Sunday Signal November 10, 2019

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NOVEMBER 10, 2019

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A HOME OASIS

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

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N O V E M B E R 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES 4 4 The story behind Veterans Historical Plaza 5 Lifetime love: marriage advice from long-time couples 6 Don’t panic: make the most of your coverage 7 ‘Tis the ski-son 8 Developing Whittaker-Bermite close, just not right now LOCAL NEWS 9 9 Green family looks to rebuild in wake of Tick Fire 10 Cold case murder ends in conviction 11 Wilk requests inquiry into power shutoffs FROM THE CITY MAYOR 12 12 Holiday magic at ‘Light Up Main Street’ TECHNOLOGY 13 13 Tips for better messaging, part I: iPhones SPORTS 14 14 Tennis roots run deep for West Ranch’s Jordyn McBride TRAVEL 15 15 Celebrate the holidays: festival holiday travel DINING GUIDE 16 ENTERTAINMENT 19 19 Kiss’ co-founder Ace Frehley headed to Canyon CALENDAR 20 HOLIDAY 21 21 How to host a Friendsgiving Feast KIDS & FAMILY 22 22 Donna’s Day: Make a draftbuster to keep out the chill School Menu FOOD 23 23 Michele makes … Pumpkin Spice Treats THINGS TO DO 25 25 Fall festivals and fun FINANCE 26 26 Help safeguard your family’s finances HEALTH 27 27 Are your lungs trying to tell you something?

INTERIOR DESIGN 28 28 Creating your own spa oasis HOME IMPROVEMENT 29 29 Requirements before installing speed bumps TIMERANGER 30 SENIOR LIVING 31 31 Tips for a healthy road trip GARDENING 32 32 A Santa Clarita gardening guide for November OPINION 35 35 Our Views • Tim Whyte • David Hegg PUZZLES 37 VILLAGE IDIOT 38

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N O V E M B E R 10, 2019

N E W S F E AT U R E S

The story behind Veterans Historical Plaza enue,” the city writes, noting the careful placement of flags — United States and California flags, as well as flags representing each branch of the military.

A brick walkway surrounds the ellipse inside the plaza and contains hundreds of engraved bricks honoring those who served.

By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

S

anta Clarita Valley’s most impressive park might not be its largest but, for many, with its fountain, sculpture and commemorative bricks, the park offers a surprising sense of grandeur and an amount of dignity and respect deserving of our veterans.

Veterans Historical Plaza sits on a tiny piece of land shaped like a pizza slice and, yet, somehow, presents itself as majestic and pastoral, as if on a much larger Victorian estate..

“The Plaza is one of the best things we’ve ever done,” City Councilmember Laurene Weste said, as Veterans Day approached.

“It gives us a home where it is entirely about our veterans and our active working (military) personnel,” she added.

“It is a wonderful thing where we can celebrate with them, in a place that is totally dedicated to them,” Weste said.

But, it wasn’t always a dignified place crafted for reverence and reflection.

Hard-bitten

For years it was a hard-bitten, awkwardly shaped, chunk of cracking concrete peppered with weeds and sprouting grass. It wasn’t a road. it wasn’t a sidewalk. It wasn’t a park.

The triangular sliver of real estate bounded by Market Street, Walnut Street and Newhall Avenue had a history and, at least for several forgotten years, a future in doubt.

In the latter part of the 19th century, the local sheriff, Ed Pardee, lived on the property, on the edge of Hart Park. He moved his home there from Pine Street.

The sheriff ’s home was moved into Hart Park proper on Aug. 4, 1992.

Weste, who was instrumental in transforming the aging property into Veterans Historical Plaza, was also key in preserving the Pardee home inside Heritage Junction-Hart Park.

“I’m helping with work on the roof,” she said last week.

When the sheriff wasn’t living on the triangular property, he was hosting silent screen cowboy Tom Mix who, according to the Santa Clarita

Commemorative bricks

The city has led a yearslong effort to make Veterans Historical Plaza what it is today — a gathering point where residents can reflect on the sacrifice of veterans from the Santa Clarita Valley. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

Valley Historical Society, visited from time to time.

For almost a half-century, until 1987, the property was used by Pacific Bell, then by the Newhall-Saugus Boys Club and finally by the Newhall-Saugus-Valencia Chamber of Commerce.

In 1987, Pac Bell took over the property with its single old house and, soon after, donated the building to the SCV Historical Society.

For close to 14 years, the property sat vacant.

City purchase

On May 28, 2006, the city of Santa Clarita officially purchased the land.

For six years, city officials had been looking for a place on which to build a Veterans Historical Plaza and worked aggressively to funds for the design and construction of a Veterans Historical Plaza.

The City Council rallied the support support of then-Assemblyman George Runner and of state Sen. Pete Knight, to secure $250,000 in state funding through the Department of Veterans Affairs for the land acqui-

sition of 1 half-acre, specifically for the project.

Members of the Historical Veterans Memorial Committee helped city officials make the plaza a reality.

They were, initially, responsible for introducing personalized commemorative bricks to the project and raising funds for a special piece of sculpture, “Willie, the Drummer Boy.” The plaza’s design won awards, committee head Pam Hogan said.

Instrumental in bringing that design to completion was Thomsen Landscape, Inc., the architectural firm hired by the City of Santa Clarita in December 2004.

On its website, the city boasts about the plaza’s symmetry and about detailing found in the architecture and furnishings.

The website writes of the plaza: “The design team’s goal was to create a place of serenity and reflection on the middle of the bustling city.”

“The placement of water features provides both a dramatic visual effect and serves to reduce traffic noise from adjacent Newhall Av-

This year, the commemorative brick offer was extended to the families of veterans to purchase personally engraved bricks. The bricks are being installed during the runup to Veterans Day. “Veterans Historical Plaza is a special place, right in the heart of Old Town Newhall,” Community Services and Recreation Director Janine Prado said the week before Veterans Day. “Every day of the year, we have residents and visitors exploring the plaza to pay respects and give thanks to the men and women who served our country,” she said.

“This space also is the setting for our Veterans Day Ceremony,” Prado said.

“It is truly a moving event to see all of our local veterans and families gather together among the flags, story-stations and the Fallen Warriors Monument that are located at Veterans Historical Plaza.”

Engraved bricks can be ordered year-round with a completed application form and $100 donation to Veterans Historical Plaza.

Application forms are available on the Veterans Historical Plaza webpage at santa-clarita.com or at City Hall.

The bricks are installed twice a year during the week before Memorial Day and Veterans Day. According to city spokeswoman Carrie Lujan, anyone who buys a brick receives a letter noting the donation as tax-deductible and a commemorative certificate signed by the Mayor.

But, whether there’s a brick at the plaza with your name on it, or a brick with the name of someone who served, the plaza has a special place reserved for you regardless. 

N O V E M B E R 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

N E W S F E AT U R E S

Lifetime love: marriage advice from long-time couples

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

Jacquie and Harold Petersen are celebrating seven decades of marital bliss this year. One of the keys to their happiness is the rituals they enjoy together, such as dinner and UCLA basketball games. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

hough Jacquie and Harold Petersen have been together for more than 70 years, the pair seems just as in love as if it were their honeymoon.

“You have been a marvelous wife, and it’s been easy to get along with you,” Harold said to Jacquie.

After 70 years of marriage, they seem to have it all figured out.

“You’re looking at 90 and 91,” Jacquie said regarding their ages. “I think we’re doing pretty well and we’re having fun. Every day is fun.”

While a successful and happy marriage may take a lot of hard work, many Santa Clarita Valley couples seem to have found secrets to making it easier.

Here’s some relationship advice from some local couples who have succeeded in keeping the romance alive years after the “I do’s.”

Jerry and Ruby Litner have been married since their early 20s, finding each other after a few years apart.

“We broke up after high school because I was going away to college and he was staying (in L.A.) to work for his father,” Ruby said. “We happened upon each other in the grocery store in little old Saugus by happenstance, and the rest is history.”

Since then, the couple moved to Valencia, had two children and have been together for more than five decades.

“It wasn’t a cakewalk; that’s for sure,” Jerry added.

“We’ve had plenty of ups and downs, but one thing

has remained constant — we are the best of friends.

Always have been, always will be.”

The Litners said that, and that alone, is the secret to their happiness, while other things have just been an added bonus.

“For the past 52 years, he’s the first person I’ve wanted to run to for everything — good and bad,” Ruby said.

Jerry agreed, adding that without that, there’s no way they would’ve made it. “Now we weren’t friends first, but we took time getting to know each other before getting serious. We knew that our interests and (personalities) matched.”

The couple has been happily married for 50 years this August.

Not all happily married couples have been together since the beginning though. Jim and Liz Seipel were both previously married, yet they are coming up on 33 years of marriage on Nov. 15.

“We knew each other for a long time before we got married,” Jim said, adding, “and we started with two children each from a previous marriage.”

The couple attended the same church, and Liz was Jim’s kid’s nursery school teacher. After both ending up divorced, they remained friends for a long time before anything developed romantically.

Though they believe having fun is one of the things that keeps couples together, two things are core to their success: family and faith.

“Our spiritual journey together and the activities

T

involved with going to church are important to us,” Liz said.

“She knew that I loved her kids, and I knew she loved my kids,” Jim added. “We are so blessed … our kids are just dynamite.”

Similarly, family has been very important to the Petersens, who have four children, 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, most of whom live within a 50-mile radius.

Though Jacquie has been involved in many organizations throughout the years, she made sure to always be home when her kids arrived home from school.

“When they first come home from school, they have so many things they want to talk about, and by dinnertime, they have forgotten,” she said, adding, “and those are all important things.”

The Petersens also had dinner together every night and had season tickets to UCLA basketball games, which they’ve attended as a family for nearly 20 years, among other fun, family activities.

Jacquie and Harold also believe it’s very important to do things together as a couple, jokingly calling themselves Siamese twins.

“You need to get your lives entwined … in whatever it might be,” Harold said. “Be interested in what that other person is doing. I would be taken aback … if Jacquie didn’t supply me with the enSee LOVE, page 24

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N O V E M B E R 10, 2019

N E W S F E AT U R E S

Don’t panic: Make the most of your coverage

By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

N

o one wants to see their home destroyed. Whether by fire, earthquake, flood or mudslide, losing one’s home is one of the most traumatizing events one can experience.

Most recently, the Tick Fire burned 4,615 acres, destroyed 23 homes and damaged 40 others over the course of about a week in October.

With the recovery comes dealing with the insurance companies and, for some, learning once again about the finer details of their home insurance policy.

The grief of loss can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be, according to the experts.

“You don’t have to go through this alone,” said Byron Tucker, a deputy insurance commissioner with the state of California.

First and foremost

There can be a million things running through someone’s head during an evacuation order, and a million more if they know their home didn’t survive the disaster.

However, the most important thing to remember, according to Tucker, is to take a breath.

“Make sure to assess your situation carefully and not rush into decisions,” said Tucker. “If you did have damage to your home, you should contact your insurance company.”

It’s important, Tucker said, to remember that a number of insurance companies have built into their policies things known as “additional living expenses.”

“That will pay for costs associated with your evacuation,” Tucker said, which includes any hotels, storage rentals or food. “Most homeowners and renter policies have this coverage … make sure to save all your receipts.”

What’s next?

After you’ve ensured your family is safe, housed and fed and set up for what is soon to be a long process over the coming months, Tucker reemphasized it’s important that no one rushes into making any decisions, from lawyers to contractors to public adjusters.

“The insurance process is a series of important decisions that you will

Deanna Romp, left, and son Steven, right, shovel mud from their driveway near the intersection of Sand Canyon and Iron Canyon Roads in 2017. Rains that came after the Sand Fire left many with flood damage, as well. SIGNAL PHOTO

need to make over a long period of time, but often those decisions don’t need to be made today or immediately,” said Tucker.

However, once you’re able to rebuild, it’s important to have filed that claim as soon as possible.

“When you do start that rebuilding process, you want to make sure that you have obtained multiple bids from licensed contractors and make sure that your insurance … will be covering those costs.”

According to both Tucker and insurance agents, the best way to dissolve the stress of the situation is to be prepared.

How to prepare

The first step, according to Jim Kline, an insurance agent at Dynamite Insurance Brokerage in Santa Clarita, is knowing who your insurance company is, something forgotten more often than most people think.

“It’s not like car insurance, where you’re swapping out ID cards, let’s say, every six months, and you get kind of used to this rhythm, and maybe you have multiple cars and you’re seeing the company name in multiple boxes,” said Kline. “Home insurance, sometimes people just sign up for it when they purchase the home, and they let it just continually automatically (renew).”

After ensuring a way to remember who your policy is with, another way to prepare ahead of time for a disaster strikes is to take a home inventory the moment a home is moved into, or as soon as the policy is purchased. It can even be done if it hasn’t already been done. The only thing you need is your phone, according to officials.

“You want to provide your agent with photos of your home, maybe you go in the bedroom, just do a circle and take some pictures; open up the closet, take some pictures; and then email them all over to your agent.”

Tucker advised taking video of all the possessions in your home, doing a walkthrough from top to bottom. He said this can help when you’re coming back to your insurance agency and declaring your losses.

“You can make your way over to the (insurance) office, spin the monitor around and go through those photos,” Kline added.

Other tips and tricks

Both Kline and Tucker gave additional tips they believe should come in handy for people that are dealing with their home being destroyed.

Kline said that they biggest thing, the most helpful thing, someone can have when they’re in the rebuilding stage, is patience.

“I know it’s a terrible thing and everybody wants to get back home as quickly as possible,” said Kline.

“Nobody like living out of a motel or hotel, but be patient. These things take time, especially when there’s been a ton of losses.”

There are only so many contractors and only so much building materials available, Kline said.

“Everybody wants to be first in line and, of course, that’s a reasonable expectation,” Kline said. “It’s terrible to say but you have to wait your turn a little bit. Be patient and take that time to mentally inventory everything you’ve lost.”

Tucker added that no problem is too small for the Department of Insurance.

“If at any point, you feel that you’re beginning to feel overwhelmed in the process, or something’s not right, or they feel they’re being taken advantage of,” said Tucker, “they should contact our department, and we will help them with their client.”

The Department of Insurance can be reached at their consumer hotline numbers at (800) 927-4357 (HELP) or (800) 482-4833 (TTY). For more information on the Department of Insurance, visit their website at http:// www.insurance.ca.gov. 

N O V E M B E R 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

‘Tis the Ski–son

N E W S F E AT U R E S

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

be prepared before heading up.

ith temperatures beginning to cool and the leaves changing color, it’s clear the beginning of snow season is upon us.

Whether going to ski and snowboard or simply to sled and have snowball fights, there are plenty of options nearby.

Location About an hour away, located off Highway 2 in Wrightwood.

