begin to knock into them, we’re reminded that we are at the edge of wrong thinking and unethical behavior. The stronger the guardrails, the firmer the accountability, and the more eth-

ically ordered the life. But what about when the ethical guardrails are allowed to decay, to shift, to become soft, and easily pushed aside? What happens when convenience or pragmatism or greed or pride or lust — or whatever! — starts to erode our ethics in ways we become better and better at rationalizing? I think we all know because we’ve all experienced it. More to the point, we all have a front-row seat on the devastating results happening in our society right now. When ethics erode, chaos and corruption explode. I’ve identified the process of this erosion. It is simple and deadly, and we all know it despite the fact we often ignore and deny it in ourselves. The erosion of ethics starts with complacency. We become lazy in life, especially in those disciplines that thwart the temptations to evil in our world. We start thinking we’re strong enough, good enough, and certainly better than most. One of the deadly fruits of complacency is compromise. We start giving See HEGG, page 36

READERLETTERS

What’s in My Fridge? I always look forward to two interesting pages of The Sunday Signal Magazine, the Opinion Page and the “Last Page” featuring Jim Mullen’s “The Village Idiot.” Not to take anything away from “Our Views” or “Ethically Speaking,” but it’s Mr. Mullen’s writings and unique sense of humor that I find a treat as the last reading from the pages of the magazine before this entertaining supplement heads for its inevitable demise in the recycle barrel. Amazing what Jim found in his veggie drawer, and on the door of his refrigerator (those in-storage bottles of salad dress-

ing). After reading Jim’s column, I had no choice but to go to my refrigerator and rummage through it (it’s one of those new computerized double-door, almost walk-in models) and darn if Mr. Mullen’s findings were not surprisingly close to what I found too! Keep up the good work Jim, maybe next week you can go through your pantry. That’ll help me and I’m sure many other readers rethink not only “UFO’s” (Unidentified Fridge Objects) but also “UPO’s” (Unidentified Pantry Objects) that are lurking within the confines of our kitchens. Funny how we keep stacking things up in preparation for when we’ll need all of these items now in deep storage. In truth, we may never actually use

many of them, but if the day ever comes that’ll we’ll need ’em all (yeah right) by golly they’ll be there! Rick LaGrasta, Valencia

Trees Posing a Danger? My issue is the 100-foot trees surrounding our backyard, which is controlled by the city of Santa Clarita. The trees are massive and hover over our two-story home. As I travel around the city I notice the same situation for many citizens and their homes. As I watch homes going up in flames See LETTERS, page 37

3 6 · S U N D AY S I G N A L

N O V E M B E R 3, 2019

Opinion

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

BLACK&WHYTE

D R AW I N G CO N C LU S I O N S B R U C E P L A N T E

Owned Mistakes and Flawed Political Strategy By Tim Whyte Signal Editor

o for now, we have no one in Congress. Ending a two-week firestorm of media attention, Katie Hill, the Democratic congresswoman from Agua Dulce, called it quits rather than enduring additional scrutiny and the potential for more embarrassing leaked photos. At that point, I don’t blame her for resigning. Take one look at the video message she posted for constituents after she announced her resignation, and you can tell she’s gone through hell the past couple weeks. I may disagree with Katie Hill on politics, but no one should have to go through what she went through. However, that does not mean she is without responsibility for her own situation, and that’s the narrative being pushed by many of Hill’s supporters and national media outlets. To her credit, for the first time really, in her final speech on the House floor Thursday she apologized and acknowledged that she had made significant errors in judgment. I’d been waiting to hear that from her — and in fact, I’d already written a different version of this column before she took the floor on Thursday. I was glad to do the last-minute rewrite. Is Katie Hill a victim? On one hand, yes. No one should be subjected to anything like the public shaming that emanated from the release of intimate images and text messages, in the media and in social media. However, her ability to legitimately play the victim card must be tempered by her own behavior, which was at least unwise, and at worst a violation of House ethics rules. She made significant errors in judgment. Prior to Thursday, she had essentially dismissed them, but in that speech,

