Sunday Signal Dec. 2, 2018 by Signal

Gift Guide Inside! DECEMBER 2, 2018

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Lighting up the Santa Clarita Valley Page 5 Grocery Coupons Inside! Your News, Entertainment & Lifestyle Source

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Mattresses Mon-Fri 9am-8pm Sat 9am-8pm Sun 9am-8pm Financing O.A.C. *No interest will be charged on promo purchase and equal monthly payments are required equal0 to initial promo purchase amount divided equally by the number of months in promo period until promo is paid in full. The equal montly payment will be rounded to the next highest whole dollar and may be higher than theminimum payment that would be required if the purchase was a non-promotional purchase. Regular account terms apply to non-prmotional purchases, for new accounts. Minimum interest charge is $2. Existing cardholders should see their credit card agreement for their applicable terms. Subject to credit approval. Minimum purchase for 60 month is $3000. Other finance offers available. Finance offer ends 12-5-18. all advertised items are limited to available stock. All bedroom sets do not include a mattress set. Once sale item runs out no rain check. Sale ends 12-5-2018

D E C E M B E R 2, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

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D E C E M B E R 2, 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS NEWS FEATURES

NEWS OF THE WEEK

5 The Wakefield Winter Wonderland 7 Join The Signal’s Holiday Homes Tour 8 Elijah’s brave battles 9 10 10 11 11

SCV resident has Mars InSight Working fast to detect heart attacks Child & Family Center’s new member Westfield announces $20 million in upgrades Resident shares scam warning

CITY MANAGER

12 Deck the halls, but protect your property

BUSINESS 13 13 A new way to scoot around Santa Clarita

REAL ESTATE

SPORTS

14 This week in real estate 15 No secret to Saugus’ cross country success

CALENDAR 16 TIME RANGER 17 18 OPINION 18 Our View • David Hegg • Tim Whyte

HOME IMPROVEMENT

KIDS & FAMILY

1 Your Home Improvement 2 22 New tech in home-building 22 How to make your home safer 3 Donna’s Day: Potato latkes aren’t just for Hanukkah 2 24 The hottest toys this Christmas

SCHOOL 25

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Happy Holidays

25 School menu 25 How to advocate for your kids

ENTERTAINMENT 26 6 Nancy Wilson of Heart coming to Canyon Santa Clarita 2 27 An Arcane escape in Newhall

GIFT GUIDE 28 FOOD 30 30 A bit of the South in the SCV 31 Food gifts for the holidays

FASHION & BEAUTY

2 Tips for buying clothes as a gift 3 32 Booties season is here

GARDENING 34 34 Gardening with Jane Gates

SENIORS 35 35 FivePoint gives big gift to help Senior Center

PROFILE 36 36 Del Hickman: helping hands for Castaic schools

THINGS TO DO

38 Family-friendly holiday activities in and around the SCV

BRAIN GAMES Games • Crossword • Village Idiot

38 41

SUNDAY SIGNAL SignalSCV.com

Richard Budman Perry Smith Tim Whyte Brad Lanfranco Doña Uhrig Karen Bennett • Matt Boyle • Abner Gutierrez

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

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

661-259-1234 On the cover: PHOTO BY PERRY SMITH / THE SIGNAL

D E C E M B E R 2, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

S C V F E AT U R E

An SCV Christmas noel on Wakefield Lane

Left and Above: Kullen Welch lashes down the inflatable pigs in his yard on Wakefield Court in Santa Clarita in preparation for the 2018 Holiday Celebrations and Light Displays in the SCV. ALL PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

eing one of the “original families” still involved in the Saugus neighborhood tradition, the Lucero-Haggart household has set up for the Wakefield Lane Winter Wonderland since 1993. “We had only six handmade (icicle strands) that first year,” said Cindee Haggart. “It was cold as heck that day, but one of our neighbors had an outdoor heater. So, we ordered some pizzas, brought over some champagne and all got together.” And while sitting on their neighbors’ driveway nearly three decades ago, one person spotted something unusual coming down the street. “This car came by, and it was just slowly driving … And I go, ‘You’re kidding me!’” said Haggart. “No one used to come down our street cause we were the last (streets) on Copper Hill at that time.” Haggart went on to say that the movie “Field of Dreams” had been recently released, and those gathered around the communal driveway heater joked, “If we build it, they will come.”

Taking the joke to heart, the residents of Wakefield Lane decided to work together in December 1994, and see what they could possibly create in terms of Christmas decorations and lights on their street. “It just kind of turned into a block party,” said Haggart. “More and more people started to come, and we all got to know each other better, and it became a good time.” Over the last quarter-century, what began between a few families has developed into the Wakefield “Winter Wonderland,” a fictional North Pole suburb open to all Santa Clarita residents. What started as a single car in one year grew to thousands for a single night. Two pizzas between a couple families grew into 40 families holding a community potluck. Six homemade icicle strands with a couple hundred lights have grown to hundreds with thousands of lights connecting their neighborhood.

‘Winter Wonderland’

And while some of the original members of the driveway group from the 1993 group have moved away, the Wakefield Lane spirit of holiday ca-

maraderie has kept the tradition alive. Over the years, more and more neighbors have joined, with 41 Wakefield Lane houses and families ornamenting their front lawns with their own individual Christmas and holiday themes. Some houses imitate fairy-tales, while others pay tribute to favorite sports teams. A couple mimic passages from classic yuletide poems, such as “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Strands of “icicles” hang between the houses, streetlights are dressed as giant candy canes and a sign hangs over the street’s entrance welcoming sightseers to the “Wakefield Winter Wonderland.” But as anyone will tell you, the Lucero-Haggart household has always been the “Penguin House.” Haggart was spotted Saturday morning standing on her roof setting up what has become her house’s “trademark” flock of two dozen plastic penguins, igloos and 6-foot-tall Santa hat. “We used to have fake snow, but the wind annihilated it... so we got rid of that this year, and we’re just saying, ‘It’s because of global warming.’” Over the years, her flock has grown

or shrunk, whether due to wind blowing them away or from more direct, manmade causes. “We had one get stolen, but returned because a lady I work with, who loves what we do, calls me up one day and goes, ‘Hey Cindee, I think I saw one of your penguins,’” Haggart said, adding that she “got that one back.”

The 30 Days Of Christmas

Standing on the ground giving advice to Haggart on the roof, is her husband, Chris Lucero. An engineer on the days he’s not helping set up Winter Wonderland, Lucero knows all the numbers. “The icicle light strands between the houses in themselves are 50,000 lights,” he added. “And if you include every houses’ own decoration lights, it’s about 25 million individual light bulbs each year.” “When the street is completely full, we can fit about 214 cars end-toend,” said Lucero. “It takes about 20 minutes to drive through. So on one night, we get about 7,000 to 8,000 visitors — over 30 some odd nights.” See WAKEFIELD, next page

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D E C E M B E R 2, 2018

S C V F E AT U R E

WAKEFIELD

Continued from previous page

And in terms of the electric bill, most people on the street decided years ago that it would be better to save their money for that year’s newest additions to the already established plethora of decorations. “Most of us went solar years ago or use LEDs,” said Haggart. “Our bill is around $250 a year, with the biggest part of that coming in December.”