Top elevation 8,200 feet Vertical elevation 1,600 feet Info mthigh.com or (888) 7547878.

Mountain High, also located in the Angeles National Forest, offers skiing, snowboarding, tubing and snow play.

This resort is comprised of three separate areas with a total of 14 lifts and 59 runs, as well as night skiing every night of the week at the West Resort.

The resort’s snowmaking system covers 80% of the mountain, and they make snow most nights to create the best possible conditions.

In addition, two of the three resorts have their own snow park, featuring tubing, sledding, snow play and scenic sky chair rides.

Opening day is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 22, but can be moved sooner if conditions allow.

W

Frazier Mountain

Location About an hour away, located off Frazier Mountain Road near Frazier Park.

For those only interested in getting some time to play in the snow, Frazier Mountain is a great place to take a quick day trip.

Tubing, sledding or making some snow angels in the nearby Los Padres National Forest in Ventura County are all great options.

Located right off of Interstate 5, this is the closest place to enjoy the snowfall.

Mt. Waterman

Location About 60 miles away, located off Highway 2 in La Cañada Flintridge.

Info mtwaterman.org or (818) 790-2002.

Top elevation 8,030 feet Vertical elevation 1,030 feet While on the smaller side of things, Mt. Waterman, located in the nearby Angeles National Forest, is celebrating 80 years this winter season.

This resort has three chair lifts and 27 runs, comprised primarily of advanced runs. It relies entirely on natural snow, so its season usually starts in January, and can go until April.

Though no sledding is allowed, the resort does offer scenic lift rides for those who don’t ski or snowboard.

There are no gas stations or gear rental on the mountain, so

Mountain High

Mt Baldy Resort

8401 Mt. Baldy Road Info winter.mtbaldyresort.com or (909) 982-0800.

Top elevation 8,600 feet Vertical elevation 2,100 feet With four chairlifts and 26 runs, this resort has quite a few runs designed for advanced skiers while still offering plenty for those new to skiing.

Those who don’t ride can instead take a scenic lift and enjoy the view from the Top of the Notch, where you can grab a bite to eat overlooking Southern California at 7,800 feet.

The resort is expected to open just after Christmas in late December.

Big Bear Mountain Resort Bear Mountain 43101 Goldmine Drive, Big Bear

Whether you’re a beginner or expert, Snow Valley has options and instructors available. PHOTO COURTESY SNOW VALLEY MOUNTAIN RESORT

Snow Summit 880 Summit Blvd Info bigbearmountainresort. com/winter or (844) GO2BEAR (402-2327).

Top elevation 8,805/8,200 feet Vertical elevation 1,665/1,200 feet Big Bear Mountain Resort, located in the San Bernardino National Forest, is comprised of two separate areas three miles apart — Bear Mountain and Snow Summit.

Known for being a family-friendly resort, Snow Summit’s extensive snowmaking system makes for consistent conditions, with 11 lifts, five moving carpets and 27 runs, as well as Grizzly Ridge Tube Park and night skiing sessions.

Bear Mountain is recognized for its extensive terrain parks for varying ability levels, with eight lifts, four moving carpets, 15 runs, and 14 terrain parks, along with being home to some of California’s only halfpipes.

“Big Bear Mountain Resort features world-class skiing and

snowboarding in the winter with the best snow conditions, longest season, largest beginner areas of any local resort … and some of the best terrain parks in the country,” said Justin Kanton, marketing manager.

Each winter, both resorts often host a number of family-friendly events, such as live music performances, on-hill competitions and New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade, most of which are free to attend, according to Kanton.

Snow Summit is scheduled to open on Nov. 15, while Bear Mountain is scheduled to open Nov. 29.

Snow Valley

Location About one hour and 45 minutes away, located off Highway 18 in Running Springs.

Info snow-valley.com or (909) 867-2751.

Top elevation 7,841 feet Vertical elevation 1,041 feet Snow Valley, also located in the San Bernardino National Forest, offers two mountain areas when See SKIING, page 24

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N O V E M B E R 10, 2019

N E W S F E AT U R E S

Developing Whittaker-Bermite: close, just not right now

By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

A

s cleanup crews at Whittaker-Bermite cap two decades of decontaminating nearly 1,000 acres of land in the heart of Santa Clarita, people driving by the off-limits property seeing construction there might think development of the property is now underway.

They would be wrong.

Construction for the new Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station on Golden Valley Road, just south of Centre Pointe Parkway, and on roads reaching into the property from Harry Bell Place, near Bowman High School from Centre Pointe, are not technically part of the Whittaker-Bermite property.

“The sheriff ’s station is outside the Whittaker-Bermite site on property owned by the city,” Jason Crawford said.

He added: “There isn’t any construction of a new project on the site.”

That goes for construction seen on roads stretching into the Whittaker-Bermite hillside off of Harry Bell Place and Jack Place, along a road called Gravett Place.

“It was not a portion of the Bermite cleanup, although it is adjacent to the Bermite site,” Crawford said about the construction activity west of the homes built as part of the Habitat for Heroes project.

“Construction for that project is complete,” Crawford said. “It was approved by the City Council on April 9, 2013.”

“A complete environmental analysis was conducted as part of the associated CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) process for the project.

With mitigation, there were no identified significant impacts,” Crawford said.

Mitigation steps were generally standard measures for air quality, biology, soils/geology, and noise mainly associated with the grading and construction process, he said.

“Although soil cleanup has been completed, there will still be activity onsite as things wind down,” he said.

Russ Edmondson, spokesman for the Department of Toxic Substances Control, said “winding-down” chores

The contaminated Whittaker-Bermite area sits to the west of Golden Valley Road. PHOTO BY CORY RUBIN / THE SIGNAL

include making the place look pretty, or at least as nice and natural as it was before explosives testing.

“Whittaker has completed all soil remediation activities at the Bermite site and moved out soil treatment personnel and equipment from the site,” Edmondson said.

“As the final steps, some of the soil remediation and backfill areas will be graded to match the pre-excavation conditions,” he said.

“These activities have been tentatively scheduled to begin in mid-November, and will continue through early December. After that, all soil backfilled areas will be hydroseeded with native plants’ seeds and erosion control elements will be installed to prevent erosion of the slope areas by storm water,” he said.

Those activities are scheduled to be completed in December.

Winding down

The “winding down” began in July, when cleanup officials reached a milestone as they announced soil-remediation efforts were complete.

The 996 acres, south of Saugus Speedway and the Metrolink train station on Soledad Canyon Road and north of Sierra Highway, between Golden Valley Road and Railroad

Avenue, were clear of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, trapped in the soil, Jose Diaz, senior project manager with the DTSC, said in July.

The department, and specifically Diaz, has been overseeing the cleanup for more than 18 years.

“It took a number of years,” he said in July. “This is a significant milestone because, obviously, there’s a lot of resources and it’s a very expensive process to deal with in getting the site cleaned up and getting it ready for use in the future.”

When that day comes and the site is ready to use, SCV residents will have a chance to suggest how to use it.

Public review

“Any development project will come back to the city for a public-review process,” Crawford said.

In July 2017, after listening to engineers explain their sophisticated process of cleaning up the 996 acres of contaminated Whittaker-Bermite property and how cleanup was expected to wrap up by the end of 2018, one member of the public stood up and asked the panel of officials what the city plans to do with it.

Tom Cole, director of community development for the city of Santa Clarita, said in a nutshell: jobs.

“From the city’s perspective, this has a variety of uses, it is a mixed-use property — all talked about over the years,” he said. “Jobs are very important to this community and to the city.

We’d like to work towards that in the future.”

Job creation key

State officials monitoring the cleanup say the property — once cleaned — can be used for a variety of purposes except one. No one can live on the property day to day, year round, 24-7.

It was hoped SCV residents would have been able by the end of 2018 to jog there, fly kites there, dine, work and open up a business in the heart of the SCV, Jose Diaz said in 2017.

Whittaker-Bermite, once cleaned, will be suitable for commercial development, restaurants, parks, schools, recreation and open space. The only structures that cannot be built there are homes.

City officials eyeing a thousand acres of cleaned-up decontaminated property in the heart of Santa Clarita see the opportunity of creating jobs. 

N O V E M B E R 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

LOCALNEWS

Green family looks to rebuild in wake of Tick Fire

By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

Y

ou never think that it’ll happen to you.

That’s what Matthew and Fatima Green thought as they toured the wreckage that is now their home. The ashes of his master bedroom nightstand now lay on the burned remains of their couch. Her art that hung on the walls was blackened beyond recognition except for the partially boiled frame around it.

Matthew said that as a veteran of the Iraq War, of which he served two tours, he had seen similar situations in the various provinces the war had torn through. Fatima was worried about him and how much trauma this has caused to both of them.

Matthew was one of the many whose backyard overlooks Tick Canyon. He was one of the few to see the wildfire consume his home.

He said he could see the “orange glow” of the flames a little over a mile away and he thought his home would be safe. After his mother-in-law had gone to bed, and he spoke with his wife Fatima over the phone — she was on a business trip at the time — he decided to stay up and watch the house.

Within 45 minutes of him seeing the faint glow, Matthew said the flames had enveloped the bushes on his back fence and he was packing up his truck.

“I can’t even describe the speed, how fast it came down here,” said Matthew, pointing to the top of Tick Canyon and tracing the path of the fire with his finger. “So fast.”

The wild animals did not even have

a chance to react to the severity of the spread, according to Matthew. He described an owl, which usually rested at times on top of their chimney, flying over the flames, likely returning to his usual spot. Before he reached his destination, the flames jumped up and caught the bird on fire, he said.

With little time to spare, he retrieved a few important documents, including his and his wife’s passport, his U.S. Army discharge papers and a few other critical pieces of paper, their three dogs and his mother-inlaw, and left.

Just before getting into the car, Matthew said, he realized his arm had been burned from the wind-swept embers, and his dog’s fur was “smoking.”

He immediately patted out the dog before the smoke could become flame.

Their house would be destroyed almost entirely within minutes. Only a single wall within their house would remain to stand, and within a week it too would be swaying in the breeze, ready to give at any moment.

Inside their home, photographs, furniture, both Matthew’s and Fatima’s various work projects they had taken home, were all destroyed. Even Matthew’s old Army uniforms, medals and commendations were destroyed.

The following morning, Fatima headed to Barstow to meet Matthew, where they first laid eyes on each other and embraced after the night’s events. They continued on to Las Vegas where they dropped their three dogs off and their mother-in-law with Fatima’s sister.

They then hopped in the car to return to Santa Clarita and rebuild.

Matthew Green, left, hands his wife, Fatima, a wedding gift that hung over their kitchen sink as they search through their burned-out home. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

Aftermath

“Every day you take like a virtual walk through of each room and you’re like, ‘Crap, there’s one more thing that’s gone,’” said Matthew.

Fatima said that once she reached

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N O V E M B E R 10, 2019

LOCALNEWS

Cold case murder ends in conviction

By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

A

convicted killer already serving time in prison for a 1981 murder was found guilty Tuesday of first-degree murder in the slaying Sommers of former Newhall resident Stephanie Sommers four decades ago.

After four hours of deliberation, jurors found 60-year-old Harold Anthony Parkinson guilty of murdering Sommers in 1980.

“He was convicted of first-degree murder,” Greg Risling, spokesman for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, said Tuesday afternoon. “The jury announced their verdict this afternoon.”

The news was welcomed by Sommers’ family, who lives in Newhall.

“Next to getting married and having children, this is probably the happiest day of my life,” said Kelly Roberts of Newhall, Sommers’ nephew.

“My aunt finally got justice,” he said. “When the verdict was read, my wife and I started tearing up.”

ASHES

Continued from previous page

master closets, put in new chandeliers, we had just recently painted the house,” said Fatima. “We were like, ‘Oh my God, our house is looking so great.’ Gone.”

However, the Greens say that the insurance they’ve been using has been helpful. It only took a single visit from the Fire Department and an adjuster to say the house was completely destroyed.

They are now working to bulldoze the house and start new. With a light-hearted take on things, cracking jokes here and there, the two, along with the help of their gardener, Emiliano Faben, they are sifting through the rubble before demolish-

Close family friend, Shannon Tulloss, who has been investigating the Sommers murder for years, attended each day of the Parkinson trial, she said Tuesday.

DNA evidence

“What made this case ironclad was the DNA evidence,” she said, noting family and friends were ecstatic to hear the verdict.

“You never get closure, but whatever that means, they (family) got somewhere near it,” she said.

In delivering their verdict, jurors also found true a special circumstance allegation of murder during the commission of a rape.

Parkinson faces life in state prison without the possibility of parole when he is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 2.

Deputy District Attorney Lowrie Mendoza of the Sex Crimes Division prosecuted the case.

The weeklong trial began with opening statements delivered on Oct. 28.

Forensic evidence from the crime scene was linked to Parkinson, who is currently serving a 15-years-to-life sentence in Chuckawalla Valley State Prison, Risling said.

Perry murder

Parkinson began serving his cur-

ing the home completely.

And even as they do so, they say they’re thinking more about others before themselves. They said they were worried that their construction would be disruptive to their neighbors, who had also sustained damage due to the flames.

“Everybody was just so nice, and we don’t want to be a nuisance to them,” said Matthew. “But the less time I have to look at this, I think, the less depressing it is.”

Fatima noted that she and her husband both work and are young, saying that they can work together easily to regain what they’ve lost. She said she was happy that it didn’t happen to anyone else in the neighborhood.

“It could’ve been so much worse, but we’re young, we’re strong and we

rent sentence on March 5, 1982, for the 1981 murder of Derek Eugene Perry.

Perry was shot and killed by Parkinson on April 8, 1981, in Los Angeles, about eight months after Sommers was killed.

The Sommers case was investigated by detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department, Robbery-Homicide Division.

On Aug. 30, 1980, shortly after she moved to the Silver Lake district of Los Angeles from Newhall, Sommers was murdered in her apartment on the 3500 block of Marathon Street.

Sommers had been beaten and stabbed, prosecutors for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said in a news release issued at the time of Parkinson’s arrest.

She was 36 years old.

Birthday plans

Kelly Roberts was 11 years old when his Aunt Stephanie was killed.

On the day she was killed, she had planned to come to the Santa Clarita Valley and take Roberts to Six Flags Magic Mountain.

“It was a belated birthday gift,” Roberts said Tuesday, reflecting on that day nearly 40 years ago.

“I was outfitted with some new clothes and I waited that day,” he said, noting a second day went by before

he learned what had happened.

On the third day, Roberts said his mother received a phone call. “My mother on the phone sends me out of the house. I was crying but I didn’t know why.”

Then he was told that his aunt had been murdered.

News of Tuesday’s conviction resonated deeply for those who remember Sommers.