she said, “I’m sorry,” no fewer than five times, apologizing to groups ranging from supporters to her staff to her loved ones and little girls who look up to her and aspire to become leaders. “The mistakes I made and the people I’ve hurt that led to this moment will haunt me for the rest of my life,” Hill said. “Ever since those images first came out, I’ve barely left my bed. I’ve ignored all the calls and texts. I went to the darkest places that a mind can go, and I’ve shed more tears than I thought were possible. I’ve hidden from the world, because I am terrified of facing all the people I let down.” She did the right thing by owning her role in the situation. Even Hill’s harshest critics should acknowledge that. So many people these days don’t “own” their mistakes and take responsibility, and much of the media falls right into lock-step with that. There’s very little public expectation that individuals should be responsible for their own actions and the consequences of them. (Illegal immigration, anyone?) The leaked images in question depicted the intimate nature of Hill’s relationship with a former paid campaign staffer. Anyone who’s ever taken an employer-mandated sexual harassment course could tell you that was a recipe for disaster. Still unproven — maybe forever to be unproven — is the allegation that she further had a sexual relationship with her congressional legislative director, which a week and a half ago prompted the House Ethics Committee to announce it would be investigating. The legislative director, Graham Kelly, lamented to the New York Post this week that his life and those of other staffers are “ruined” See WHYTE, page 37

HEGG

Continued from page 35

ourselves a hall pass ethically from time to time. We don’t consider that shaving the edges off of our ethical beliefs poses a threat. After all, we’re really good, strong ethical people and little indiscretions here and there won’t matter. They don’t constitute a major fault line. We’ll be OK. On too many occasions I’ve sat with married men and women who, through tears of deep anguish, told me they never intended to have the affair. Somehow, little incremental lapses made leaving their ethical lane easier and easier as rationalization replaced conviction and pushed them around the bend into corruption. That’s the formula. Complacency empowers compromise, which makes us easy prey for corruption. And what’s worse, by the time we espouse corruption, we’ve often become professionals at spinning evil as good, lies as truth, and self-gratification as an inalienable right. As we look, both at our own lives, and those on the national scene, it is obvious America needs an ethical revolution. We must demand better of ourselves and our leaders. We need to fight a two-front war on ethical erosion with the weapons of truth, civility and love of neighbor. We must oppose the notion that truth is relative, and everyone gets to

As we look, both at our own lives, and those on the national scene, it is obvious America needs an ethical revolution. We must demand better of ourselves and our leaders. decide what is true for themselves. We must reject incivility in all its forms, and remind ourselves that listening is a virtue, tolerance is an essential, and robust discourse, including civil disagreement, is required if a pluralistic society is to remain both free and united. Where do we start? We’re told all politics are local. In the same vein, all ethics are personal. Ethical people create ethical families, neighborhoods, cities, states and countries. The good of America begins with us. We can’t do everything but we can do something. And what we can do, we should do. And what we should do, by the grace of God … let’s do! David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church and a Santa Clarita resident.“Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays. 

N O V E M B E R 3, 2019

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 3 7

Opinion

OUR VIEW

Continued from page 35

would be the odds-on favorite to win the general election. The 25th is a so-called “purple” district — neither solid red nor solid blue — in which it’s conceivable that either a Republican or Democrat could win the seat. And, after Hill defeated former Rep. Steve Knight, R-Palmdale, in the highly publicized and expensive election of 2018, flipping the district from a Republican to a Democrat for the first time, the district has a high national profile. That national profile has already drawn some non-resident interest. Republican George Papadopoulos, a

LETTERS

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all over the state I see large trees and shrubs igniting, and the sparks set off the homes and they go up in flames. Our trees are pine trees and the needles cover our roof, gutters and yards. The needles are highly combustible, which is frightening with the high fire

WHYTE

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over the allegations. No word from Kelly — who received a $5,100 campaign “bonus” from Hill’s campaign in April — about whether his or Hill’s own actions played any role in the ruination. I do feel bad for Katie Hill. The publication of those images, and the social media reactions that ensued, were beyond the pale. We haven’t run the images in The Signal, and we won’t. But the behavior — having sexual relationships with subordinates — is not OK. And, contrary to the assertions of Hill and her supporters, this is not a double standard because she is a woman. The list of men who faced serious consequences for similar behavior runs back for decades. In the 115th Congress alone (2017-18), Business Insider lists nine members of Congress forced to step down amid sexual misconduct