O’ Come All Ye Faithful

“People move here because they wanted to be here,” said Haggart. “There’s a guy that moved in at the end of the street who told us that he ‘always decorated to the nines’ wherever he was. He moved here to be a part of this.” It’s the desire to be there and be a part of Winter Wonderland has made the work that much easier over the years, according to the couple. “You do a couple hours here, a couple hours there,” said Haggart. “In total, you generally work for like a day. But It’s always been a group effort and it’s something we like to do.” However, while Wakefield has opened its arms to new residents and return visitors year after year, they do ask, year after year, the same two requests of their guests. “Please, throw out your trash, especially the Starbucks coffee cups,” said Lucero. “And please, make the right turn when you’re leaving Winter Wonderland.” But necessary changes and traditional troubles aside, Haggart and Lucero say that the tradition will continue on for years to come, with their motivation to do so being found where it all began 27 years ago. “We had no foresight that it would turn into what it has,” said Haggart. “But we have fun every year because and we get to come together at someone’s house and have our own little party.” The Wakefield Lane ‘Winter Wonderland’ 2018 Christmas lights will be on nightly from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., beginning Sunday, Nov. 25 and ending Friday, Dec. 30. 

Top: An R2-D2 droid stands next to drumming nutcrackers at 21013 Wakefield Court. Middle Left: Twenty-five year Wakefield Court resident Agatha Lin arranges the decorations on her lawn. Middle Right: Holiday decorations stand on a lawn on Wakefield Court. Bottom Left: A deflated Santa Claus hangs from a chimney of a Wakefield Court home. Bottom Right: Wakefield Court residents since 1991, Cyndee Haggart and Chris Lucero place their plastic penguins on the roof of their home.

D E C E M B E R 2, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

S C V F E AT U R E

Share your home’s holiday spirit with The Signal

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A family joins the parade of thousands who walked through Wakefield Court in Saugus last year. The display is located off Copperhill Drive and Courtland Way, in Saugus. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO By Perry Smith Sunday Signal Editor

very year, the Santa Clarita Valley celebrates the holiday spirit like no other, celebrating with decor that engulfs entire neighborhoods in themed displays. Over this past weekend, people began strolling down the sidewalk, as cars ambled down the street, on Wakefield Court, in Saugus, gazing at the millions of lights in front of each house. For many families, the weekend following Thanksgiving kicks off the time-honored American tradition of decorating the lawn with Christmas cheer. That was certainly the case at the Wakefield Winter Wonderland lighting display, which is classified as a museum on Google, with members of the public already visiting to marvel at the lights, eager to get into the holiday spirit. This year, the neighborhood once again shared its “Night Before Christmas” theme, complete with plaques in front of some of the

homes featuring text from the classic story. The SCV-renowned Wakefield Winter Wonderland the Sunday Signal featured this week on page 5 might easily be the largest and most elaborate local display, with millions of lights and dozens of man hours going into an attraction that draws thousands from all over — but it certainly isn’t the only neighborhood. There are homes from Stevenson Ranch to Sand Canyon, from Newhall to Saugus, Agua Dulce to Castaic, and everywhere in between. Share us pictures of your display, and let us know if you’d like to be a part of The Signal’s Holiday Homes Tour. The Sunday Signal would like to see some of your best and brightest displays, Santa Clarita Valley, so please send your submissions to Sunday@SignalSCV.com, and please include 2-3 photos, your address, a contact phone number and the best time to reach someone at that number. You could also upload a video to SignalSCV.com/holidaylights, and submit your information there. 

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D E C E M B E R 2, 2018

S C V F E AT U R E

Elijah’s brave battles By Michele Lutes Signal Staff Writer

mid the sounds of footsteps traveling in and out of a room at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, 9-year-old Santa Clarita resident Elijah Greene lays in a hospital bed playing with his legos. “It’s non-stop people in and out all day,” Elijah’s mother, Jennifer Greene, said. The scene is a familiar setting for them both: This is the fourth different type of cancer Elijah has had to battle. In October 2010, at just 14 months old, Elijah Greene, was diagnosed with three different types of cancer: choroid plexus carcinoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and neuroblastoma. He underwent treatment and surgery, winning that round in July 2011. Elijah began the 2018-19 school year as a fourth grade student at Pinetree Community School in Canyon Country. “He’s missing out on his fourthgrade year,” his mother said. “I’m scared missing out on all of it.” Elijah was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in August. “It’s his fourth cancer,” Greene said. “According to the doctors, with his history it can’t be taken lightly. We are scared to start this process again, but it is in God’s hands.” Osteosarcoma is the most common type of cancer that starts in the bones, according to cancer.org. “The cancer cells in these tumors look like early forms of bone cells that normally help make new bone tissue, but the bone tissue in an osteosarcoma is not as

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Elijah Green, 9, is keeping a brave face as he prepares for his fourth battle with cancer, which recently required a portion of his jaw to be removed. COURTESY PHOTOS

strong as that of normal bones.” Elijah has a gene called P53, a gene that causes cancer to come back. “It’s a continuous journey because of this gene,” Greene said. “It’s seven years later, and we’re still here.” The cancer is in his jaw, his mother said. “(It) started with his gum being swollen; within a month, the cancer (was) back.” In September, Elijah had a total jaw resection, and they made a new jaw for him from a chunk of his leg. “The surgery was very, very intense,” Greene said. “Currently, (Elijah) does not have bottom teeth.” There will be a few more surgeries before he can get teeth, his mother said. “But insurance does not pay for it.” The Greene family — Alana, Isiah, Kris, Jennifer and a baby on the way — are Santa Clarita residents. Jennifer Greene set up a GoFundMe to help with the mounting bills from Elijah’s medical expenses, gas well as groceries, gas and food. “All that adds up,” she said. “Everybody is separated.” Due to the extensive treatment, Elijah and his mother stay down in Los Angeles. The Greene’s oldest child, Alana, is a student at Canyon High, and their youngest is due in April. Her mother came to town to help, Greene said. “It’s a lot of stress.” Jennifer and her husband, Kris,

both spend time at the hospital with Elijah during the week, and his siblings and grandma sometimes come down during the weekends. “He is just a very easy chill kid,” his mother said. Elijah loves legos, hanging with his little brother, playing outside and doing crafts. “We keep busy during the day,” she said. “I never leave him while I’m here.” Elijah is finishing his fourth-grade year while going through treatment. He has a teacher from the Los Angeles Unified School District who comes in to the hospital to teach him, his mother said. “He’s gone through so much,” she said. “He is now working through six cycles of chemo.” Each cycle is a little over a month, she added. “There are three different chemos per cycle, and it totally wipes him out.” Elijah is continuing to fight the battle, taking it day-by-day with the supClockwise from top: Kris Greene, Jennifer Greene, Isiah and Elija share smiles after a trip to the hospital.

port of his family. “We get through each day by being there for him,” Greene said. “This time it’s different. It’s pretty much the worst you can think of, it’s the scariest. I don’t know how to put it into words.” To donate to Elijah’s GoFundMe for medical and other expenses, go to https://www.gofundme.com/bnx5xelijah039s-dental-fund. 