Anticipated trial

Last year, family and friends of the murdered woman were eagerly looking forward to the trial and were told it would begin in August 2018.

Family members of the murdered woman said early last year that they planned on attending every day of the trial once it started.

“I think it’s miraculous he was arrested. If he is found guilty, then we would be elated,” Jerry Roberts, who is married to the murdered woman’s sister Sherry, said at that time.

The Sommers case remained unsolved for more than three decades.

Detectives arrested Parkinson on June 19, 2014.

Law enforcement officials said at the time of arrest that forensic evidence taken from the crime scene 34 years ago and processed just four years ago was linked to Parkinson. 

Matthew Green searches the debris for salvageable items in the great room of his Canyon Country home Saturday, after it was destroyed in the Tick Fire last month.

can rebuild our lives,” said Fatima. “At this point, it happened to us, that’s the bad news. But that’s also the good news, because it didn’t happen to our neighbor who is pregnant and has a

young child, or our elderly neighbor.”

To learn more about the Greens’ story or hear about how to assist them, visit their GoFundMe page at http://gf.me/u/wbcn65. 

N O V E M B E R 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

LOCALNEWS

Wilk requests inquiry into power shutoffs

By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

S

tate Sen. Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, announced Tuesday a request to California Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders to authorize a special session to investigate the public safety Wilk power shutoffs that have affected thousands of people, including in the Santa Clarita Valley.

In a letter addressed to them on Monday, the senator asked that the investigation look into “whether these power shutoffs are being conducted in a manner where they are absolutely necessary, whether less burdensome alternatives are being ignored, and whether the (investor-owned utilities) are simply choosing to shut off the power as a simple way to avoid any costs of maintenance or making any

winds are less than 20 mph? What’s the criteria for shutting off power?’

They (Southern California Edison representatives) didn’t really have answers. When the power is out it’s like living in a third world country.”

Last week, Wilk and Assemblyman Tom Lackey, R-Palmdale, requested the Federal Emergency Management Agency provide personal generators and water to rural communities affected after the legislators personally rented and delivered a generator to a retired veteran in need of oxygen.

Assemblywoman Christy Smith, D-Santa Clarita, also wrote Newsom a letter Friday, calling for “far-reaching, comprehensive solutions” by allowing counties to immediately receive from the 2019 Budget Act the $75 million appropriated for power shutoff mitigation to cover for needs such as generators. She also suggested the PUC should call on SoCal Edison to reassess their mitigation plan. 

“CALLS FOR THE PUC TO INVESTIGATE THESE SHUTOFFS IS LIKE ASKING THE FOX TO AUDIT THE HEN HOUSE.” ­ — SEN. SCOTT WILK lasting investments in their infrastructure.”

A special session of the Legislature would be needed in order for the Joint Legislative Audit Committee to green-light an audit of the Public Utilities Commission’s guidelines and the investor-owned utilities’ practices.

Wilk said Tuesday that “it’s up to the discretion of the governor” whether to move forward with the special session “but at a minimum we should approve the investigation.

“Calls for the PUC to investigate these shutoffs is like asking the fox to audit the hen house,” he said in a prepared statement. “The investigating agency must be completely

independent from undue influence of both the administration and IOUs. The State Auditor has a proven track record of independence and thoroughness in her investigations.”

His call for an investigation stems in part from learning about the struggles many residents from surrounding rural communities have faced amid the power shutoffs. On Monday night he met with hundreds of families that expressed frustration during an Acton Town Council meeting.

“There were people out in the waiting area, even the fire marshall had to kick people out,” said Wilk. “People asked, ‘Why (is power shut off for 30 hours) if we aren’t in a fire zone and

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N O V E M B E R 10, 2019

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

Holiday magic at ‘Light Up Main Street’

By Mayor Marsha McLean

‘T

is the season to reflect on the past year and celebrate all the things for which we are grateful.

The holiday season is also a time to spend with loved ones, continue festive traditions and even make new ones.

One tradition that has become a community favorite in Santa Clarita is Light Up Main Street.

Each year, community members gather in the bustling and bright Old Town Newhall, where twinkle lights illuminate Main Street and an eye-catching 23-foot Christmas tree takes center stage to kick off the holiday season.

Last year, we had approximately

10,000 community members join us for this magical evening, and this year we invite that same enthusiasm! Light Up Main Street will take place on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 6 p.m.

The event will feature a variety of music and dance performances, tasty bites from food trucks and even snow! That’s right, don’t miss your chance to play in the snow right here in Santa Clarita for one night only.

There will be a very important person in attendance again this year. The guy in the furry red suit will make the trek to Santa Clarita, all the way from the North Pole, to take photos with Light Up Main Street event attendees.

After your visit with Santa Claus, the fun will continue with a variety of activities, including caricatures, face painting and a craft zone. In the craft zone, children can make free crafts to take home as a keepsake

from the evening.

Then at 7:30 p.m., stand back and be amazed as the 23-foot Christmas tree in front of the Old Town Newhall Library, along with the rest of Main Street, lights up. All of the lights and ornaments are sure to dazzle and make for a beautiful sight for you and your loved ones.

Once Main Street is lit up for all to see, continue to rock the night away with live music from the band, Midnight Ride.

Light Up Main Street is just the beginning of a lineup of holiday events and activities in Santa Clarita.

Another festive activity that holiday enthusiasts will enjoy, is watching a performance of “A Cowboy Christmas Carol” at The MAIN in Old Town Newhall.

This unique twist on the holiday classic will be filled with music and

dance and will show on selected dates from Dec. 13-22. A sensory-friendly performance with brighter lighting and a quieter atmosphere is scheduled for Dec. 21, so families with special needs can enjoy the show as well.

This holiday season is sure to be a merry one in Santa Clarita, and I hope you will join fellow community members at the exciting events the City has in store. For a full list of events for you and your family this holiday season, please visit calendar. santa-clarita.com.

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. 

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N O V E M B E R 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

TECHNOLOGY

Tips for better messaging, part I: iPhones

By Kim Komando Signal Contributing Writer

W

ith Apple and Android operating systems accounting for most smartphones in the U.S. market, we grabbed a few of Kim Komando’s tips for the iPhone, and next week, we’ll cover Android.

Here are iPhone texting tricks you wish you’ve known all along.

1. Reply directly from a notification If you have an iPhone 6S (or later model), you’re probably familiar with 3D Touch even if you don’t use it very much. This feature lets you press your screen with different amounts of finger pressure to access more options.

This is kind of like hovering over an icon with your mouse, but better.

Once you start using 3D Touch, you get it.

For example, with 3D Touch, you don’t have to open the Messages app to reply to a message. Just do a long hard press on the lock screen text notification itself to reply. If you’re in a hurry, this feature will save you time, although 3D Touch does require some practice.

2. Know how to copy and forward Copying messages in Messenger can be tricky because it’s always hard to highlight a body of text on your phone using only your finger. But sometimes, you want to forward the entire contents of text — to show it to someone else, to re-submit deleted info or to archive important correspondence.

Instead of copying and pasting a message’s text to forward it, you can simply “long press” a message (similar to quick reply). Tap More on the bottom menu, and then select the arrow in the bottom left corner to forward it.

The original message’s content will be copied as a new message. Just select the recipients as usual.

If it’s a really important text or conversation, you can save it outside of Messages.

3. Share your location with a tap Why would you need to share your location with anyone on the Messages app? Parties, for one. You can easily direct lots of people to an obscure location, such as a cabin at the end of a spidery gravel road in the middle of the night. In theory, you could also use it for emergencies.

(For privacy reasons, you probably don’t want this feature on all the time.)

To share your location in the Messages app: Open a conversation thread then tap the little “i” icon in the upper-right corner of your screen to open the contact’s details.

To send your current location (including a map) to the particular contact, tap Send My Current Location.

If you want to send someone regular updates about your location, you can tap Share My Location instead.

On your kid’s phone, go to Contacts, and select your name.

On your own contact page, scroll down and tap Share My Location.

Choose between Share for One Hour, Share Until End of Day, or Share Indefinitely.

4. Save data with this quick fix Sending photos via text messages can be data-intensive. If you have a mobile data cap, you can eat through it in no time. You don’t always need to send megabytes-worth of material by text message, especially when you’re not connected to Wi-Fi. To save bandwidth, you can opt to send low-quality photos in your iPhone text messages instead. Here how’s you do it: Go to Settings >> Messages >> and scroll all the way down and toggle Low Quality Image Mode to On. 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. 

1 4 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

N O V E M B E R 10, 2019

SPORTS

Tennis roots run deep for West Ranch’s Jordyn McBride

By Haley Sawyer Signal Sports Editor

S MAYOR MARSHA MCLEAN, MAYOR PRO TEM CAMERON SMYTH, COUNCILMEMBERS BOB KELLAR, BILL MIRANDA AND LAURENE WESTE CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO ATTEND THE

VETERANS DAY CEREMONY HONORING ALL WHO SERVED

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2019 11:00 A.M. Veterans Historical Plaza 24275 Walnut Street Old Town Newhall

ince she was 18 months old, Jordyn McBride was surrounded by tennis. With a mother and a father who are both tennis coaches and an older brother who plays the sport, it was nearly unavoidable.

“I don’t have any memory not playing tennis,” McBride said.

Now a University of San Diego-bound senior at West Ranch High School, McBride has cemented her reputation as one of the best prep tennis players in the Santa Clarita Valley.

She recently won her third consecutive Foothill League singles title, beating out teammate Annette Robertson in the process. Additionally, McBride never lost a set in Foothill League regular season play in her four years on varsity.

Although she beat Robertson in two sets— 6-0, 6-1— the match was still intense and competitive.

“Her serve is very hard,” McBride said of Robertson. “She placed it very well … that was hard. And she also had good volleys. She would come to the net and she would hit a volley and I would barely hit it back and she would hit a volley to the other side.”

McBride, who is the No. 8 recruit in California, according to the Tennis Recruiting Network, said that a lot of her success in tennis is a result of her upbringing. She started competing in tournaments when she was 9 years old, according to her mom, Dina, and began to take the sport seriously at 13.

She was involved in various other sports and activities growing up, which helped shape her as a tennis player.

“She played soccer, she did basketball, she did softball,” Dina, who also coaches the West Ranch varsity squad, said. “I think doing multiple sports as a kid is really great for being a great athlete all around on the tennis court and you can see by the way she moves and how she anticipates, a lot of the sports have come

Three-time Foothill League tennis singles champ Jordyn McBride finished her four-year varsity career at West Ranch without having ever lost a set in regular-season play. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

into her tennis.”

McBride said that if she wasn’t playing tennis, she would most likely be involved in dance. At one point, when she was balancing her full schedule as a kid, she took tennis lessons at the Paseo Club, then dance lessons immediately after.

“Some of the footwork in tennis is kind of like step ball change in dance,” McBride said. “When I was 9, I was doing both.”

The CIF-Southern Section playoffs await McBride as she will compete with her teammates in the team playoffs as well as the individual playoffs since she was the singles champion of the Foothill League.

As she advances through the postseason for the final time in her high school tennis career, she’ll do so with her family supporting her.

“Having parents that are also coaches is also a really good thing, especially if it’s the sport you want to get good at. They can always help you and it’s like your coaches are traveling everywhere with you.

They’re doing a double job, they take you to your tournaments but it’s like having your coach always there. It’s so convenient — not everybody has that.” 

N O V E M B E R 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

Celebrate the holidays: festive holiday travel

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

mark, dates back to 1876 and exudes old-world grandeur with turrets, domes and flying buttresses.

But the ambience goes up a few more notches during its annual six-week-long Festival of Lights, which features five million lights and 200 animated figures. You’ll get fireworks, too, if you plan your visit during the annual “Switch-On Ceremony.” Take horse-drawn carriage rides, check out the live reindeer milling around the grounds or stand under the world’s largest man-made mistletoe (measuring roughly 8-by12 feet).

T

his year, celebrate the season with a new family tradition: taking a vacation that makes the holidays feel like a vacation again. That means a holiday, whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah or New Year’s Eve, where the cooking, light-hanging, or sometimes even the package-wrapping is done for you.

This is the kind of holiday with enough time to build a gingerbread house (and have someone else clean up afterward), take the kids to meet Santa, and then step outside to ski, or, depending on your destination, even stroll on the beach.

Indeed, a holiday vacation to California adds some serious seasonal cheer. Choose a resort in the Sierra mountains for an instant winter wonderland as well as ski-in/skiout access, VIP-style amenities (like spiked eggnog at turndown), or enjoy a balmy winter holiday, learn to surf at Hotel del Coronado, or drink a hot cocoa and skate at its seasonal beachside ice rink.

Head inland to Riverside and take your stand under what may be the world’s largest mistletoe, surrounded by five million holiday lights at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. Some of the annual holiday events at California hotels have been around for decades, making them family traditions in themselves. The Fairmont San Francisco has been constructing a life-size, two-story “gingerbread mansion” for more than a century.

Coronado

Enjoy the Festival of Lights at The Mission Inn in Riverside. PHOTO COURTESY MISSION INN

A true winter wonderland. Hit the slopes for world-class skiing and snowboarding at Mammoth Mountain, then get into the holiday spirit at The Village at Mammoth, where the kids can visit Santa. The Christmas lights you’ve seen elsewhere are nothing like the annual fireworks and torchlight parade during Night of Lights, put on by the Canyon Lodge.

Big Bear Lake

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens 18220 CA-1, Fort Bragg Info gardenbythesea.org Want a break from the holiday crush? Rediscover the magic of a simple Christmas in the village of Mendocino. Many of the shimmering historic buildings are filled with local crafts and art. Just north of town, the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens comes alive on weekends with music and lighted displays

With holiday lights aglow in the village and snow falling on the pines, Big Bear Lake offers a classic Christmas escape just a couple hours from the Santa Clarita Valley.

“Christmas to New Year’s, our town transforms into a place of yuletide cheer,” said Dan McKernan of the Big Bear Visitors Bureau. On weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas, let the kids say “hi” to Santa and Mrs. Claus at the town’s Christmas tree lot. Or you can cruise Big Bear Lake with Santa and look at snowcapped peaks during “Sail With Santa” excursions held Saturdays before Christmas in December.

Mammoth Lakes

Tahoe wonderland

Mendocino

The Village at Mammoth Lakes Info villageatmammoth.com

T R AV E L

It’s one of your best bets to enjoy a “White Christmas” with beautiful,

snow-blanketed mountain scenery.

A stay at the Resort at Squaw Creek includes ski-in/ski-out access to Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, an ice rink and a children’s program that includes sledding, a mini-rail Polar Express around the Ice Garden, broom ball and snowshoeing.