Whether it’s a Democrat or a Republican, the 25th should be represented by one of “us,” the people of this district. former adviser to President Trump, has announced he will run. And, Alex Padilla, California’s Democratic secretary of state, pondered a run early this past week but later announced he would not seek the seat. Who knows who else will come out of the woodwork? So far the field includes the previously announced candidates: Lancaster City Councilwoman Angela Underwood Jacobs, former naval officer Mike Garcia and Los Andanger this area is dealing with. The city doesn’t care about the mess these trees are causing in our yards. I called and they will take care of the mess outside our homes but that is where they draw the line. They are not interested in removing any of the trees that pose a fire hazard. They only are interested in the health of the trees. What concerns me the most is how close they are to our homes. If sparks scandals, ranging in severity. Four were Democrats, five were Republicans, and eight out of nine were men. Men, women, Republicans, Democrats. Abuse of power comes from many corners. To be clear, I’m not saying Hill’s behavior was inappropriate because of any factor except it was with a subordinate over whom she held power. I don’t give a damn about the rest of the details, her sexuality, the terms under which her marriage operated, or the photos that had so many of her critics foaming at the mouth. Were it not for the question of paid staffers being involved, none of it would be any of our business. All that being said, looking at it purely from a Machiavellian standpoint, those who pushed the story out really screwed it up, strategically. Sure. They got her to resign. Some resorted to sleazy tactics to do it, but mission accomplished, I guess. In politics, all that matters is winning, right?

geles County sheriff ’s Sgt. Mark Cripe, who are Republicans, and Democratic business owner David Rudnick. Add to that Papadopoulos and our local state Assemblywoman Christy Smith, D-Santa Clarita, who announced she would run for the 25th almost immediately after Hill announced her resignation. Knight, for his part, has said he is strongly considering another run for his former seat, but as of this writing ignited one of those trees, our homes would go up like matchsticks. In many areas across the state there are laws that require 100-foot clearance around homes for fire protection. Apparently those laws don’t pertain to city homes. My question is, WHY NOT? As a citizen of this city I would think the officials who govern the area would care more about the safety of its citizens and their property than They may not even get that. Their strategic mistake? They did it too early. By pushing the story now, they gave their political opponents plenty of time to mobilize. There’s time for a special election to fill the 25th Congressional District seat before the 2020 general election, and there’s time for new candidates to join the 2020 fray who otherwise would not have run. Within hours of Hill’s Sunday announcement, we learned former Rep. Steve Knight — the Republican Hill defeated in 2018 — was considering a run for his old seat. By Monday, Democratic Assemblywoman Christy Smith already had her congressional campaign in high gear: website, video, online fundraising and a flurry of press releases announcing endorsements. George Papadopoulus, a former advisor to President Trump, is running. We already had three Republicans running — Lancaster Councilwoman Angela Underwood Jacobs, former

has yet to officially enter the race. Regardless, our hope for the 25th District is this: Whoever wins the seat, in the special election and in November 2020, should be someone with a real connection to the district. Whether it’s a Democrat or a Republican, the 25th should be represented by one of “us,” the people of this district — not some carpetbagging out-of-towner. We seek a representative who understands the communities of the district, the specific issues it faces and the values of its people, and will successfully carry legislation that benefits the district, its residents and its businesses. The Constitution allows newcomers and even carpetbagging non-residents to represent the 25th. We hope its voters won’t.  the health of a tree. I think any trees or shrubs that pose a potential threat to our homes should be removed without question or opposition. Susan Plumb, 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.

naval officer Mike Garcia and sheriff ’s Sgt. Mark Cripe — plus Democratic business owner David Rudnick. Hill’s seat in Congress isn’t anywhere near cold yet. It’s a crowded field and the fur has already started flying with jabs between some of the candidates. Get your popcorn ready, folks. If Smith — or any other Democrat — wins the seat, then the strategy will have backfired on those who executed it. In last week’s editorial, we suggested that maybe karma was coming home to roost for Hill, a year after she described Justice Brett Kavanaugh as a “serial predator” without proof. Here we are again, with more irony. Thanks to the timing, Hill’s political enemies might have just handed the seat to another Democrat. And there’s our old friend karma. Tim Whyte is editor of The Signal. His column appears Sundays. On Twitter: @TimWhyte. 