D E C E M B E R 2, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

LOCALNEWS

SCV resident has Mars InSight By Crystal Duan Signal Staff Writer

hen Gene Bonfiglio was a young boy in elementary school, he boasted that he wanted to be the first man on Mars, just like other children. Decades later, he would be one of many individuals responsible for an ambitious NASA launch onto the surface of Mars that succeeded on Monday. When the lander InSight touched down on Mars’ surface, it marked the eighth time NASA successfully landed a spacecraft on the red planet. Bonfiglio, who has lived in Santa Clarita since 2004, commutes from Canyon Country to his day job at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena. He’s worked at JPL since 1999 as a entry, descent and landing systems engineer, and is one

of several local residents who have worked on NASA’s Mars programs at JPL. Mars missions have marked his time there. Bonfiglio was also a member of the teams for the Phoenix and Curiosity spacecrafts. On Monday, he said he was a nervous wreck before the landing succeeded. “It was thrilling, watching every part of the landing all the way until the radar turned on when we landed,” he said. “It was an experience of a lifetime. We’ve been working for years on the lander. It is a lot of intense work with getting ready for landing, and all those tests could not have prepared you for the anxiety for the day we actually had to attempt the landing.” Bonfiglio said he has been on this project for around five to six years. InSight, short for Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport, had

been on its Mars-bound journey through space since May 6. For six months, Bonfiglio and his coworkers practiced the operations in real time of readying to read the radio signals, deploying the parachute and timing everything perfectly for the moments before InSight made a landing. Once the lander reached its destination, touching down after descending at 2.5 meters per second, the team at JPL cheered when they received the radar confirmation eight minutes and seven seconds later, which is how long it takes radio signals to come from Mars to Earth, Bonfiglio said. But now the task is monitoring InSight without any visual aids. “We have no cameras,” the engineer said. “We just have radio signals coming in telling us what’s happening on the space route. The spacecraft has a couple of important sensors to figure out where it is, with

an IMU (Initial Measurement Unit) that tells us which direction we’re pointed in.” The main goal of the JPL team now is to study and understand the interior of Mars, Bonfiglio said. This entails determining what its surface is — if it’s liquid or solid, and also to measure the heat and rate at which the heat is leaving Mars. Bonfiglio originally obtained his undergraduate and master’s degrees in aerospace engineering from Purdue University. He said he has loved space since he was a kid and this mission was a dream come true. “I love space missions and loved the idea of going to other planets,” he said. “And I’ve always fantasized about doing that since I was a small child. The chance to work on a flight mission that landed on Mars is just incredible. The idea of helping to design and test this thing and have it actually land successfully on other planets is amazing.” 

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D E C E M B E R 2, 2018

LOCALNEWS

Working fast to detect heart attacks By Crystal Duan Signal Staff Writer

ow patients of the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital with heart attack symptoms will have a faster, more accurate gauge on how severe their cardiological health is, thanks to a new blood test. The new high-sensitivity troponin blood test detects heart attacks up to three times faster, doctors said at the Henry Mayo Center on Wednesday. Now patients can get results in three hours, when the norm before was 15, said Bud Lawrence, medical director of Henry Mayo’s emergency department. The hospital is the first in Los Angeles County and one of the few around the country to offer the new test, Lawrence said, although it has been studied in Europe and is considered cutting edge. “We give patients a ‘heart score,’ along with this troponin test, and in one hour of getting the test back we can know with a high degree of confidence whether they had a heart attack,” he said. “If the answer is no, we can now send those patients home, as opposed to the old days when they’d have to stay in the hospital and we’d

have to do more blood tests.” The test detects troponin levels with different values between men and women, said cardiologist Shahe Garabedian. Men have higher levels of troponin in their blood streams compared to women, so different norms are measured in the new test that were not accounted for in its previous renditions. Garabedian said if a patient has been experiencing chest pains for six hours or longer, then they administer one troponin test that can accurately tell their level of susceptibility to a heart attack. If they have been experiencing the pains for six hours or less, then two draws are needed. Before, patients would have to do multiple draws even if they had had pains for a long time, he said. Laboratory supervisor Greg Gibbs, who oversaw the validations to run the test before it was approved for use, said the testing to approve the new test began in early 2017. It was implemented at the hospital earlier this month. “It’s the same mechanism as before, we’re testing for the same thing,” he said. “But it’s the sensitivity of the test.” Now, with the new sensitivity,

Drs. Shahe Garabedian, left, and Bud Lawrence give details about a new high sensitivity troponin blood test that can detect heart attack in patients in three hours versus the standard 15-hour test during a presentation at the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Education Center on Wednesday. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

patients will also spend less time in hospice care because they can accurately gauge their results and faster, said cardiovascular program manager Tamar Avakian. “This new assay allows us to do ‘rapid rule out,’ with most shorter intervals for testing,” she said. “The test

is so sensitive that if we’re confident their pain started six hours ago and we get that first test, and the troponin levels are undetectable, and they don’t have other risk factors — for those subsets of patients, we can just do (vitamin) B1 (to help improve a thiamine deficiency) and done.” 

Child & Family Center’s new member By Crystal Duan Signal Staff Writer

ordyn, an endearing 7-yearold black Labrador retriever, is the latest “staff member” at the Child and Family Center this fall. The therapy dog’s “job” is to walk around the center on breaks, licking the children and interacting with them enough to bring a smile to their faces. “Everybody loves her,” said her owner Kimberly Hirano. “We were a package deal, and the center staff were gracious enough to allow her to also provide services.” Hirano is the division director of access and specialty programs at the center. When she was hired in October, she asked if Jordyn could also come.

Jordyn, a 7-year-old black Lab, became the Child & Family Center’s new therapy dog. PHOTO BY CORY RUBIN / THE SIGNAL

Jordyn is a former guide dog who dropped out of guide dog school due to allergies, but instead became a

trained therapy dog five years ago. Her certification process entailed testing her temperament and patience

with people. Now she is popular with children because she can tolerate having her tail and ears pulled, but is also a great morale booster for the staff, said Cheryl Jones, the center’s vice president of marketing and community outreach. “She’s been doing this for a while, so she expects to be noticed,” Hirano said, as Jordyn walked up to children and parents around the center, prompting them to pet her with her paw. “Her job there is to be loved. If you walk by her and ignore her, she’ll be like, ‘Hey, give me attention,’ which the kids are always happy to do.” “This is new to us, but we’re enjoying it,” Jones said. The center has not previously had a therapy pet in-house, but the experience for clients and staff has been great, she said. 

D E C E M B E R 2, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 11

LOCALNEWS

Westfield announces $20 million in upgrades By Perry Smith Signal Managing Editor

he dedicated shopper might have noticed some subtle changes around Westfield Valencia Town Center over the last few months. New landscaping ideas were introduced. New designs have been carefully tested. New artwork has been discussed. And now, it’s time to announce. Westfield officials gave The Signal the first look at a rendering for how i planning to invest $20 million in

renovations at the Valencia mall. In addition to a new Town Center Drive entrance for the shopping center, there will also be a new family lounge with an additional children’s play area, store facades and other changes that will be “touching every surface of the interior mall,” said Corrine Barchanowicz, senior general manager for Westfield Valencia Town Center. The upgrades are designed around the community the mall serves, she noted, adding as an SCV mom with a small child herself, she expects the expanded amenities will be very popular

Resident shares scam warning By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

anyon Country resident Mike DArezzo knew something was off when he received multiple text messages from an unknown number. “I would like to confirm from you if you have finally received your assignment package and kindly update us as soon as possible,” the second text read from a New York-registered phone number. Sure enough, DArezzo had received a large envelope to his home address with instructions on an assignment and a check for $2,900.42. The package had a label reading that it came from Carolina, Puerto Rico and the questionable check from Sacramento-based Golden 1 Credit Union, signed with the name “Donna A. Bland,” the credit union’s CEO and president. The assignment required that DArezzo deposit the check at his bank and visit and evaluate a store that sells Google Play Cards. He would then have to purchase $2,500 worth of the Play Cards and send in the gift card numbers. DArezzo had up to 24 hours to complete the assignment. “I knew instantly that it was a scam,” he said. To confirm, he took the envelope to the Santa Clarita Valley