Take advantage of complimentary horse-drawn sleigh rides or go Disco Tubing down snow-covered lanes with nighttime multicolored lights and live DJs. Santa Story Time gatherings, caroler performances, ice sculpting demonstrations, a giant Gingerbread Village, a Grand Tree Lighting ceremony, live music, Santa breakfasts, photos with Santa and cookie decorating throughout the season.

The Inland Empire

Mission Inn Hotel & Spa 3649 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside Infomissioninn.com Riverside’s Mission Inn Hotel & Spa goes all-out for the holidays. If you enjoy holiday lights, The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is your dream hotel. The Inland Empire resort, the largest Mission Revival–style building in the U.S. and a registered National Historic California Land-

Hotel Del Coronado 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado Info hoteldel.com Experience a uniquely SoCal holiday at Hotel Del Coronado and enjoy ice skating by the sea. The Hotel Del Coronado boasts of having the first electrically lit outdoor Christmas tree, constructed back in 1904.

The Queen Anne-style resort still takes its tree very seriously: Once the two-story evergreen goes up in late November, it becomes the focal point for nightly light shows, which project from the hotel’s balconies.

Take the family on one of the resort’s evening bike tours around Coronado Island, or make “jingle s’mores” in the fire pits out on the sand. Throughout the holiday season, The Del invites guests to celebrate the season with Skating by the Sea, a seaside ice-skating event lit up by the thousands of white lights that adorn the hotel’s Victorian outline.

Guests can reserve a rink-side table at Frostbite-A Place to Chill and enjoy comfy seating around a blazing fire pit. Or book what’s known at the Del as a Jingle Roast, an onthe-beach bonfire with sand chairs, blankets and tasty treats. Indoors, the resort offers Victorian-style teas during the holiday season, as well as kid-friendly Polar Bear Tea in the ballroom with stuffed animals, cookie- and cupcake-decorating, a craft table, live entertainment, and story time with Mrs. Claus and the North Pole Elves. 

16 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

N O V E M B E R 10, 2019

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The Backyard Grub n’ Brews 26509 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita (661) 286-1165

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26511 Golden Valley Rd, Santa Clarita 91350 661.254.4850 • pierogispot.com

BREAKFAST & BRUNCH

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

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

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

Hours: Mon - Closed Tues - Fri: 11-3; 5-9 Sat - Sun: 11-9

50

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

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

CATERING

with this coupon Expires 12/31/19

Rattler’s BBQ 26495 Golden Valley Road, Canyon Country (661) 251-4195

27674 Newhall Ranch Rd #55 Valencia CA 91355

661-294-9069 italiavalencia.com

N O V E M B E R 10, 2019

BURGERS/SANDWICHES Bricks 23820 Lyons Ave, Newhall (661) 286-1091 Brother’s Burgers 20655 Soledad Canyon (661) 299-9278 Burgerim 23740 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita (661) 670-8939

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 17

The Habit 25948 N. McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 291-1575

Submarina California Subs 26517 Carl Boyer Drive, Canyon Country (661) 259-4782

Pei Wei Asian Diner 24250 Valencia Boulevard, Valencia 661-600-0132

Italia Panetteria & Deli 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 294-9069

Tiny’s Submarine Sandwiches 27251 Camp Plenty Rd, Canyon Country (661) 251-5885

Pick Up Stix 25960 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch (661) 288-2090

CHINESE

WaBa Grill 19120 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country (661) 367-7297 31739 Castaic Road, Castaic (661) 295 9222

Jimmy Dean’s 22941 Lyons Ave, Newhall (661) 255-6315 JJ’s Bar and Grill 25848 Tournament Road, Valencia (661) 799-7557

China Express 19417 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 251-8783

Red Robin 27063 McBean Parkway, Valencia (661) 260-2411

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

Final Score 23754 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita (661) 254-6557

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

Mandarin Wong Chinese Restaurant 23758 Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 259-5823

Firehouse Subs 23630 Valencia Blvd. Valencia (661) 255-3473

Rustic Burger 24025 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 254-1300

Moon Wok 23460 Cinema Drive Suite H, Valencia (661) 288-1898

Five Guys 24201 W, Valencia Blvd #3672, Valencia (661) 255-0981

Rustic Eatery 25343 Wayne Mills Place, Valencia (661) 254-8100

New Moon 28281 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 257-4321

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

Panini Palace 23120 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita (661) 678-0552 Pita Pit 28253 Newhall Ranch Road (661) 702-9977

Wok’s Cookin’ Chinese Restaurant 31565 Castaic Road, Castaic (661) 257-2890

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 Continued next page

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3) Soup and Dinner Salad .........................................$6.25 4) Individual One Topping Pizza and Dinner Salad .$7.45 5) Spaghetti & Dinner Salad .....................................$7.75 6) Full Lasagna & Dinner Salad ..............................$8.75 7) Meatball Sub, Italian Link Sub, or Deli Sandwich ..$7.95 Includes Dinner salad

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18 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

DININGGUIDE Continued from previous page

DELICATESSEN Italia Panetteria & Deli 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 294-9069 Maria’s Italian-American Deli 22620 W. Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 259-6261

FRENCH

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

GREEK

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

INDIAN An Indian Affaire 23360 W. Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 288-1200 Karma Restaurant, Bar & Lounge 23460 Cinema Drive, Valencia (661) 288-0080

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

N O V E M B E R 10, 2019

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

JAPANESE & SUSHI Achita Sushi 22913 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita (661) 476-5522 Bonsai Garden 19358 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 251-9008 Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Dining 27025 McBean Pkwy, Valencia (661) 254-2355 Hibiki Restaurant 27625 Shangri La Dr., Canyon Country (661) 298-0273 I Love Sushi 26526 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita 661-673-5200 Kabuki 24045 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 799-8655

Kisho Japanese Teppan Grill & Revolving Sushi Bar 23430 Valencia Blvd, Valencia (661) 284-3856 Sushi Song Japanese Restaurant 22896 Copper Hill Dr, Santa Clarita (661) 297-5659

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 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

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

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Rosarito Grill 19425 Soledad Canyon Rd, Cyn Country (661) 251-2732 Solita Tacos & Margaritas 24201 Valencia Blvd., Suite 3470, Santa Clarita (661) 291-1399

PIZZA Ameci Pizza & Pasta 28013 Seco Canyon, Santa Clarita (661) 296-6131 Chi Chi’s Pizza 27117 Sierra Highway, Canyon Country (661) 252-4405 23043 Soledad Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 259-4040 Guido’s Pizza & Pasta 26322 N. Friendly Valley Parkway, Newhall (661)252-4111 Magic Pizza SCV 26870 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch (661) 291-1921 Mama Mia Pizza 25708 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch (661) 286-9183 Numero Uno Pizza 26111 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 259-3895 Pizza Di Marco 27674 Newhall Ranch Rd, Valencia 661-295-8769

Betito’s Mexican 18902 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country (661)251-0557

Tomato Joes Pizza & Taps 19167 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita (661) 250-7550 (805) 385-4444

Cabo Cabana Restaurant 25710 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch (661) 222-7022

Toppers Pizza 23710 Valencia Blvd, Santa Clarita (805) 385-4444

Dario’s Mexican Restaurant 24523 Newhall Avenue, Newhall (661) 255-6868

25387 Wayne Mills Place, Valencia, CA 91355

Medrano’s Mexican Restaurant 19319 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita (661) 367-4945

Azul Tequila 25387 Wayne Mills Place, Valencia (661) 254-5500

Casa Pasilla 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 295-1989

Also inquire about special events, banquets and fund raisers.

Las Rocas Mexican Grill 27923 Sloan Canyon Road Castaic (661) 257-6905

El Trocadero Mesquite Grill & Cantina 24274 Main Street, Newhall (661) 284-6615 La Charrita Restaurant 24225 Main St, Newhall (661) 288-1204 La Cocina Bar & Grill 28022 Seco Canyon Road, Saugus (661) 297-4546

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

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

N O V E M B E R 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 9

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

Kiss’ co-founder Ace Frehley headed to Canyon

By Perry Smith Sunday Signal Editor

W

hether you first heard about them in “Happy Gilmore” or saw them during one of their worldwide tours over the last 40 years, Hall of Fame inductees Kiss are pioneers of American rock.

While the band might be in the

middle of at least its second farewell tour, founding guitarist Ace “Space Ace” Frehley is showing no signs of slowing down.

Frehley’s guitar work with Kiss has earned him countless accolades and inspired an equal number of rock guitarists over the years, and now fans will have a chance to watch this master of his craft practice his trade

in an intimate venue like Canyon Santa Clarita on Nov. 23, when he’s coming to town.

Frehley, Kiss’ founding lead guitarist from 1973-82, and then again from 1996 to 2002, also has enjoyed a solo career with his backing band, Frehley’s Comet, with “New York Groove” being a fan favorite.

The opener for the show is listed

as Like It, a band that touts its Lower East Side Rock ‘N’ Roll roots on its site, and The Hots.

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. 

2 0 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

N O V E M B E R 10, 2019

THIS WEEK’S CALENDAR

= Family Friendly Event

Third Friday of the Month, 7-9 p.m. Join The Open Book at open Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 mic night for a night of talent and good comp.m. California farmers and pany! Come watch the local talent, or if you are specialty food purveyors come togetha performer, sign up! Slots are for 15 minutes er rain or shine, to bring you a farmers’ and performance material must be original market with the finest in fresh and seasonal and family-friendly. 19188 Soledad Canyon fruits and vegetables, including organic, Rd, Santa Clarita. Info: (661) 255-1400) baked goods, flowers, herbs, cheeses and Third Saturday of the Month, 6-10 p.m. prepared foods. Old Town Newhall, 24500 Join the monthly Deaf Social. Come and Main St., Newhall. Info: oldtownnewhall. eat, play games and socialize. Starbucks, com/old-town-newhall-farmers-market 25918 McBean Parkway, Valencia. Info: face Sundays, 8:30 a.m. to noon The book.com/events/2307889265908176/?event_ Santa Clarita Certified Farmers’ time_id=2307889295908173 Market offers locals a breakfast prepared Fourth Thursday of the Month, 7-9 onsite from one of the market’s several food vendors, or you can try some of our wonder- p.m. Part of the Thursdays@Newhall event ful artisan bakery products. Open year-round, series, Note by Note is a music night rain or shine. College of the Canyons, Parking presenting audiences with a variety of genres at this free evening of fun. Music from bands, Lot 5, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa duos and soloists’ will play their blend of Clarita. Info: vccfarmersmarkets.com/ music for your listening pleasure. Come enjoy santa-clarita a wide range of music styles, including rock, Thursdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. folk, Celtic, Americana, blues, jazz, country, Stroll, shop and enjoy the sounds experimental, western and more! The MAIN, of Northpark Village Square evenings 24266 Main St., Santa Clarita. Info: thursdays through Nov. 21 for the Autumn Nights Mu- atnewhall.com/notebynote/ sic Series. Great shops, restaurants and free EVENTS BY DATE concerts full of family-friendly music to ease into those relaxing autumn evenings. 27756 Sunday, Nov. 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come McBean Parkway, Valencia. Info: facebook. to the Valley Comic Book Convention. com/events/2415899645364304/?event_ Featuring artists, filmmakers and cele­ time_id=2415899655364303 brities, geeky goodies and of course comic Fridays and Saturdays, 8-11 p.m. Come books! $9. Hyatt Regency Valencia, 24500 on in to Tomato Joe’s Pizza and Taps Town Center Drive, Santa Clarita. Info: faceand be a star on our karaoke nights. book.com/SanFernandoValleyComicBook We’ve got a library of over 200,000 Convention. great tunes. 19167 Golden Valley Road, Sunday, Nov. 10, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Santa Clarita. Info: facebook.com/ Assistance League’s second annual “Day events/724517964649049/?event_time_ of Art” event will feature treasures from our id=724517984649047

ONGOING

!

N I W

!

N I W

!

N I W

back room. There will be a large selection of art from fun to fabulous at prices that are too good to pass up! Included will be oil paintings, watercolors, lithographs plus prints, photography and posters. Ethnographic art from many cultures will be represented.

24364 Main St, Santa Clarita Info: facebook. com/events/2362670170651452/ Monday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m. Santa Clarita cordially invites you to attend the Veterans Day Ceremony at Veterans Historical Plaza. Hosted in partnership with local Veterans organizations, the ceremony includes musical performers, speakers and the changing of the flags by the Knights of Columbus Santa Clarita Assembly and Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 355. Veterans Historical Plaza, 24275 Walnut St., Santa Clarita. Info: calendar.santa-clarita. com/event/veterans_day_ceremony_6340 Friday, Nov. 15, 7-11 p.m. Wireless headphones, three DJed music channels and a whole lot of fun. Silent disco is a unique way of experiencing music: you don’t hear a sound in the venue until you slip on a set of wireless headphones. 18 +. Free admission, headphone rental $12. Wolf Creek Brewery, 25108 Rye Canyon Loop, Santa Clarita. Info: eventbrite.com/e/silent-discoin-the-spiegeltent-tickets-77577308819 Saturday, Nov. 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Polka Dot Roadshow is a mercantile and art fair located right here in Santa Clarita!

We support Southern California’s local craft talent and host over 65 Etsy style pop-up shops under one roof at a one day event! Our sellers specialize in handmade treats, home decor, vintage items, bath products, apparel, paper goods and much more! 20880 Centre Pointe Parkway, Valencia, Santa Clarita Info: thepolkadotroadshow.com Saturday, Nov. 16, 2-9 p.m. Rescues on the Runway presents the “Head Over Heels for Rescues” event for a holiday boutique, dinner, runway show and more! Meet pets available for adoption! Dogs are welcome, so walk your doggies down the runway for contests and prizes. Dinner $75.

Hyatt Regency Valencia, 24500 Town Center Dr, Valencia. Info: rescuesontherunway.org

23-foot Christmas tree to transform Main Street into a winter wonderland.

Main Street, Newhall. Info: facebook.com/ events/922931734727877/ Sunday, Nov. 17, 2-3 p.m.

Placerita Canyon Nature Center will host a special presentation on the “Biology of Honeybees.” How have bees and humans interacted in history? Who’s who in the colony? Chip Vannoy, owner of Bennett’s Honey Farm and Susan Sutton, Placerita Canyon docent/naturalist will be our presenters.

It is free and will be great fun for the entire family! 19152 Placerita Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita. Info: placerita.org/wpcontent/uploads/2019/11/bees.pdf Sunday, Nov. 17, 2:30-3 p.m.

The HOPE Theatre Arts are returning to The Open Book’s Sunday Storytime as our special guests to read “Thank you, Sarah” a story of Thanksgiving with an activity! There will be cider and cookies. Join in a sing-along of “I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie! 19188 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita. Info: facebook.com/ events/2606904872704093/ Sunday, Nov. 17, 6-11:30 p.m. Come to the Combat Radio “Christmas Carol” charity event featuring some of the members of Guns N Roses and talent from The Simpsons, Twin Peaks, Justice League, Family Guy, Futurama, General Hospital and more!