38 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

CROSSWORD TIME

N O V E M B E R 3, 2019

THE VILLAGE IDIOT

The no-pressure Thanksgiving By Jim Mullen Signal Contributing Writer

fter decades of doing the same old thing, I’ve decided to host an Alternative Thanksgiving this year. I’ve sat through too many turkey-and-stuffing dinners to count, and many of them weren’t all that much fun: family squabbles, kitchen disasters, drunken uncles, out-of-control children, out-of-control adults, missed plane connections, you name it. We’ve turned it into some kind of horrible high school prom where everything has to be just like it’s always been, and the stress levels are through the roof. This year, I want to get out of the traditional Thanksgiving rut. So I asked myself: What is the opposite of a formal turkey dinner with all the fixin’s, served on fine china? My answer was shrimp. Shrimp may not actually be the opposite of turkey, but neither is a goose, or a turducken, or tofurkey, or a ham. For all I know, caviar might be the true opposite of turkey, but I can’t afford that. So, shrimp it is. I invited my friends and neighbors Bob and Helen, and explained that my Alt Thanksgiving was going to be everything you wouldn’t expect at a Thanksgiving dinner. I mentioned the shrimp and they kindly explained that I was out of my mind, but that they didn’t want to get on a plane and visit their kids, so — sure, they would come. They asked what they could bring. “What,” I wondered, “would be the opposite of cranberry sauce?” They settled on fondue. Tom and Betty, down the road, said they’d been to 60 Thanksgivings and were ready for a change. “What can we bring?” I told them, “the opposite of sweet potatoes.” Betty said sauerkraut, but after a little thought about the shrimp and the fondue, she decided on California rolls. My next invitees, Rose and Bucky, said they would bring the opposite of stuffing. “And what would that be?” I asked. “Oh, it’d have to be something that is healthy and tastes awful, like kale.”

“No one will eat that.” “Hmmm, then something light that goes with shrimp, fondue and California rolls,” they said. “Seaweed salad?” “Yes! That’s thinking outside the bento box.” This was actually starting to sound like a fun dinner party. So I started telling more and more of my neighbors about the shrimp, fondue and California rolls, and more and more friends started coming up with things they would really like to eat besides the same-old, same-old. Oh, did I mention the idea of “festival seating” and paper plates? And everyone I invited can walk to my house. No picking anyone up at the airport then finding out their flight has been delayed for four hours. No relatives we don’t agree with; no sulky teenagers. I can fight with them any day of the week, so why should I let them wreck my Thanksgiving? I’m not spending any time worrying about fine china and seasonal tablecloths and whether Aunt Helen is bringing her green beans in mushroom soup that we’ve all eaten for the last four decades. Life is short. Eat what you want and spend time with people you like. As for tradition, do you think all the Pilgrims liked each other? As I recall, there were a lot of people accusing each other of being witches and warlocks — a tradition that continues to this day. I’ve been to many Thanksgiving dinners that turned out to be “Dr. Phil” shows instead of parties. Enough of that. We’ve got to relax. Now, when I hear someone on TV telling me how to make the “perfect” turkey, all I can think is, “It’s a turkey! It’s not perfect to begin with.” If you enjoy making turkey and stuffing, have at it — but if it’s making you crazy, nervous or stressed out, start your own tradition. What is the point of having a day off if you spend it working harder than you do at work? If you want to create a memory, do something memorable. Why can’t shrimp become your traditional Thanksgiving meal? Or brats in sauerkraut? Or General Tso’s chicken? Do what you want and have a happy holiday for a change. Contact Jim Mullen at mullen.jim@ gmail.com. 

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