Sheriff ’s Station, where he was told he wasn’t the only one who had received material from scammers. While specifics of the scam regularly change, the intent is to activate and spend the Play Cards before the victim has the opportunity to do anything. Because gift cards are nearly untraceable, scammers can easily resell them on third-party websites or spend them in-person and the goods are resold for profit. These scams are dangerous as they can involve multiple victims, including using the name of Golden 1 Credit Union. Credit union officials were unavailable for comment Monday. The fraud also included the name of a mystery shoppers company, where DArezzo had submitted a survey not knowing the scammer was hiding behind the name of the business. Many SCV residents have stopped by the SCV Sheriff ’s Station with cases similar to DArezzo, said Sgt. Mark Caron. “What’s important to remember is to trust your instincts,” he said. “If you think you’re a victim of fraud, you can call us, or we can dispatch a deputy to review.” The National Consumers League recommends avoiding becoming a victim by researching who one is dealing with, being cautious about unsolicited messages, fully understanding the offer and resisting pressure. 

with parents and their kids. “We loved all of the family qualities of the community here in Santa Clarita, and we wanted to make sure here at Westfield, we really bring that,” she said. “It’s not just about shopping. We really are a lifestyle destination for the community, and that encompasses everything, obviously from shopping but also includes the success of our dining and growing our entertainment experiences, as well.” The work is supposed to begin in the first quarter of next year, and wrap up around the holidays. The changes are the most significant development to the Westfield Valencia Town Center since the addition of the Shops at The Patios, which was completed in 2010. Part of the idea with these most recent changes is to create “a more seamless overall experience” between The Patios and the interior, according to Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield officials. The $20 million renovation project

will also include a new signature children’s play space and a second family lounge area to offer families added convenience and enjoyment as they move through the center between Town Center Drive and the Patios. In addition, enhancements to the entry at Town Center Drive will include a new façade and awnings. Westfield’s relationship with both the city of Santa Clarita and California Institute of the Arts expects to add new artwork from local artists, as well. Since the acquisition of Valencia Town Center, Westfield, which is now Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, has continually invested in the property, adding a number of retailers, including Apple, Lululemon and Brighton Collectibles. There have also been several dining additions since the acquisition, such as The Canyon-Santa Clarita, The Cheesecake Factory, The Dudes’ Brewing Company and Saddle Ranch Chop House. 

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10 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

D E C E M B E R 2, 2018

LOCALNEWS

Working fast to detect heart attacks By Crystal Duan Signal Staff Writer

Child & Family Center’s new member By Crystal Duan Signal Staff Writer

Jordyn, a 7-year-old black Lab, became the Child & Family Center’s new therapy dog. PHOTO BY CORY RUBIN / THE SIGNAL

Jordyn is a former guide dog who dropped out of guide dog school due to allergies, but instead became a

trained therapy dog five years ago. Her certification process entailed testing her temperament and patience

D E C E M B E R 2, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 11

LOCALNEWS

Westfield announces $20 million in upgrades By Perry Smith Signal Managing Editor

Resident shares scam warning By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

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12 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

D E C E M B E R 2, 2018

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Decking the halls, protecting your property By Ken Striplin City Manager

’T

is the season to shop, gift and give. It’s also the season when would-be thieves are on the lookout for an easy target. You can make sure your holiday purchases end up under your tree and not part of the “Stolen Collection” by following these simple safety tips. When shopping at the mall, and your hands fill up with boxes and bags, it may be tempting to run back to your car and toss them on the seat. However, crooks are on the lookout for an easy take, and it only takes them a second to smash your window and make off with your purchases. Make sure you always park in a welllit area, and if you do need to store something in your car — lock it in

the trunk and out of sight. Decided to skip the mall and do all your shopping online? Make sure you have a secure spot for packages to be delivered. Thieves are known to tail UPS, FedEx or mail trucks to pick up with gets dropped off. When possible, require a signature for delivery or have the packages shipped to your workplace or to a neighbor who you know will be home. If you like to give, or hope to get, gift cards, checks or cold, hard cash in the mail — you can now track the envelopes coming your way. The U.S. Postal Service offers you the opportunity to get an electronic report of all the mail headed for your house. The Informed Delivery program is free and works by taking pictures of your mail as it’s being scanned at their facilities, and they’ll share those digital images with you in a daily email so you know what mail is scheduled to be delivered. That way if something comes up missing — you’ll know to

report it. (Visit informeddelivery. usps.com for more information.) Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit like setting up your beautiful tree, decked out with festive ornaments. But think twice about where you put your tree. Right in front of your window facing the street looks like holiday perfection. However, it also allows anyone to peek in and see what kind of gifts are under your tree. Same goes with leaving the boxes from those new big screen TVs, computers and other pricey items. It’s like advertising to burglars what they will find inside. As we say in our ‘Stolen Collection’ ads: “Thieves have bad motives; they want your gifts, too; if they get their way, you’ll be saying ‘boo-hoo’; so follow these tips, there’s a very good reason; and shut down the ‘Stolen Collection’ this season.”

COURTESY PHOTO

The views expressed above are those of the city of Santa Clarita, and not necessarily those of the Sunday Signal. Visit scstolencollection.com for more on how to protect your valuables this holiday season, and every day. 

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D E C E M B E R 2, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 13

Holiday

BUSINESS

MEMORIES Made around the Camp Fire

Electronic scooters swoop in on SCV jurisdictions, and identify best practices to prevent the adverse effects on public safety. cooters: Some testify by their “Use of these scooters may provide convenience and ecofriendsome users a convenient way to get liness, while others point out around, but businesses are not althe nuisance it has become in cities all over the nation. lowed to set up shop in public rights Regardless of what side of way without proper authorizayou’re on, this new breed of tion, especially if they transportation has proved it will have a potential won’t be going away anytime impact on public soon. But could these work in safety,” Barger said in a Santa Clarita? statement. “This is a discussion that Scooters also fall in the I’m sure is going to grow, and middle of today’s techthe answer falls under one nological trends such word: responsibility,” said as the incorporation of Mayor Laurene Weste. Placement of electric scootsmartphones in everyday ers, launched by comtasks, the accessibility panies like Bird, Lime of GPS trackers and the and Uber, are not high demand for space allowed on sidewalks in cities. or parkway areas, It’s no surprise today’s COURTESY PHOTO according to Danny micromobility services Rivas, community have grown in popularipreservation manager ty, but government officials and reswith the city. With an uptick of these small vehi- idents have shared concerns about cles seen in areas of the Santa Clarita the irresponsibility of some riders in Valley, including at Soledad Canyon becoming sidewalk nuisances. Road, Rivas said code enforcement The excitement has focused is keeping a watchful eye as some around Bird being a relatively new have been left lying around. and greener tech, for some. “The “We haven’t seen an issue like city generally encourages innovative most of the beach cities have, but we businesses and green transporhave seen some already that were left on the city’s right of way,” said Rivas. tation,” said SCV resident Kathy While no citations have been filed, Christianson. “I hope that they will not just allow, but encourage and he said, code enforcement officers embrace all forms of electric transhave placed notices on the scooters declaring that they must be removed portation including electric scooters within 24 hours. If the scooters and electric bikes.” remain in the area, the department The concern with any new breed would then confiscate and store each of transportation is that the usage for 90 days, where the company can comes with an understanding of the later retrieve them. need to obey the rules for the safety The topic of the growing presence of all who use sidewalks and roads, of these e-scooters has even reached Weste said. the Los Angeles County Board of “You cannot stop technology from Supervisors. Earlier this week, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn coming,” she said. “We just have to see what, where, how and if it’s posBarger, whose district covers Santa sible. I’m glad to hear that we have a Clarita, called for county agencies to study the impacts e-scooters and community that’s forward-thinking bikes have had on other cities and with options.”  By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