This show is a benefit supporting Combat Radio’s work with social services and features an “‘audience interactive’” reading of a Christmas Carol, followed by a concert featuring some of the members of Guns N Roses, Quiet Riot, Danzig and others. The Canyon Santa Clarita, 24201 West Valencia Blvd, Valencia. Info: $25

Monday, Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m. Joe Stoddard will demonstrate watercolor at meeting of the Santa Clarita Artists Association.

Identify this advertiser and the page number in this week’s issue, and you will be entered to win a $100 gift certificate for Stoddard’s work is about documentation, a local restaurant. One game and one winner each week. interpretation and process. He paints and sketches architecture, landscapes and urban Mail your entry to The Signal – Contest 26330 Diamond Place | Santa Clarita, CA 91350 subjects. Stoddard’s paintings have also been Or email contest@signalscv.com on the covers of a variety of publications Saturday, Nov. 16, 6-9 Over p.m. 15The Years of including Westways Magazine, Pasadena Experience in Remodeling City of Santa Clarita and Santa Advertiser:______________________________ Page #_______ Magazine, a book series published by the Clarita City Council invite residents Kitchens to spendand Bathrooms Name:______________________________________________ Historical Society of Southern California and some time in Old Town Newhall to kick off REMODELING the Lost and Found Series by Many Moons Address:____________________________________________ the holiday season! The Light Up Main E S T I M Street celebration in Old Town Newhall will Press.

ATE!Barnes &Noble. 23630 Valencia Blvd., Phone:______________________________________________ Santa Clarita. Info: calendar.santa-clarita. feature festive dance and music perforspecializes in getting the from local groups. The City Council This week’s entries are due Wed. November 20 com/event/watercolor_demonstration_by_ mances Winner to be announced in 2 weeks. will officially turn on the lights on our joe_stoddard CONGRATULATIONS to Charles Lloyd for correctly identifying Splash and Dash on page 26.

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N O V E M B E R 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 1

How to host a

A

H O L I D AY

Friendsgiving Feast

s one of the most popular holiday traditions in the United States, families have celebrated Thanksgiving for decades. However, as more and more hosts look to put a new spin on the festivities, Friendsgiving continues to grow in popularity.

While the two “holidays” generally involve the same ideals — showing appreciation for loved ones, whether family or friends — cooking for both can be a challenge during this busy season. Consider these quick and easy ideas from the Friendsgiving experts at Sabra to celebrate this vibrant event with your closest friends.

Attire

Friendsgiving strikes a delicate balance between a reunion of companions and just an excuse to spend time with your closest cohorts, which can make a normally tricky decision even more difficult: what to wear. Try aiming for the more casual look, or try something low-key and fun like a pajama party.

Decorations

Plenty of planning and preparation goes into Thanksgiving festivities, which makes Friendsgiving an opportunity to take a step back and focus on simplicity. Keep your table decor clean and modern, like an understated black-and-white design, where food and fun can take center stage.

Food

Because Friendsgiving is usually celebrated within a week or so of Thanksgiving, whether it’s

before or after, most guests will be tired of turkey and stuffing — meaning it’s time to think outside the box. For just enough of a twist on traditional seasonal taste, try making plant-based versions of your childhood favorites.

This Hummus Mashed Potatoes recipe is a perfect example — creating a dairy-free and gluten-free version of the classic dish that’s bursting with unexpected flavors. Alternately, if you’re

hosting this year, these Sweet and Savory Cranberry Hummus Bites can hold over a hungry crowd.

For another simple snacking solution, pairing a dip like Sabra Hummus, available in more than a dozen flavors, with pita chips or baby carrots may be your party-perfect appetizer. (Family Features) Find more Friendsgiving inspiration at Sabra. com 

Hummus Mashed Potatoes

5 cups yellow potatoes (about 6 potatoes), peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste, divided 1 1/3 cups Sabra Classic Hummus 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil

fresh pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley Place potato cubes and 1/4 teaspoon salt in medium-sized pot with enough water to cover.

Bring to boil and simmer over medium heat about 30 minutes, or until fork tender.

Drain potatoes and place back into pot over medium heat until moisture comes out and potatoes appear dry, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

In same pot using potato masher, mash potatoes. Mash in hummus and oil, followed by salt and pepper, to taste.

Serve topped with fresh parsley.

Sweet and Savory Cranberry Hummus Bites

9 teaspoons whole berry cranberry sauce 12-14 tablespoons Sabra Classic Hummus 24 slices French-style baguette, sliced about 1/4-inch thick 5 teaspoons fresh chopped herbs, such as parsley (optional) Open cranberry sauce can and stir well.

Spread about 1/2 tablespoon hummus on each baguette slice.

Place 3/4 teaspoon cranberry sauce on top of hummus on each baguette slice.

Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.

2 2 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

N O V E M B E R 10, 2019

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Make a draftbuster to keep out the chill

whipstitch to form a long tube.

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

I

Tip If you are making it to fit snugly in a windowsill, measure the length of the space first. Proceed to fill the socks to equal the total length of the draftbuster when the two socks are combined at the cuffs.

t’s a new puppy! It’s a soft toy!

It’s a draftbuster! Yes indeed, it’s all three, and the adorable soft puppy will love to come into your home to keep some of winter’s chilly drafts from breezing through doorway cracks and windows.

It’s super easy to make, practical to use and fun to give for a holiday gift.

Make a litter! No matter where the people on your gift list live, they’ll love to bring one into their home.

Here’s the stuff you’ll need: • A pair of new, long tube socks • Scraps of fabric, fiberfill or outgrown leggings and tights with elastic waistbands removed for filling • Needle and thread in the color of the tube socks

• Decorative craft supplies such as buttons, felt, pompoms, ribbon and fabric paint

Here’s the fun for adults and kids to do together: Stuff the two tube socks with scraps

of filling material. Show your child how to place the filling all the way to the toe end of each sock first and continue to fill until it almost reaches the cuff area.

Sew the socks together at the cuffs (overlap them an inch or two) with a

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

(choice of one entree, seasonal fruit and milk)

Monday, Nov. 11 Tuesday, Nov. 12 Wednesday, Nov. 13 Thursday, Nov. 14 Friday, Nov. 15

BREAKFAST Yogurt & Crackers Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit Breakfast Quesadilla Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit Fruit Juice Pancake Sausage Stick Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit Egg & Sausage Wrap Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fruit Juice

LUNCH Chicken Taco Mini Corn Dogs (chicken) Dippin’ Chicken & Sauce Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar Brownie Cup BBQ Meatballs (chicken) & Mashed Potatoes Chicken Nuggets Bean & Cheese Burrito Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar Chocolate Chip Cookie Teriyaki Chicken over Rice Dippin’ Chicken & Sauce Deli Sandwich (turkey) Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich Chicken Nuggets PBJ Sandwich & String Cheese Smart Choice Pizza Manager’s Choice Seasonal Salad Bar

Create the head of your puppy.

First, sew large buttons on one end to make eyes. We added two tiny blue buttons on top of the center holes of two white buttons, and sewed them together first before attaching to the face. Sew or glue on felt for floppy ears, pompoms for a nose. Create a mouth with fabric paint. Tie on a bright ribbon to make a collar. Add a felt tail, too.

Give your puppy a name, such as “Buster,” and tuck it in a windowsill or along the bottom of a closed door to help keep out a chilly draft. Or, if you’re giving a puppy or a litter of puppies away for homemade holiday gifts, add a nametag to the collar ribbon with puppy care instructions.

Note This craft and the completed puppy contain small materials that are potential hazards for children 4 and under.

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. 

Monday Dec. 2nd 6:30pm

Monday Jan. 13th 6:30pm

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

N O V E M B E R 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 3

Michele makes … Pumpkin Spice Treats

FOOD

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

I

’ve waited all year for pumpkin spice season to begin. It is the most glorious time of the year. One of the best uses of pumpkin spice is always in the traditional Thanksgiving pumpkin pie. However, here are a few ideas for sweet and tasty pumpkin spice treats that will rock your taste buds, at Thanksgiving, and beyond.

Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats 3 tbsp. butter 1/4 cup pumpkin purée 4 cups marshmallows 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice 1/4 tsp. salt 6 cups crispy rice cereal

Coat a 9 x13-inch baking dish with butter.

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the pumpkin and cook until warmed through. Fold in marshmallows, stirring frequently, add vanilla, spices and salt until thoroughly mixed.

Remove from heat.

Cool 10 minutes. Add the cereal and stir with a rubber spatula until combined. Press into an even layer in the baking dish. Finishing cooling completely before cutting and serving.

Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars Crust

12 sheets cinnamon graham crackers 1/4 cup dark brown sugar 1/2 cup butter, melted

Pumpkin Cheesecake

4 8 oz. packages cream cheese, room temperature 1 1/2 cups sugar 1/2 tsp. salt 2 tsp. vanilla 4 eggs 1 15 oz. can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree 1 tsp. cinnamon 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

Streusel and Topping

1 cup dark brown sugar, packed 1 cup flour 1/2 cup quick cooking oats 1 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 cup butter, softened 2 tsp. vanilla

Left: Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake bars combine the best of both worlds, pumpkin pie and cheesecake. Right: Who doesn’t love Rice Krispie treats? Add pumpkin spice for a new twist on an old favorite.

PHOTOS BY MICHELE E. BUTTELMAN

Salted or plain caramel to top bars (I use pre-made ice cream topping caramel from the grocery store).

Preheat oven to 350 F. Butter a 9 x 13 baking pan and set aside.

Crush graham crackers into crumbs (I put them into a sandwich bag and roll with a rolling pin). In a bowl, combine crust ingredients and mix until a thick dough forms. Press evenly into bottom of the baking pan. Bake for 8 minutes, remove and cool.

In a bowl combine softened cream cheese, sugar, salt and vanilla. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add in eggs, one at a time.

Beat until each egg is combined.

Remove half of mixture and pour on top of the baked crust.

Add canned pumpkin, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice to remaining cheesecake mixture and stir until combined.

Carefully pour pumpkin layer on top of plain cheesecake layer. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 F. Stir together brown sugar, flour, quick cooking oats and cinnamon. Cut the butter into small cubes.

Add in butter and vanilla and mix together (with a pastry cutter or hands) until well combined.

Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over pumpkin cheesecake layer.

Bake 25-30 minutes or until cheesecake has set.

Allow to cool for an hour at room temperature, then place in refrigerator for 1-2 hours. Top bars with caramel topping.

Pumpkin Spice Candied Nuts These sugared almonds and pecans are candied with a blend of spices used in pumpkin pies and white and brown sugar. Candied nuts are the ultimate fall snack.

1 1/2 cups raw almonds whole 1 1/2 cups raw pecans whole 1/4 cup water

3/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup white sugar 3/4 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 tsp. all spice 1/4 tsp. nutmeg 1/4 tsp. cloves 1/4 tsp. ginger

Cinnamon sugar for sprinkling In a large saucepan, over medium-low heat, combine all ingredients except nuts. Stir until all sugar and spices have dissolved completely.

Add in almonds and pecans, making sure all nuts are coated with the sugar mixture.

Once coated, stir constantly (on med-low heat) for about 10 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed.

Remove from heat immediately Pour nuts onto a sheet of parchment paper to cool (make sure they are flat and in a single layer, otherwise the nuts will stick to each other). Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar while the nuts are cooling so the sugar sticks to the nuts. 

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N O V E M B E R 10, 2019

N E W S F E AT U R E S

SKIING

Continued from page 7

conditions are favorable with terrain for all levels with night skiing on weekends.

This resort has 28 runs, two conveyors and nine chairlifts, one of which is dedicated to its snow play and sledding area, which has been expanded this season to include as many as 15 lanes.

This season, the resort has made improvements to Slide Peak, its highest peak that, with a pitch of 35 degrees, offers steep descents.

“Special thanks for the help with ‘summer grooming’ goes to volunteers from the ski team at RIM of the World High School, which call Snow Valley its home mountain,” said John Brice of Snow Sports PR. “The students helped clear the runs of obstacles of any height that would require extra inches of snow for safe coverage.”

This brush-clearing program helped create manicured runs that can now be opened with minimal snowfall, he added.

“We are one of the last familyowned and operated winter resorts in California and take great pride in offering a quality product and an excellent guest experience,” said Kevin Somes, the resort’s vice president and general manager.

LOVE

Continued from page 5

thusiasm to do the work that needed to be done.”

They’ve been able to show each other that enthusiasm through many facets in their lives, such as Jacquie supporting Harold in his various business endeavors.

“We started a disability insurance company, and I say we because we work together,” Jacquie said. “I didn’t work in the office, but we did these things together.”

The Seipels completely agree that supporting each other is very important, and the Child & Family Center, which Liz helped to create, was a driving force and cause for both in many ways, Jim said.

“Sometimes =, she does things that

The resort is expected to open in early December.

China Peak Mountain Resort

Location About four hours away, located off Highway 168 in Lakeshore.

Info skichinapeak.com or (559) 2332500.

Top elevation 8,709 feet Vertical elevation 1,679 feet What was once a Snow Summit resort is now China Peak, a resort in the Sierra National Forest, an area that receives more than 300 inches of snow each year.

This resort has seven chairlifts, one t-bar, and three moving carpets, along with 45 runs, including an easy, 2.5-mile from the top of the mountain to the bottom among others.

“From Santa Clarita, it’s an easy, traffic-free drive to the eighth largest mountain in California, owner Tim Cohee said. “Our prices are among the lowest in the state, and our elevation ranks among the highest in the state.”

The resort recently installed a new snowmaking system, which is expected to debut this winter season.

“It’s one of the largest snowmaking systems in the state, and we’re looking forward to an early opening, regardless of natural snow,” Cohee added regarding the resort, which is to open

I support, and sometimes, I do things she supports,” he added.

Still, one of their biggest challenges has been that they both are extremely independent.

“After a marriage that doesn’t work, it’s very hard to give up things that are important to you,” Liz said, adding that they learned to allow each other the freedom to do things without the other because of it. “I don’t go to him with everything, but when I do, he makes an effort to be involved.”

They enjoy doing things separately, which they say gives them a way of connecting.

“It brings information in that you wouldn’t (have) otherwise had,” Jim said. “I find out all kinds of things … and it’s a way of being interesting to each other.”

The Litners, who are also quite

in early December.

Mammoth Mountain

Location Just over four hours away, located at 10001 Minaret Road in Mammoth.

Info mammothmountain.com/winter or (800) MAMMOTH (626-6684).

Top elevation 11,053 feet Vertical elevation: 3,100 feet With the highest summit elevation in California, Mammoth Mountain averages 400 inches of snow each year and remains open more than half of the year.

“Mammoth is known for its long and legendary seasons,” said Lauren Burke, communications director.

“Last season, we were open for skiing and riding (from early November) until July 28.”

With 25 total lifts and 154 runs, this resort not only offers 3,500 skiable acres, made up primarily of long runs, but also plenty of other winter activities for those who prefer not to ski or snowboard.

Catch a lift up the hill, then bomb

independent, have learned to appreciate the other’s hobbies, finding that though they have different interests, they can often enjoy these activities together.

“These days we’re together more often than not,” Ruby said. “He may not like all of my favorite activities, but he certainly makes an effort.”

Jerry agrees, adding that he loves when he can work on his vintage ‘73 Chevrolet Camaro with Ruby. “She still doesn’t know what the difference is between a channel lock and regular pliers is,” he added, chuckling.

Every relationship is unique, and when it comes to marriage, many have varying opinions, but the one thing seems to be agreed upon by all is to have fun and genuinely love one another.

“We had a lot of fun as young

down the mountain in a tube at Woolly’s Tube Park, then hit the snow play area. You can also take a gondola up to the summit, do some cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, and either rent or take a guided tour on your choice of snowmobile or snowcat.

“Mammoth truly is Southern California’s big mountain home, and it’s the place where we let fun rule,” Burke added.

The resort is now open for the winter season with a projected closing in July 2020. 

people, but this kind of fun is very satisfying,” Liz said.

Jim agrees, adding, “We have a great time doing things together, but the bottom line is I have never doubted (our love). She has made it so clear so often that I am the love of her life, and I have done everything to make it clear to her she is the love of my life.”

Though you can say that you love one another, love is a verb and must be shown through your actions, according to Liz. “When you’re in marriage for the long haul, there are times when it’s not fun, but you don’t stop, you commit,” she added. “I don’t believe there is any marriage that doesn’t run into rocky times, but it gets better. You get stronger and you trust the other person more.” 

N O V E M B E R 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 5

T H I N G S T O D O

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

A

s Halloween décor is packed up and the last of the trick-or-treat candy consumed, the calendar is flipped to the holiday season.

There are many unique fairs, festivals and expos to enjoy during the months of November and December.

From a meet on the beach to a chance to nosh with the Los Angeles Rams, from arts and crafts to camel riding, there’s an event with your name on it!

Nov. 17 through Dec. 15

Weekends 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sawdust Winter Art Festival 935 Laguna Canyon Road Laguna Beach, 92651 Info https://sawdustartfestival.org/ festivals/winter-fantasy/ The Laguna Beach Sawdust Art Festival Winter Fantasy is an annual family friendly event of arts and crafts artisans.

It features 180 artists and makers, three stages of live music, holiday-themed festival classes and

ceramics for all ages. There will be glassblowing and art demonstrations, daily visits with Santa, carolers, balloon arts, a magician, petting zoo, marionette shows, falling snow in the “Towne Square” and more.

Set under a canopy of Eucalyptus trees, the scene is like that of an old English village. Folk music and the smell of sawdust fills the air.

Nov. 17

Meet on the Beach Beach Boulevard, Orange County Info www.meetonbeach.com Slow down and see busy Beach Boulevard from a new perspective during this “open-streets” event spanning seven Orange County cities.

The entire 21-mile highway won’t close, but a cumulative 1.5 miles will car-free during the event in La Habra, Buena Park, Anaheim, Stanton, Garden Grove, Westminster and Huntington Beach.

The event features bike- and pedestrian-friendly activities, live performances, food, giveaways and more at seven pop-up sites along or near Beach Boulevard.

The annual Los Angeles Auto Show will be held at the L.A. Convention Center.

PHOTO COURTESY L.A. AUTO SHOW

Nov. 18

Taste of the Rams Universal Studios Hollywood 100 Universal City Plaza Universal City, 91608 Nov. 18 Info www.lafoodbank.org/events/ taste-of-the-rams-2019/ The fourth annual Taste of the Rams event will feature Los Angeles’ top chefs, and provide an opportunity to mingle with your favorite Los Angeles Rams players and cheerleaders for autographs and meet-and-greets.

This is also a chance to meet Rampage, the Ram’s mascot. The evening will include a live and silent auction, signature appetizers from Top L.A. chefs, specialty cocktails and live entertainment. Charity event to benefit the L.A. Food Bank.

Nov. 22 to Dec. 1

Los Angeles Auto Show L.A. Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St, L.A., 90015 Info https://laautoshow.com The L.A. Auto show highlights automobile innovations in design, luxury, and performance. Check out

hundreds of cars from domestic and international manufacturers. There will be more than 100 new vehicles available for test rides. View custom, exotic and classic autos along with brand new models.

Nov. 29-30 and Dec. 1

Noon-5 p.m.

Pomegranate Days at the Dairy Oasis Camel Dairy 26757 Hwy 78, Ramona, 92065 Located on rural Hwy 78, approximately 9 miles above Ramona.

Between Ramona and Santa Ysabel.

Entrance on the south side of the highway.

Info https://cameldairy.com/ pomegranate-days This may be one of the most unique events in all of Southern California.

The ninth annual Pomegranate Days at the Oasis Camel Dairy is a family friendly experience offering camel rides, pomegranate feeding with friendly camels, bird show, Wild West Turkey Stampede (think of it as the running of the pardoned turkeys), circus, Sheep Town, food, games and more. 

The Wild West Turkey Stampede, considered the “running of the pardoned turkeys” is one of the unique events at Pomegranate Days at Oasis Camel Dairy. COURTESY PHOTO

2 6 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

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very year, millions of American workers enroll in employee benefits through their workplaces during a period known as annual enrollment.

It’s usually a short window of time, but employees make crucial financial decisions for their families for the coming year.

In addition to medical insurance, many employers offer a range of voluntary benefits — those you select and pay for yourself, often by having the cost deducted directly from your paycheck. These voluntary benefits can help bridge the gap between what health insurance covers and what you’re financially responsible for.

In fact, according to a poll of 1,512 full-time U.S. workers conducted by employee benefits company Unum, 49% of working adults plan on enrolling in a high-deductible health plan for the coming benefit year, with Millennials (58%) and Gen Zers (54%) at even higher rates.

“While high-deductible health plans offer lower monthly payments, that can mean more financial responsibility for policyholders when they need to use the benefit,” said personal finance expert Laura Adams. “Combining a high-deductible health plan with a health savings account can offset out-of-pocket costs, but it’s also a good idea to consider voluntary benefits like disability, accident and hospital insurance to further financially protect your family.”

If an accident, illness or injury prevents you from working, disability insurance replaces a portion of your

income. While it may seem unlikely to many they would ever experience a disability, it’s more common than some realize. Based on 2019 information from the Social Security Administration, more than 1 in 4 of today’s 20-year-olds will become disabled before reaching age 67.

Accident and hospital insurance can pay a lump sum directly to you to offset out-of-pocket costs associated with medical care often not covered by health insurance.

Accident insurance can provide financial benefits for urgent care and emergency room visits, ambulance and other transportation to the hospital, initial care and surgery, hospital stays and lodging expenses related to an accident and even follow-up care such as doctor’s visits and physical therapy.

Hospital insurance can pay a benefit directly to you when you are admitted to the hospital. This could include immediate medical costs and travel expenses or to help cover other bills.

Voluntary benefits, policies and details vary, so it’s essential to review your options and discuss with your family before your benefits enrollment begins.

“Investing a little additional time on the front end can help reduce your family’s financial risk down the road,” Adams said. (Family Features) For more information about employee benefits, visit Unum.com/ benefits. 

N O V E M B E R 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 7

Are your lungs trying to tell you something?

D

o you get short of breath doing daily activities?

Feel like you’re unable to take deep breaths? Are you constantly coughing or wheezing?

If you said yes to any of these questions, you may be experiencing symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a serious, potentially devastating lung disease also known as chronic bronchitis or emphysema.

Nearly 16 million people in the U.S. are currently living with a COPD diagnosis, and millions more don’t know they have it. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. and a leading cause of disability.

In people with COPD, the airways that carry air in and out of the lungs become partially blocked, which makes it increasingly difficult to breathe. If left undetected, the disease can greatly affect your quality of life and your ability to complete even ordinary daily activities.

COPD often occurs in people who have a history of smoking or longterm exposure to secondhand smoke and other lung irritants, such as air pollution and dusts from the environment or workplace. The chances of getting COPD also increases significantly in people who have alpha-1

antitrypsin deficiency, a rare genetic condition.

While COPD develops slowly and worsens over time, its symptoms can be treated and its progression can be slowed, which is why early detection and treatment are so important.

If you are noticing any issues with

H E A LT H

your breathing, talk to your health care provider about getting tested for COPD. The sooner you get a diagnosis, the sooner treatment can begin.

The key to keeping COPD at bay — or preventing it from getting worse — is to understand and recognize the signs and symptoms early and discuss them with your health care provider.

The sooner this happens, the sooner you can get back to doing the things you love.

Through educational efforts like the Learn More Breathe Better program (https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/ breathebetter), the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute shares valuable information about the symptoms of COPD, as well as how to diagnose and treat it.

With these tools, those living with COPD can effectively manage the disease, and those who have symptoms can find the support and assistance they need. (Family Features) 

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INTERIORDESIGN

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N O V E M B E R 10, 2019

Creating your own spa oasis

ransforming your bathroom into a personal home spa allows you to come home to a relaxing environment every day. By making space and removing clutter, along with adding decorative touches, you can achieve a stylish spa-like atmosphere in the comfort of your own home.

Whether you enjoy the understated, nature-inspired colors or the calming atmosphere, a spa-like bathroom can be beautiful, welcoming and relaxing. Escape the ordinary with these cabinetry ideas from the experts at Wellborn Cabinet.

Float your vanity

When it’s time to retreat, a spa-like bathroom promises sanctuary in its design. Floating vanities mount directly to the wall, providing more floor space and creating a streamlined look. By mounting the vanity to a wall, the space is broadened, naturally making the bathroom look and feel larger while also allowing the homeowners to customize the height.

Although the aesthetic benefits often come at the cost of limited under-sink storage space, this potential pitfall can be overcome with a customizable U-shaped drawer option designed to fit around the sink plumbing in your bath, allowing you to use all that under-counter space.

Clever, concealed storage

Style and functionality combine in bath cabinets and vanities designed to create your own private retreat where your space is serenely ordered and uncluttered. Common amongst spalike bathroom styling is a clutter-free space, and in doing so, everything

is hidden behind the cabinet doors, making storage solutions vital.

To get the spa-like bathroom look, consider adding organizational solutions like a tiered spice rack, sliding shelves and vanity appliance pullouts from Wellborn Cabinet. A tiered spice rack keeps your cabinets organized and makes your morning routine easier. Sliding shelves can make your mornings less hectic with a gentle pull that brings bath essentials right to you. Conveniently store hairstyling tools in one location without compromising design or space with a vanity appliance pullout.

Incorporate ample lighting

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Design with relaxation in mind; the calm, warmer natural-color tones and ambient lighting help lend a relaxing vibe. Cabinet lighting adds depth, dimension and visual interest to a bathroom. An ideal lighting design goes beyond a centralized ceiling

fixture and includes multiple layers of light.

Lighting in the bathroom is essential; illumination for everyday tasks can make your bath appear larger, add warmth and set the right mood.

It may also be designed to tuck cleanly inside and under cabinets to provide well-placed light without visible fixtures or distracting wires.

Infuse natural elements

Nature can be infused into the design by playing on textures with metals, earthy color tones, the graining in the cabinetry and the addition of a subtle waterfall separating the his-andher vanity to provide a relaxing retreat.

For example, Wellborn Cabinet’s Biscotti Cherry and Terra Oak embossed melamine show off the wood-graining to highlight the natural aspects of the wood. (Family Features) For more bathroom remodeling ideas, visit wellborn.com. 

N O V E M B E R 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 9

HOMEIMPROVEMENT

Requirements before installing speed bumps

By Robert Lamoureux Signal Contributing Writer

vehicles, plus speed limitations they’d also be restricted to for safety.

Once you have Fire Department approval, you can move forward, but noting the above about signage, as well as painting of the speed bumps, so they are identifiable.

You’ll want to reduce your homeowners association liability for damages as much as possible, and this will include you notifying all residents and visitors at least 30 days prior to install, that there will be traffic changes and that speed bumps will be

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installed. This gives everyone adequate opportunity to be forewarned of the upcoming changes, and with the signage that should go up ahead of the bumps, they are then fairly warned and cannot hold the HOA responsible for their vehicle damage.

Be sure to note the effective date on the signs, and send this via email to all owners, too. Photograph the before and after areas and keep all progress documented, especially the notifications. You want to be able to show that you gave adequate notifica-

SHOWER DOOR SPECIALIST

18 20

Speed bumps Robert, Thank you for all of your insight.

I’m on the board of directors for a gated community in the Santa Clarita Valley, and lately the high-speed traffic in our community has gotten out of hand.

We recently had a child injured due to this speed, and we are looking to put in speed bumps now.

Are we supposed to follow the same rules as the city when installing them or because we are a private gated community, can we design and designate the placement and type of speed bumps that we feel best for our community?

We need to do this as soon as possible, we want the children and families safe and to get this speeding under control. What are the requirements for us?

— Alvin M. Alvin, You are inviting both residents and others in the community to your association, so you will definitely be required to install signage noting the speed bumps, and all caution signs associated with them.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department will need to be your first contact, you’ll have to get them approved by the Fire Department first, due to emergency services and their

The Los Angeles County Fire Department will need to be your first contact, you’ll have to get them approved by the Fire Department first, due to emergency services and their vehicles, plus speed limitations they’d also be restricted to for safety.

tions, so you’ve done the right thing.

Sign height is important so be sure to do all of your homework for each aspect prior to committing, and then you’ll have a safer neighborhood. You can always put a call or visit in to the city of Santa Clarita’s Building and Safety Department, staff there can also guide you on the steps to take.

Good luck, Robert

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3 0 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

N O V E M B E R 10, 2019

TIMERANGER

Drunks, Buffalo Tom & our Evil Green Agency

R

Markely. The tiny airport was used as an emergency strip for when Glendale was fogged in.

ight off the bat, check your holsters and ammo. We’re going to capture Buffalo Tom for perpetrating one of the biggest train robberies in American history. That safely accomplished, we’ve some pretty birds to ponder, we’ll say hello to the Shepherd of the Hills, work on our penmanship and sing the Hart High Fight Song. Yes. Even you people from Canyon …

NOV. 10, 1939

WAY BACK WHEN & THEN SOME

• Of, by and for the birds Castaic used to be a major migratory bird area, with hundreds of different species stopping by to water up, rest and nest. On Nov. 18, 1849, famed wildlife painter John Woodhouse Audubon (son of ornithologist John James Audubon) spent a week here, sketching birds.