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D E C E M B E R 2, 2018

R E A L E S TAT E

So you’re thinking of selling your home By Ray Kutylo Signal Contributing Writer

irst, and perhaps most important, is clarity about your “Why,” and staying clear about your “Why,” throughout the transaction — from start to sold. Traditional reasons for selling a home include a job transfer or opportunity elsewhere; cash in on appreciation; changed economic circumstances and the need or desire to downsize or upsize;

status change such as marriage or divorce; or simply, “It’s time for a change.” These are among the reasons why people sell, and your why is what will carry you through the stresses of having your home on the market and getting to a successful close of escrow. Second, and this is just as important as the “why”: Are all of the decision-makers fully on board with the prospect of selling and moving? The decision-makers most often are the married or “significant other” couples. Sometimes, other family members, such as parents or children, are involved in the selling decision, and

while they aren’t the decision-makers per se they can have a major influence. Hopefully, everybody is in full agreement and support mode. Third, most people love the familiar and the comfort and routine of a home and community. Leaving that behind and starting over in a new neighborhood, school or town can be stressful for everyone, and has to be taken into account. Fear of the unknown and overstating potential problems and obstacles can freeze you into inaction. One positive thing you can do is become familiar and comfortable with the destination, which will reduce stress for everyone involved

and make your decision to sell your home easier. Make research a priority, and visit the area if it is out of town. If you are a prospective seller seeking more information, the HGTV channel has an online portal here: bit.ly/2AhTpt2 Ray the Realtor Kutylo is the team leader of the SCV Home Team at Keller Williams VIP Properties in Valencia. He can be contacted at (661) 312-9461 or via email at rkutylo@gmail.com. The views expressed in his column are his own and not necessarily those of The Signal.  CA DRE# 00918855

SANTA CLARITA VALLEY CLOSED SALES 11/16/18 TO 11/23/18 AREA/St#

St Name

Sold Price

Br/Ba

Sqft/Source

Price/SqFt

CANYON COUNTRY 19884 Emerald Creek 18750 Mandan ST #1106 29769 Fitch AVE 27929 Tyler LN #745 26806 Claudette ST #321 18112 Erik CT #5126 17929 River CIR #2 17934 RIVER CIR #4 27941 Avalon DR #14 17981 Lost Canyon RD #109 19831 Keaton ST 28225 Hot Springs AVE 19349 Old Friend RD 29314 Gary DR 27704 Clio LN 20427 Delight ST 29527 Kevin WAY 26893 Cherry Willow DR 29371 Gary DR 17613 Wren DR 29474 Sequoia RD

$150,400 $275,000 $300,000 $305,000 $312,500 $325,000 $325,000 $340,000 $360,000 $385,000 $455,000 $490,000 $494,000 $510,000 $515,000 $530,000 $558,000 $625,000 $655,000 $694,000 $740,000

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

1274/E 850/A 700/A 844/A 1003/A 1085/A 1127/A 1268/ 1100/A 1022/A 1440/A 1450/A 1598/A 1911/A 1969/A 1240/A 2444/A 1898/A 3619/A 3006/ 2813/A

$118.05 $323.53 $428.57 $361.37 $311.57 $299.54 $288.38 $268.14 $327.27 $376.71 $315.97 $337.93 $309.14 $266.88 $261.55 $427.42 $228.31 $329.29 $180.99 $230.87 $263.06

NEWHALL 26815 Avenue Of The Oaks #B 18820 Vista Del Canon #E 19808 Sandpiper PL #4 26339 Rainbow Glen DR #245 26448 Oak Highland DR 25022 Newhall AVE 19237 Friendly Valley 19206 Maplebay CT 24724 Kansas ST 23876 Wildwood Canyon RD 25212 Vermont DR 25042 Atwood BLVD 23414 Happy Valley DR 23682 White Oak CT 21117 Placerita Canyon RD

$238,000 $305,000 $328,000 $385,000 $405,000 $440,000 $467,500 $474,900 $490,000 $550,000 $615,000 $639,750 $674,900 $770,000 $875,000

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

806/A 809/A 970/A 1343/A 1426/P 1528/A 1844/A 1192/A 1324/A 2413/A 1744/A 1908/AP 1667/A 3247/A 2176/A

$295.29 $377.01 $338.14 $286.67 $284.01 $287.96 $253.52 $398.41 $370.09 $227.93 $352.64 $335.30 $404.86 $237.14 $402.11

SAUGUS 28382 Santa Rosa LN 21750 Candela DR 22661 La Rochelle DR 22381 Espuella DR 27729 Caraway LN

$395,500 $480,000 $487,000 $515,000 $532,000

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

1404/A 1544/A 1280/A 1376/A 1670/A

$281.70 $310.88 $380.47 $374.27 $318.56

AREA/St#

St Name

28518 Silverking 22208 Pamplico DR 28515 Silverking 28437 Stansfield LN 28336 Tamarack LN 28535 Hidden Hills DR VALENCIA 23835 Del Monte DR #96 24518 Mcbean #33 24522 Mcbean #11 24767 Sand Wedge LN 24764 Masters Cup WAY 28700 Verona DR 24216 Lema DR 24014 Cornelia PL 23952 Brescia DR 23489 Abbey Glen PL 28724 Calle De La Paz DR 28184 Cabrillo LN 23953 Via Rosa Linda 24314 Allori WAY 23816 Teak CT 22906 Sycamore Creek DR 23318 Sunnyvale CT 25934 Adolfo CT 26392 Marsala DR 27564 Wellsley WAY 26021 Tourelle PL 25821 Vaquero CT 28628 Iron Village DR

Sold Price

Br/Ba

Sqft/Source

Price/SqFt

$538,000 $540,000 $552,000 $619,999 $680,000 $810,000

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

1680/A 1632/A 1744/A 2046/A 2214/A 3522/A

$320.24 $330.88 $316.51 $303.03 $307.14 $229.98

$345,000 $410,000 $417,000 $420,000 $425,500 $428,000 $430,000 $432,250 $437,000 $443,000 $470,000 $550,000 $550,000 $550,000 $560,000 $605,000 $615,000 $640,000 $685,000 $699,900 $710,000 $730,000 $740,000

2/2, 2/3, 2/3, 3/1,1, 3/3, 2/2, 3/3, 2/2, 2/2, 2/2,0,1, 3/2,0,1, 3/3, 2/2, 3/3, 2/2, 3/2, 3/3, 4/2, 3/2, 4/3, 3/2,0,1, 6/3, 4/3,0,1,

910/A 1212/A 1212/A 1169/A 1217/A 1390/A 1226/A 1352/A 1390/A 1484/A 1350/A 1423/A 1374/A 1936/A 1693/A 1774/A 1892/A 1614/A 1678/A 2090/A 2235/A 2728/A 3152/A

$379.12 $338.28 $344.06 $359.28 $349.63 $307.91 $350.73 $319.71 $314.39 $298.52 $348.15 $386.51 $400.29 $284.09 $330.77 $341.04 $325.05 $396.53 $408.22 $334.88 $317.67 $267.60 $234.77

Based on information from the Southland Regional Association of REALTORS®/Multiple Listing Service for the week ending on 11/23/18. All data, including all measurements and calculations of area, is obtained from various sources and has not been, and will not be, verified by broker or MLS. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information.