• Homesteading the rocks Hard to believe, but Vasquez Rocks used to be private property and someone’s ranch. The very first homestead of 160 acres to the otherworldly rocky vistas was deeded on Nov. 11, 1898, to Mrs. Bertha Wilkens. A little trivia? In the 1950s, Vasquez Rocks temporarily belonged to a developer, who was going to paint “The Rocks” in mile-high lettering ON the scenic treasure.

NOV. 10, 1919

• The giver getteth Pastor Evans did a lot of giving during his career and it was a treat that the good Presbyterian minister was on the receiving end. Evans had gotten into a serious accident in which his steering locked up and he went over a cliff in Agua Dulce. One of his parishioners bought him a brand-new Model T so he could make his rounds of prayer and comfort.

NOV. 10, 1929

• The Great Saugus Train Robbery Today is the very day of the 90th anniversary of the most spectacular train derailment robberies in American history. “Buffalo” Tom Vernon, an unemployed trick rider and cowpoke, derailed the West Coast Limited at 7:45 p.m. right behind the Baker Ranch (which today is Saugus Speedway). “Buff ” had loosened several yards of track behind where Del Taco is today, watch the train flip over, then calmly walked aboard. Pos-

ing at first as a train official, Vernon walked among the injured passengers, pretending to help. Then, he pulled out a pistol and proceeded to liberate them of their valuables before disappearing into the night.

Vernon was a pathological liar and claimed to be the product of if not a broken home, a dead one. He claimed to be the son of a gambler/saloon owner and Cattle Kate, who ran a brothel in Carbon County, Wyoming.

Later, Michael Cimino would make one of the biggest bombs in Hollywood history based on the old tale. It was called “Heaven’s Gate.”

• Back to the train robbery it wasn’t hard figuring out who derailed the 5000-series locomotive and the cars behind it. Sheriff ’s deputies backtracked his trail to a rail equipment shed and a letter that had slipped out of Vernon’s back pocket as he was crouching by the tracks. Buffalo (who also claimed to be friends with Buffalo Bill) was caught a few weeks later in Wyoming after derailing another train and dropping ANOTHER letter with his name on it plus his intentions to visit a girlfriend/hooker three weeks hence. He was arrested at the prostitute’s room without incident, tried, convicted and given life in prison. They let him out of Folsom in 1964, a frail and elderly man.

The train wreck site, by the way, became a large tourist attraction for the next week as work crews labored to remove the monster engine and cars and rebuild the wrecked tracks.

• Newhall International Airport Workers were busy at Newhall International Airport, constructing a house, tool shed and office for personnel and equipment. The house was for a full-time caretaker, one J.E.

• A stone cold crime The Newhall Ice House was robbed on this date.

Seven bucks in change was swiped.

• Outdoor wisdom Don’t eat that pretty brownish-yellow fungus that grows near oak stumps. Period. R.E. Galbreath did and found it quite delicious until several hours later when he woke with severe stomach convulsions, a cold sweat and hallucinations.

• Another perforated hunter These Time Ranger treks would be a mite shorter if it weren’t for the near weekly misadventures of nimrod hunters and shootists. On this date, Tom Duddleson was walking a few feet in front of his father on a quail hunting safari. Some birds erupted from the shrubbery and Tom’s dad started firing, hitting his teen son square in the butt with birdshot. The lad was sewn up by our own version of Medicine Woman, Dr. Sarah Murray. As the good doc said: “The boy will be taking his meals on the mantle for the next few weeks.”

NOV. 10, 1949

• Always kidding the digger Ed “Digger” Hilburn, town mortician and practical joker extraordinaire, was taking a lot grief a half-century back. His wife, Peggy, took over ownership of the Lulu Belle Dress Shop on the main drag. Alleged friends of Digger were accusing him of building her inventory from a lot of dead and heretofore clothed bodies.

• Got the time? Bill and Rose Anna Lechler celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. They had settled on their Oak Canyon Piru ranch in 1889.

Their grandchildren run the Lechler Historic Museum in Piru. Bill’s uncle, by the way, H.T. Hazard, was mayor of Los Angeles from 1889 to 1892.

Out Piru way, H.T. once built a perpetual motion time machine that was powered by the rotation of the Earth.

NOV. 10, 1959

• On to victory Hart High Indians … Hart teaching legend Cecil “Good Child” Sims penned another hit tune, this being the new fight song for the Indians. The frail government teacher also composed Hart’s alma mater,

which is still being sung today.

NOV. 10, 1969

• A country divided Vice President Spiro T. Agnew came out with a stinging rebuke of anyone who would protest the Vietnam War, calling them “un-American rotten apples who should be discarded.” A rather prophetic Signal editorial said it was Agnew who was un-American and that perhaps someday, HE should be discarded. You always read it first in TMS. Interestingly over the hill, San Fernando Mayor Phil Jones (who spoke at a Newhall Park anti-war demonstration) was turned away at his own city’s Veterans Day ceremony, put on by the American Legion. Jones was against the Vietnam War but he was also a decorated World War II hero.

NOV. 10, 1979

• Shoulda hung ‘em when we had the chance The drama of the little green district with the giant name continued. Members of the Northwest Los Angeles County Resources Conservation District had been elected to office on the promise they would dissolve the district that did nothing. The bunch was a collection of oddballs, from an actual institutionalized mental patient to one member who showed up to meetings with open cans of malt liquor in his back pocket. The NWLACRCD infuriated locals by initiating a local tax to fund their fact-finding vacation to Washington even when they had $200,000 in the bank. The bureaucrats were famous for buying themselves all manner of luxuries, from new cars to trips to Europe. Despite tons of bad publicity, fistfights at meetings and waste, it took years to disband the agency.

Drat. Wish we could just spend the entire week together. Thanks for the good company, saddlepals. What say.

See you next Sunday with another exciting Time Ranger adventure? I vote yes. 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 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3 1

SENIORLIVING

Tips for a healthy road trip

CALL 661.200.9470 TODAY! to schedule your FREE hearing screening with our Exact Match Hearing Process™

W

hen thinking about road trips, you might envision college kids heading on adventures, but older adults take road trips, too, according to a recent survey by Cigna.

Travel is a top priority for 37% of older adult respondents in the survey.

In fact, more than 30% said they take three or more trips annually.

With automobiles topping the list of older adults’ favorite ways to travel, Cigna is offering helpful tips for heading out on the highway.

Get shut-eye The National Sleep Foundation recommends people 65 years and older get seven to eight hours sleep nightly. Unfortunately, 17% of older adults responding to the survey indicated they have trouble maintaining sleep schedules when traveling. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 91,000 crashes occurred in 2017 due to drowsy driving, resulting in 50,000 injuries and nearly 800 deaths.

Repeated yawning is the first warning sign that it’s time to pull over and rest.

Stretch your legs Some long-distance travelers are at risk of a potentially dangerous condition called deep vein thrombosis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Though you should talk to your doctor if you feel you’re at risk, it’s a good idea for everyone to take breaks to stretch and walk around.

Keep eyes healthy Good eyesight is critical to safe driving. Before long trips, make sure you’ve had an eye exam and your prescription is up-to-

date. Many Medicare Advantage plans cover annual eye exams and glasses.

Prioritize safety Twelve percent of older adults responding to the survey said they travel alone. Solo travelers should prioritize safety. Tell friends and family your route, destination and when to expect you. Also, check in occasionally so they know your trip is progressing well.

Eat healthfully Twenty-six percent of traveling seniors have difficulty eating healthfully while traveling, according to the survey. Avoid stocking the car with junk food. Instead, pack nutritious snacks, like fruits and vegetables. Plan ahead, finding restaurants with healthy fare along your route. If you have to eat fast food, make healthy choices like salads. Finally, drink water instead of soda. It’s healthier and will better hydrate you.

Pack prescriptions According to the Cigna survey, 96% of senior travelers get a large enough prescription supply to last the entire trip. One way to do this is by getting a 90-day fill.

Write down your medication schedule and the names and numbers of your doctors and pharmacy in case you need them. Always carry medications in their original labeled containers to prevent anyone from mistaking them for other substances.

“Travel is an important part of older adults’ independence,” says Shannon Adams, who leads the Cigna customer experience team that completed the travel survey. “With a little planning and by knowing their limits, they can reach their destinations in good health.” (Statepoint) 

HEAR ALL THE DETAILS IN DETAIL • Misunderstanding people?

• Turning the TV volume up?

• Cannot hear high pitched sounds?

• Asking people to repeat themselves?

• Having difficulties on the telephone?

• Speaking loudly?

FACING HEARING PROBLEMS? WE CAN HELP YOU!!

Nola Aronson’s Advanced Audiology is the largest diagnostic hearing center in Santa Clarita, and leader of advanced technology and invisible hearing solutions.

We donate a portion of all our hearing aid proceeds to non-profits in our community.

Nola Aronson, M.A., CCC-A

scvadvancedaudiology.com 661.200.9470 23822 VALENCIA BLVD. | SUITE 103 | VALENCIA

32 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

N O V E M B E R 10, 2019

GARDENING

A Santa Clarita gardening guide for November

By Jane Gates Signal Staff Writer

H

ere comes cooler weather and the holiday season.

November landscapes not only offer plenty of gardening jobs to do, but this is a perfect month to take a little time out to relax in the garden.

But first, I will repeat myself about how your landscape can help defend your home. As we have once again experienced, you can never be too prepared for wildfires. Keep your landscape pruned back and clean of blowing refuse to avoid breeding pests and building up material that could ignite in a wildfire. After decades living in Santa Clarita I just had my first chance to experience the stress of running before a wildfire – even in a built-up area. No one is immune!

Designing and maintaining a fire-conscious landscape can make your home more beautiful, more fun and productive — and safer!

If you haven’t already done so, make sure you set back your irrigation controllers. The days are short, most plants are going dormant or semi-dormant and temperatures are cooling. Your garden needs much less water than it did in the summer.

Check out all the fun new introductions in the growing world and consider experimenting with some plant varieties you’ve never grown.

Try FlowerKisser™ After Midnight English Lavender or a new variety of the California Monardella villosa: Coyote Mint ‘Russian River’. Check out lots more at your favorite garden center and page through the new seed and plant catalogs online or in print.

Consider developing an unused piece of your property or renovating an existing part of the garden.

November is a perfect time of the 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

Manya Prybyla CalBRE #01920105

year to plan and build in your landscape design. The weather is cooler for working and professional help is more readily available than during the spring rush.

Start planting hardy plants and fill bare areas with native flower seed. Scatter wildflower seeds just before predicted rains so they will get a good start before the wildlife gobbles them up.

Continue to plant onion and garlic sets and other cool season crops like peas, cabbage, broccoli, Swiss chard and Chinese greens. Root crops like beets, radishes and carrots can be seeded now, too.

Feed fish in ponds with winter food when water reaches 60 degrees and stop feeding them altogether when water temperatures fall below 50. Remove delicate water plants to a frost-free location. We haven’t had any real icy cold nights for the last few years, but they have been normal to our area in the past, so don’t get lulled by recent warmth.

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Spread a layer of mulch over gardens to protect roots from cold nights and to hold in moisture from rain and irrigation.

Start pruning and trimming woody plants and roses so they are in good shape to start new growth by the end of the winter.

This is a good time of year to design replacements for water-thirsty lawns with more decorative, easier-care drought-resistant gardens.

You could also add vegetable or herb gardens, permeable paving for play, sports or pets, or useful areas like patios, or sport courts.

Have fun decorating your landscape for the holidays, but keep safety in mind at all times. The holidays can be ideal times to put the garden to work for outdoor barbecues, visiting family or just a place to sneak out for a little rest and relaxation when stress starts to build up. Let your garden pay you back for all the work you’ve put into it over the year. 

Dean Cox

RE/MAX of Valencia CalBRE #01331788

Santa Clarita Valley

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661-644-6120

N O V E M B E R 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 33

LAS VEGAS STUNNER!!

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26710 Oak Branch Circle, Newhall, CA 91321

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24106 Lyons Ave, Newhall CA

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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.

$1,499,000 8072 Cuddy Valley Road in Frazier Park

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$1,099,000

35356 Sierra Vista Dr, Agua Dulce 91390

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www.MarilynMerlotinSCV.com MarilynMerlot@sbcglobal.net

34 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

N O V E M B E R 10, 2019

19614 Green Mountain, Santa Clarita

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N O V E M B E R 10, 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

BLACK&WHYTE

SCV Veterans‘ Stories, and The High School Football the Debt We Owe Them Playoff Heist of 2019

By The Signal Editorial Board

E

very veteran has a story.

That includes the many veterans who call the Santa Clarita Valley home. They exemplify the sense of honor, service and patriotism that courses through our community.

The SCV is home to veterans from all branches of the service and from a wide variety of eras, from World War II to Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War, Iraq and Afghanistan — and everything in between.

Some of their stories are downright dramatic — from the World War II sailor who fired on a German sub, which was captured and helped the Allies crack German code, to the Vietnam vet who came under enemy fire while standing watch in the middle of the night, to the Iraq war vet who watched as Scud missiles were fired upon his encampment, but thankfully they were taken out by Patriot missile batteries.

These are just a few of the real stories of Santa Clarita Valley veterans, their dedication and their sacrifices.

And, despite their varied ages and experiences, there are common threads that tie all of their stories together.

Duty. Honor. Service. Love of country.

To a man and woman, talk to a local veteran and odds are that he or she mentions those values. All of them, willing to risk life and limb in the interest of preserving and protecting the freedoms we all enjoy.

Whatever the trials and tribulations they may have endured, none of them seem to regret their commitment. And for that, we owe them our gratitude and admiration.

Monday is Veterans Day. Unless you work for a government institution, you probably don’t have the day off.

But we hope you’ll take a moment to reflect, and if you have the opportunity, thank a veteran, on behalf of all of us. 

READERLETTERS

Kill the Monsters After reading “ISIS Isn’t Dead” (Nov. 6, letters to the editor), my response is, “What?”

Using Lois Eisenberg’s logic, the rational and moral citizens of the world should NOT have pursued and killed Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, Hitler, or Osama Bin Laden.

We should have let them continue to go their merry way, killing innocent people, assuming that their successors “will come

The top three teams in each league are still assured of a playoff spot, although with ther than the leagues having teams NFL, football playing in different has always had a divisions, I’m sure that weird way of choosing its involves an algorithm champions and playoff that would give Bill teams.

Gates a conniption.

In a sport where there’s Here in the Santa a clear winner and loser at the end of each game, based on the Clarita Valley, we have our own scoreboard, we have playoff brackets six-team league consisting of the six local public schools that play varsity that bear a greater resemblance to football. “judged” sports, like gymnastics or Except, those six schools are in figure skating. five different divisions. Valencia, the The college football playoff comes perennial local powerhouse thanks to mind: The top four teams that to the fact that all of make the playoff are the valley’s best playdetermined by rankers take advantage of ings, not necessarily In a sport where loose transfer rules the actual standings there’s a clear so they can study or who wins which Mandarin or whatevconference. winner and loser er, is in Division 2 for And here locally, purposes of playoffs. we have something at the end of each I’m kidding, of almost unbearably course.

Sort of. similar: the CIF game, based on the Hart, the erstwhile Southern Section scoreboard, we have local powerhouse, is playoffs. in Division 4.

Historically, each Saugus is in Divihigh school football playoff brackets sion 5, Golden Valley league was in a divi- that bear a greater is in Division 6, while sion. There would be Division 7 Canyon four or five leagues resemblance to and West Ranch are in a division, and if the only local schools “judged” sports, like you finished in the that share the same top three in your gymnastics or figure division. league, you were If you’re not conassured a spot in the skating. fused yet, stay with playoffs. me.

I’ll get you there.

Even then, there This year, as is the were “at large” bids norm, Valencia and its SCV all-star in which a fourth-place team could squad went 5-0 in league.

They’re in sneak into the playoffs. the Division 2 playoffs.

But a few years back, the CIF Here’s where it gets murky. shuffled the deck. Now, schools are Hart (6-4), West Ranch (8-2) and placed in divisions based not on their Golden Valley (8-2) finished in a league, but their individual track three-way tie for second in the Footrecord of strength and success (and, of course, subjective judgment).

See WHYTE, page 36

By Tim Whyte Signal Editor

up with new ways to carry out their horrific acts of terrorism.”

What?

WHAT? Kill these monsters and sort it out later! Thank God for the U.S. military!

Pat Lanphere, Saugus 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.

O

3 6 · S U N D AY S I G N A L

N O V E M B E R 10, 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

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

D R AW I N G CO N C LU S I O N S R I C K M C K E E

In Search of Friends — and Being a Good Friend

S

omeone has rightly said that a true friend is one who walks in when everyone else is walking out. In most areas of life, tragedy and trial bring truth to the surface. Your true character is best seen in the worst of situations, when the facade falls away and you no longer can hide who you are. When it comes to friendships, hard times bring out the reality of the relationship.

So, here’s a hard question. Do you have friends? I don’t mean acquaintances or peers or teammates. I mean people who really know who you are, down deep, and love you anyway. Folks who will walk in when others are walking out. I hope you do because life in this broken world was never meant to be lived in isolation, and the inevitable times of suffering and distress are simply overwhelming without the support and love of true friends.

But an even bigger question is this: What kind of friend are you?

In the biblical book of Proverbs there are quite a few thoughts on the nature of real friendship. One is found in Prov. 18.24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Imagine that. There is a level of friendship that can rival, or even surpass the relationship between siblings.

It would do us well to consider just what the nature of such a friendship looks like.

In this short column we can’t explore this in depth, but here are a few thoughts.

First, a true friend always has the other person’s best interests in mind.

That means when your friend’s life is leaking in some way, you don’t just turn your head and pretend it isn’t happening. You find a way to address the problem when it is small, with a sense

of true compassion and help rather than criticism.

A true friend is also going to be a great defense attorney when the situation calls for defending another’s honor. Ethical friendship demands we think the best of our friends when gossip and innuendo start casting aspersions on their character. And if there are real problems, we address them to our friend and never engage in the gossip ourselves.

Ethical friendship also means honesty in every area. We speak the truth, expect to hear the truth, and act with integrity toward one another. Nothing will cause the friendship to wither faster than deceit.

Friendship that binds hearts together, even in stressful times, is also known for its sacrificial service and generosity. Perhaps the greatest demonstration of friendship is the willingness to give to, and serve another person, at great personal expense.

These simple thoughts only scratch the surface of what real ethical friendship looks like, but it can start us thinking. My hope is that you have friends like this, but even more important is the necessity to be a friend like this.

The idea of friendship is as old as humanity itself. It is seen in the biblical call to love our neighbor as we love ourselves, and is exemplified in the fact that Jesus is said to have laid down his life for his friends.

As our society continues moving down the path of selfishness, with all its divisive consequences, may we recover the beauty, strength and nobility of having and being good friends.

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

WHYTE

Continued from page 35

hill League with identical 3-2 league records.

Guess how they decided which ones got into the playoffs?

That’s right. A coin flip.

Might as well put a blindfold on each coach, spin him around three times and play pin the tail on the donkey.

Golden Valley, now fourth in the Foothill League thanks to the CIF slot machine, went 3-2 in league and 8-2 overall. But based on coin flips, they were out of the playoffs.

Saugus was fifth in league at 1-4 and 4-6 overall, so it’s no surprise that my Centurions are out of the playoff picture. Get ’em next year, boys.

And Canyon, bringing up the rear in the Foothill League at 0-5, and with a 2-3 nonleague record for an overall 2-8, sneaked into the playoffs.

It would make Ocean’s 11 proud.

There, on the outside looking in, is Golden Valley, 8-2 and not playing in the playoffs. One team, 8-2. The other, 2-8. And the 2-8 team gets in.

This is what stands for justice in the CIF?

As this is being written, the firstround games haven’t been played yet, but one thing is certain: Saugus, not deserving a playoff spot, didn’t get one. Canyon, also not deserving a playoff spot, got one — but I still wish them luck. The system isn’t their fault.

And Golden Valley, clearly deserving with an .800 winning percentage, was left out.

Observers mumbled some things about strength of schedule and whatnot, but that doesn’t address the central question. We’re still “ranking” teams based on subjective opinions and the football equivalent of Russian roulette.

Bring on the East German Olympic judges...

Even IF it’s a strength of schedule argument, the Foothill League is a murderer’s row. If strength of schedule counts, then that gauntlet — especially Hart, West Ranch and Valencia — should offset any cupcakes that were on the Golden Valley nonleague schedule.

In a sport with a scoreboard, there’s got to be a better way.

Tim Whyte is editor of The Signal.

His column appears Sundays. On Twitter: @TimWhyte. 

N O V E M B E R 10, 2019

Give your mind a workout with these brainy exercises!

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N O V E M B E R 10, 2019

THE VILLAGE IDIOT

Cutting the cord

By Jim Mullen Signal Contributing Writer

L

ike many people, I was fed up with paying a monthly cable bill for 200 channels that I will never watch. If I made a list of all the hit shows I have never seen — all the cage-fighting tournaments I have never watched, all the shopping channels I’ve clicked through on my way to find something ever-so-slightly more entertaining — it would be as thick as a phone book.

Whoops! Showing my age. My editor just asked me, “What’s a phone book?”

So I canceled my huge cable contract and subscribed to a streaming service for less than half the price. It gives me the major local networks plus a slew of basic “cable” channels, and it records shows and movies for free. Best of all, it doesn’t charge me box rental fees, box rental taxes, fees for sending me a paper bill, executive sexual harassment settlement fees, Washington lobbyist fees or any of the other bogus charges cable TV is famous for. The ones that turn your “only $60 a month!” into a $99 bill.

And, oh yeah: I can cancel anytime, no contract. It was like going from an old landline phone to a smartphone overnight.

Still, it doesn’t have everything. I couldn’t see all the new movies — the ones that show up on Netflix and HBO about two months after they flop at the movie theater. Why rush out to go see a movie on the big screen, when you can just wait a few weeks and see it on your own big screen at home? And at home, you don’t even have to turn off your cellphone, or miss anything when you need to make a nature call. Just put it on pause. Plus, you’re saving the price of movie tickets, popcorn and gas.

So I added Netflix and HBO. But even those don’t have everything, so I subscribed to another service. And after a few weeks, yet another one.

Why not? After all, the subscriptions were still much less than my old cable bill.

For some reason, no one seems

to carry PBS, so add another $10 a month. But I’m still saving money. If I subscribed to the top seven streaming services, it would cost me about $80 a month, which would still be less than my monthly cable bill.

But now I’m back to paying for a lot of shows I will never watch.

Every day, I seem to spend more time searching for shows to watch than I spend watching shows. Am I that picky? I don’t think so — after all, I just wasted an hour watching videos of a cute Japanese cat who runs and hides in boxes on YouTube. If that doesn’t prove I will watch almost anything, I don’t know what does.

There is a school of thought that having more choices is almost worse than having too few. Were we happier when there were only three channels on television? Were we happier when the only news on TV was the half-hour nightly broadcast? Were we happier before video recording, when you had to be at home at a certain time to watch your favorite show?

Were we happier when there was only one TV in the whole house — a huge console that sat in the living room?

Were we better off when the family had to vote on which show we would all watch together?

It’s as if for every new thing, every new technology, we give up something old, whether it was valuable or not.

And the bad news is that I’m not really saving any money with all my changes. I had to upgrade my internet connection to be able to stream all these additional services. And many of the new movies I want to see are available, but only for a price over and above the monthly fee.

You don’t have to be a genius to figure out that soon, anything you really, really want to watch — the Olympics, the playoffs for your favorite sport, a special awards show or event — will cost you extra. In fact, it’s already started.

Contact Jim Mullen at mullen.jim@ gmail.com. 

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LA VAU, A6 ate search to find him and the long Signal Staff Writer The dog was plucked from the wild environs Santa Cla road to recovery.

National Forest by the very peorita’ Angeles s rate ecli the state of the On Saturday, she and her father A nationa ave trained psesanimals. in helping two-bedroom of 2.1 as well asple rage held a book-signing at The Open week indi l study released percent,an employee the cate in Santa Heather nationaGraham, is $2,564, of Wildlife growth rate s Santa Clarita’s this of 1.4 percent, Book store on Soledad Canyon l average Clarita and a Road, Little Tujunga Station but 0.2 percent, is $1,995.Canyon one-bedroom has decon now at 4.1 from year to yearrent compared Way Road at Whites Canyon Road. reas sepThis mar mountains dow to last winds edthrough way creasethe month,itsonli ks a $4 in- cent, accordin n by 0.04 per“My dad is very humble,” Kerr from last percent, a slight decl is renting platwhich forfrom Sunland, two-bed Valley g to the site ne form month’s 4.9 Clarita Santa the ine reve Salv arating $3 Apa Onl room iati, an increase rtment List y 21 of said Monday. “He was so excited aled Monda . s and percent. the rough for terrain. by itself y. the puppy from in one-bedrooma ies in Americthe 100 largest cit- housing eco Apartment List The July spotted to see people at the book signing.

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Station, said Monday.

She said of the book-signing: See RENT, “She followed the dog and waited until she “I was very excited that there was A6 the of side the to over pull to place safe a found traffic coming in and out and (that road,” she said. “She jumped out and the dog there was) a buzz about our book. ran off a bit. But, she was able to calm her (BelThis book has touched a lot of la) down and put her in the car. And, then she lives. brought her here.”

“My main purpose has alThe dog, found within 24 hours of the crash, ways been to share with people, it when hungry and was described as dehydrated to forgive and also be forgiven

By Brenno to safety. brought was n Dixs and, most of all, learn to forgive on Signal Staff Rescuers at the Way Station found the dog’s Writer yourself.” to them for arranged owner on social media and Signal file photo After hea pick up the dog. his fight ring about Carter operator watches as a Toyota Corolla reaches the surface afA tow truck

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SignalSCV.

XX°/XX° 84°/59°

A tale of two rescues

Missing puppy found after having run away from scene of crash; animal was hungry, dehydrated when saved

7 years later, crash survivor glad to be alive at daughter’s book-signing

Faith City’s re nt growth Coupons rate abo ve state average Home Improvement Business News Hy It’s the Law Column Hotel plaansttot joins Carter’s donate event proc fight SCV’s child’s ba eeds to tr Right Here Right Now ttl Sanf ilipp e against to the g ibute o syndrome reats Concer ts Color Comics in th e set to retu Pa rk serie rn to Cent ra

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19 9 1 d e h s i l b Esta

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Santa Cla Opinion

Hotel plans to donate event proceeds to child’s battle against Sanfilippo syndrome

. . . . A4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

USA TOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

AY . . . . . . A6 Spo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A7 . . A9 . . . . . . .

Classifie . . . . . . . ds . . . . .

B1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B3

By Brennon Dixson Signal Staff Writer

After hearing about Carter Sarkar, his fight with Sanfilippo syndrome and the recent million-dollar movement to fund his clinical trial, the Hyatt Regency Valencia has announced that it will donate every dollar from its upcoming fireworks viewing event to the young boy from Castaic.

“Our entire staff was deeply moved by the article in Saturday’s paper regarding Carter Sarkar and the fight to save him from Sanfilippo syndrome,” said Natasha Zambrano, sales coordinator at Hyatt Regency Valencia. “We at Hyatt would like to contribute to this fight by offering our parking structure to the community to watch fireworks this upcoming Fourth of July.”

Children who are diagnosed with Sanfilippo syndrome will likely

See CONCER

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Austin Dave/The Signal (See additional photos at signalscv.com)

home In this May 2017 photo, Jennifer Sarkar carries her son Carter to a to get on Ponderosa Street in Castaic. The Sarkar family raised $978,467 a clinical trial that might help Carter’s fight against Sanfilippo syndrome. develop muscle pains, experience seizures and then, ultimately, die in their mid-to late-teens, said Jennifer Sarkar, Carter’s mother.

As a result, the family held a fundraiser in the past month with the goal to donate a million dollars to the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Cure Sanfilippo Foundation, which

would fund a clinical trial that could give Carter a chance at life.

“Over the years the structure has been a gathering place to have an unobstructed view of the festivities (and fireworks) from Six Flags,” Zambrano said.

INDEX

Weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A4 Lottery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A6 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A7

USA TODAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A9 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B3

SCV’s tribute to the greats

Concerts in the Park series set to return to Central Park

By Danielle Korzhenyak For The Signal

The crowd-pleasing Concerts in the Park series returns to Santa Clarita for a music-filled summer, starting this weekend at Central Park.

Concerts in the Park are free public events put on by the city of Santa Clarita every Saturday night from July 7 until Aug. 25. The shows start at 7 p.m.

Get ready to break out your lawn chairs and blankets, grab some tasty snacks from local vendors onsite and listen to some of your favorite genre tribute bands coming to the Saugus park.

Here’s a breakdown of each band performing at Concerts in the Park:

July 7

Wanted, a Bon Jovi tribute band, is first up in the lineup of Concerts in the Park. Based out of Los Angeles, the band is made up of professional musicians.

The rock ’n’ roll group had immense success, playing to sold out venues and garnering rave reviews. Wanted was finally created after numerous requests from agents and promoters who worked with the band on other projects.

See CONCERTS, A8

See CARTER, A6

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