D E C E M B E R 2, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 15

SPORTS

No secrets to Saugus’ success Saugus cross-country timeline

By Haley Sawyer Signal Sports Editor

augus cross-country essentially has a team in charge of the team. Three years ago, Kevin Burns joined Rene Paragas, a passionate veteran cross-country coach on the Centurions coaching staff. This season, Burns has taken on an increased role alongside Paragas. While Burns handles most of the administrative duties, Paragas develops training regiments and makes sure the team is functioning at a highly competitive level. “Philosophically, it’s been amazing,” Burns said. “Our philosophies are the same, he’s easy to work with, we feed off each other’s strengths and that’s what makes it really easy to work with him.” It’s hard to argue with the results of the coaching tandem. At this season’s Foothill League cross-country finals, the Centurions girls team won their 13th consecutive league title. On the boys side, the Cents came in second. The girls were consistent with six runners finishing in the top nine. Julia Pearson came in third and Brooklyn Bendrat came in fourth. But Saugus isn’t finished just yet. “Whenever you start your season, the ultimate goal is a state championship and to be able to have the opportunity to run at Nike National, and that’s still our goal. We’re not going to shy away from that by any means.” It’s a daily grind for the Centurions, and there’s always an open-book policy. Runners are communicative of how they’re feeling that day, and

• 2006: Saugus girls cross-country wins its first CIF Division 1 state title, with Shannon Murakami finishing fourth individually. • 2007: The Saugus girls win the Division 1 state title again and set a new state championship record time of 90 minutes, 49 seconds. • 2008: Kaylin Mahoney wins the girls Division 2 state title and takes second at Nike Cross Nationals. Saugus wins the Division 1 team title.

Mariah Castillo is one of several talented runners at Saugus High. In April 2018, she recorded the top time in the nation for the mile, at 4 minutes, 45.24 seconds. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO.

Paragas and Burns take that information into consideration when developing training plans. Coaches run alongside the student-athletes, too, carefully listening to how they’re breathing and how their feet hit the pavement. “What makes Rene so unique and so amazing is his ability to check in with every single athlete every single day,” said Burns. “We have 140 athletes and he’s taken the time before practice, when he’s breaking the athletes up into groups, he’s checking in with everybody every single day. It’s almost like a personalized training program.” Last season, the Saugus girls cross-country team placed second at the CIF state meet and the boys placed third. Since 2005, the girls team has won first place at the state

level on nine different occasions. The boys have placed third or better six different times. Mariah Castillo headlined the girls team, reaching the Nike Cross Nationals and finishing third in the event. She’s now on the women’s cross-country roster at TCU. This season, the family-like team reached the state level once again and the girls team finished sixth in the Division 2 race. Julia Pearson led the way in 12th place individually with a time of 18 minutes, 10.1 seconds. “They’re absolutely amazing individuals,” Burns said. “We are truly a family and whenever you have an opportunity to work with your family you have a strong bond and it’s a bond that’s unbreakable and that’s what makes what we do so special.”

• 2009: Mahoney wins the individual Division 2 and the Saugus girls win the team title. • 2010-12: The Saugus girls team wins three consecutive CIF state team titles. • 2013: The Saugus boys cross-country team wins its first state title in program history. The girls take second. • 2014: The girls team gets back on track and wins another CIF state title in Mariah Castillo’s freshman year. • 2015: The Saugus boys send individuals Ryan Tate and Jacob Crosson to the state level, while the girls wrap up first place in the state meet. • 2016: The boys resume team action at the state level and win sixth place, while the girls win second. • 2017: In their best finish since 2014, the Centurion boys win third at the CIF State Championships. The girls win second, with Castillo finishing second at the state race and placing third at the Nike Cross Nationals. 

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16 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

D E C E M B E R 2, 2018

Jonestown, Bears & an Epic Signal Blunder A happy and serene first Sunday in December to you, dear traveling companions. We’ve a most interesting trek into the yesteryear of Santa Clarita this morning. There’s mountain lions and bears, movie stars, scoundrels, imbeciles, tragedies and comedies ahead on the back trails of SCV history. C’mon. I’ve managed to convince tens of thousands of noble steeds to come along. Pick the one that’s right for you and let’s get moseying into yesteryear … WAY BACK WHEN & THEN SOME

• Our own Gen. Andres Pico (after whom Pico Canyon is named) defeated Gen. Stephen Kearny in the Battle of San Pasqual down San Diego way. Andres fought for Mexico. Steve for the U.S. The skirmish took place on Dec. 6, 1846. • Not only was he the prototype of the modern cinema cowboy, William S. Hart was also one of the most influential people in world

history. The silent film star invented the cowboy hero, a form that has been imitated and credited by hundreds of Western stars since. Hart, a bona fide cowboy and Shakespearean actor, was born on Dec. 6, 1864, in Newburgh, New York. His epic mansion today is a public park in Newhall, open to the public. • On Dec. 5, 1854, a young Phineas Banning became the first man to drive a wagon over Newhall Pass. A passenger, who didn’t care to be in the stagecoach as it descended, noted that the ride was rather spectacular, with the horses sometimes in front of the stage and sometimes behind it. DEC. 2, 1928

• How would you like to have been the doctor to break this news? Two tourists plunged off a 75-foot bridge north of town to their death. Their 8-year-old survived the crash to discover she had no parents. • Work began on a giant sign to greet air travelers coming into Newhall International Airport. (We earned that joking reference because the airstrip close to where Granary Square is on McBean Parkway today had one mail run into Mexico every week). The sign? Our local Kiwanis built it. The letters were 20 feet tall, painted white and said: “NEWHALL.” • Leland McCoy was appointed Joke Editor of the Saugus Elementary school newspaper. DEC. 2, 1938

He would become America’s top Prohibitionist and on Dec. 3, 1887, Henry Clay Needham and other investors purchased 10,000 acres in Newhall with the intent of building a “dry” community. It never really got off the ground. The real estate contracts were so severe, not even a good teetotaler would sign it. One item stipulated that if anyone was caught on your property having a drink, your home and land would be forfeited back to the seller. Newhall’s Needham, by the way, thrice ran for president and lost. In fact, he never even carried his own Santa Clarita.

• Here’s some Hart High trivia. The first meeting to build a local high school was held at the long defunct B Bar A Ranch. It was hosted by historian A.B. Perkins. Estimates figured the unnamed school would have 400 students and grow from there. An unforeseen roadblock stopped the school’s opening for seven years: World War II. • The SCV’s first “super” market opened when the two local Safeway stores merged into one. Today, that building is Leslie’s Pools on Main Street. • Mountain Man Jiggs Ullom, aka, The Wildcat Tamer of Cottonwood

Flats, got into some serious trouble. Jiggs made all the newspapers in Southern California when he tried to collect the $75 state bounty on a female mountain lion he had allegedly trapped and killed. Turned out the feline was actually a mountain lion cub Jiggs had bought at a Hollywood pet shop for $15. Jiggs was arrested on felony charges of filing a false affidavit. Sentence? One to five years. • Mary Mahoney was fired after a most brief career as our Saugus correspondent. Seems Mary also worked for the post office and filled most of her columns with everything you never wanted to know about postal regulations. • They made many things better in 1938, including safety lanterns. The heavy, bright red metal lamps became instant collector’s items. Locals Dave Kamins and Emery Myers had the book thrown at them by Judge Art Kennedy for stealing a bunch and drew a $50 fine plus a month in the slammer. DEC. 2, 1948

• A mega Santa Ana blew into the valley, bringing sustained winds of more than 65 mph. Several roofs were blown off buildings and tumbleweeds not just bounced around the valley but filled the skies. • Back in the day, Hart High had a bona fide kitchen where meals were cooked on site. Check out this Thursday cafeteria menu from Dec. 2, 1948: “Hot roast beef sandwich, mashed potatoes, gravy, string beans, bread, milk, hot peach cobbler.” Price? Just 29 cents. • Pearl Harbor Day was a brand new and hauntingly painful date on the calendar. Newhall cowboy Fritz Truran came home finally but didn’t celebrate it. Fred Trueblood recalled him: “No one who ever met Fritz can forget him tall, straight, handsome as a Greek god; merry and modest and lovable in nature.” Fritz returned home 70 years ago today in a casket. They had just found his

remains in Saipan, victim of a Japanese machine gun nest. DEC. 2, 1958

• There is always a thread of method and common sense in American small town life. Sixty years ago, a speedster was captured on the old Ridge Route by CHP officer R.A. Green. After a chase where speeds exceeded 120 mph, Green finally got the road demon to pull over. He arrested the man and drove him over to Judge MacDougall’s house where the good jurist was in white coveralls, painting his garage. The judge climbed into the car with cop and speedster. The three moseyed over to the courthouse where MacDougall held court, sentencing the man to 15 days in jail. DEC. 2, 1968

• R.G. Gray was arrested up San Francisquito Canyon. Charge? Scaring his neighbors. Seems Mr. Gray built a full-blown machine gun and was aereating the hills with it. • For years we had an annual Christmas parade running through Downtown Newhall. Grand Marshall 50 years back was Gentle Ben, the TV star/bear. • It’s not like the typo is a new thing for The Mighty Signal. We wrongly posted the date of the Christmas parade a week early. Hundreds lined

See TIME RANGER, page 33

D E C E M B E R 2, 2018 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 117 7

= Family Friendly Event

THIS WEEK’S CALENDAR

ONGOING Santa Clarita City Council Meetings second and fourth Tuesday of every month 6 p.m.. Council meetings are also broadcast live on SCV TV channel 20 and on the city’s website. Santa Clarita City Hall, City Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Blvd., Santa Clarita. Info: City Clerk’s office Clerk’s office: (661) 255-4391. First Tuesday of every month, 10:45 a.m. meet and greet; 11:15 a.m. meeting. All Republican women and men are invited to the North Los Angeles County Republican Women Federated meeting. Meetings are held at a private home and directions will be given upon registration. Cost is $25 for members; $30 for non-members for meeting and lunch. To RSVP contact Pepper Parkinson at (661) 523-7523. Info: northlacountyrwf.com First and Third Tuesdays of each month, 6:30 p.m. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) holds a free support group focused on the families that need support, education and resources at the Department of Mental Health, 23501 Cinema Dr. For more info call (818) 371-9381or visit https://www. nami.org. First and third Wednesdays of each month, 6:30-8:30 p.m. During the Western Music Association Showcase, musicians and cowboy poets perform stories and songs of the romantic Old West, contemporary music of the American West, and songs of the open range and the American cowboy. To perform your Western music or poetry with them during this event, email wmacc@ westernmusiccalifornia.org. El Trocadero Steakhouse, 24274 Main Street, Newhall Info: wmacc@westernmusiccalifornia.org. First, second and third Thursdays of each month 6-9 p.m. ARTree Figure Drawing. Visit ARTree Community Arts Center for a chance to really explore your creative potential using a live model. Just drop in and bring a pencil and paper. $10 donation. ARTree Community Arts Center, 22508 6th St., Newhall. Info: http://theartree.org. First and third Thursdays of every month, 7 p.m. The Valencia California Family History Center holds free courses to help the community discover, preserve and share family histories. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 24443 McBean Parkway, Valencia 91355. The center is also open daily. Hours vary. Contact (661) 259-1347. Info: family

Friday, Dec. 7, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 Second Thursday of every month, 7:00 p.m. to Saturday, Dec. 8, 10 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Gardening Club of a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Over 30 vendors Santa Clarita is an active club of around 70 Second Sunday of each month, 5 will be selling artisan crafts, clothing, jewelry p.m. The SCV Blues Society hosts a monthly SCV Gardening enthusiasts and working hard to grow our membership base and to provide and more at the 15th annual Valencia H.S. Blues Jam with a featured host band and Holiday Boutique supporting the Valencia topical speakers and programs to help our guest artists. Some of the best musicians H.S. Music Program! Charles Dickens Tradilocal residents to maintain their landscapes around often join in on the jam. This month tional Carolers (ALA VHS Carolers) will be will feature the band Wumbloozo. Tickets are as well as to grow healthy and nutritious singing carols at noon on Friday, Dec. 7 and $5 and guests under 21 are free. American fruits and vegetables in this unending Saturday, Dec. 8 in the Valencia MPR. ValenLegion Post 507, 24527 Spruce St, Newhall. drought. Sierra Hills Swim and Racket Club, Info: http://www.scvblues.com 28616 Kenroy Ave., Canyon Country. For more cia High School Multi-purpose Room 27801 info, contact Max Morgan, Publicity Director, N. Dickason Drve, Valencia. Info: Christine Second Monday of the month, 6:00 Mocha at cmocha@hartdistrict.org or visit at maxmorgan427@gmail.com or (661) p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Build a support system valenciachoir.com. 312-3910. with people who understand at the AlzheiNot just another 40% oﬀ sale with mer’s Support Group. Connect with others. only selected items ...this storewide Friday, Dec.is7, a8:00 p.m. Comedy Mashup EVENTS BY DATE Exchange practical information on caregivnothing isheld goingback big forsale. the holidays with stand-up ing challenges and possible solutions. Talk Wednesday, Dec. 5, 6:30-8:30 from Mad House Comedy’s Ashley Johnson, through issues and ways of coping. Share p.m. Please join the CityBedrooms, Rooms, Rooms, Bof Santa ClaritaLivingimprov fromDining “Your Favorite Cast,” as well as feelings, needs and concerns. Education all our custom mattressessketch from at City Hall, for a reception celebrating holiday-themed comedy. The suggestCenter, 24525 Town Center Drive, Valencia. Diamond, andismany the newest exhibit which recognizes and Englander ed audience 18 and more. older. Tickets are $12 0% Interest Before attending this meeting: Please call See our new Adjustable Luxury Mattress S e celebrates the Santa Clarita Artists’ Associaonline through Dec. 6, and $18Sets online and Michelle Quiroga-Diaz at (310) 498-8650 to tion’s 29th Art Classic. Enjoy light appetizers, at the door on Dec. 7 Doors open 30 minutes 60 Months!!* confirm meeting date and time. entertainment, meet the artists and talk to prior to showtime Seating is first come, first O.A.C. Second Monday of every month, 6:30 others. The exhibit will be on display until served. Beer, wine and concession available p.m. The Travel Club hosts an informal Feb. 28.The First Floor Gallery at City Hall is for purchase. If you require ADA seating, congathering of people interested in travel, no located at 23920 Valencia Blvd., Santa Clarita tact (661) 290-2255 at least 24 hours prior to Miami Gel Memory Foam 8” Firm Miami Gel Memory Foam 6” Firm F officers, no dues. Travel presentations will difInfo: santaclaritaartists.org. show time.40% Info:offatthemain.org Retail Final Price Price fer monthly. The education building at Christ $Retail $40% off Final $467 $186.80 $280.20 Twin 2 pc. Set........ $ Twin 2 pc. Set........ 357 142.80 214.20 $226.80 $340.20 Full 2 pc. Set..........$567 Lutheran Church, 25816 TournamentFullRd,2 pc. Set..........$557 $222.80 $334.20 $274.80 $412.20 Queen 2 pc. Set....$687 $597 $238.80 $358.20 Queen 2 pc. Set.... Valencia. Call Carl Boyer at (661) 259-3154. $382.80 $574.20 King 3 pc. Set........$957 $330.80 $496.20 King 3 pc. Set........$827 search.org/wiki/en/Valencia_California_Family_History_Center

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1 8 · S U N D AY S I G N A L

Opinion

D E C E M B E R 2, 2018

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

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

OURVIEW

Lessons of Loneliness David, Goliath and the Fast-Moving Train Coming and the Holiday Season By The Signal Editorial Board

here’s a long and storied history of Santa Clarita Valley residents playing the role of David versus one Goliath or another. In the 1980s, Sacramento and Los Angeles politicians wanted to put a state prison here. Local residents — without yet having the benefit of a local city government to carry the SCV flag — banded together and fought. Then-Signal Editor Scott Newhall wrote one of his famous fire-breathing editorials about it: scvhistory.com/ scvhistory/sg110185.htm The scrappy band of SCV Davids won. No state prison. Similar battles would be fought later in the 1980s and into the 1990s, as local residents and the new city of Santa Clarita worked together to fight off seemingly relentless efforts by the county and city of Los Angeles to turn the SCV into L.A.’s trash dump. Those efforts, too, succeeded in fending off the menaces from outside our valley — and today, Towsley and Elsmere canyons are protected open spaces instead of landfills stuffed with L.A. garbage. Still pending is the battle by local residents and the city of Santa Clar-

By David Hegg

ita to keep the multinational mining company, CEMEX, from creating a massive sand and gravel mine in Soledad Canyon, on Santa Clarita’s eastern doorstep. That battle involves the federal government, and while we are waiting for a ruling from the Interior Board of Land Appeals, our fingers remain crossed. But you get the idea: There’s a track record here of “bigger” government agencies trying to ram something undesirable down the SCV’s throat, and our community standing up to the bullies from beyond — and winning. We’ve got at least one more “good fight” left to fight. The opponent is a fearsome one at that. The Goliath du jour is California’s planned high-speed rail line, and it’s headed our way. We’d like the entire project to go away. But for multiple reasons, that appears highly unlikely — including the fact that the seed money for the high-speed rail boondoggle comes See OUR VIEW, page 20

hristmas season is upon us, with all of its joys and opportunities for happy times with friends and family. Somehow, Christmas brings out the best in all of us. We smile more, relax more and find ways to re-live our best memories of childhood as we enjoy the lights, carols, sweaters, gifts, decorations and food of the season. But, with all the celebrating around us, it is easy to miss those in our lives who are living out the season in real loneliness. That’s right. In your circle there are those who live in a private world of loneliness, even in the midst of the Christmas ethos. Here’s why. Fear: For some of our friends and family, fear of failure keeps them so bound up they are emotionally aloof even as they put on a good set of smiles. These good people worry about whether their gifts will be appreciated, their decorations applauded, and their pie crusts acceptable. Most of all, they worry about having to interact with others for fear their social awkwardness will show. In a world that critiques

everything and everyone, they often find it easier to remain in the corners of life, but they cannot evade that feeling of loneliness that inhabits their hearts. Pain: Others among us suffered some traumatic life event in the past year and have largely become labeled by it. It might be a divorce, a potentially terminal diagnosis, the loss of a close friend or loved one, the sudden loss of employment, or some such tragedy. They are monumentally fatigued at having “it” be the topic of discussion, over and over. And the Christmas season, with its social gatherings, becomes a series of situations where they are expected to put on a happy face, give out the standard platitudes, answer the same hurtful questions, and do it all without dampening the holiday spirit. They want to scream, “I am more than what has happened to me,” and often find themselves locked away to privately face the fears and discouragement we just don’t have time for in this season. Difference: We are a society that can be very cold and blind to those who See HEGG, page 20

READERLETTERS

Is Special Counsel Mueller Accomplishing Anything? Does anyone think Robert Mueller is accomplishing anything worthwhile for the country? The special counsel has been milking the taxpayers for almost two years with an investigation that has concluded nothing that pertains to the reason for his appointment. If there was collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia it would have been revealed long ago.

Mueller and his team of Democrat lawyers have wasted almost two years spending millions of tax dollars. He and his investigators have destroyed the lives and reputations of good people like Gen. Mike Flynn and others not even associated with the campaign, like author Jerome Corsi. A bunch of lawyers using the power of a special counsel to intimidate witnesses should have resolved the issue long ago. Instead they are dragging the probe out for their personal gain, causing confusion and division in the government and throughout the country. Even

if there was justification to appoint Mueller in the first place, he didn’t need all this time to do the job. Why do politicians and the media try to portray Mueller as some noble hero? He is obviously a man with an agenda. He has apparently started with a conclusion and is desperately trying to find evidence to justify it. In the meantime he is recklessly indicting and destroying the lives of people with accusations totally unrelated to his intended investigaSee LETTERS, page 19

D E C E M B E R 2, 2018

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 1 9

Opinion

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

BLACK&WHYTE

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

Part 2: The Girl and the Evolution of Attitude By Tim Whyte Signal Editor Part 2 of 2: The Girl

ere’s everything you need to know about my 17-year-old daughter: Messing around on the computer recently, she stumbled across some old video of her big brother. It was from June 2004, when he was 8 — so she would have been almost 3 at the time. He was riding a scooter in a campground, and he was caught on video urging me to record him doing a “trick” on his scooter. Dutiful Dad recorded the “trick,” which consisted of him riding the scooter forward and doing a little hop about an inch and a half off the ground. Big Air! Luc apparently thought this was his ticket to the X Games. Telling me about the video she found, Brooke cackled: “It’s sooo hilarious! Eight-year-old Luc thinks he’s so much cooler than he is!” She could barely control herself, she was laughing so hard, at her brother’s expense, while he was 1,300 miles away at college. And, when my wife Erin and I suggested it might be fun to show the video to Luc’s girlfriend Jennie someday, Brooke replied: “Oh, I already sent it to her.” That’s Brooke. She found embarrassing childhood video of her older brother, and what’s the first thing she does with it? She sends it directly to his girlfriend — but only after adding a caption that says, “Luc Whyte, the man, the myth, the legend… the scooter pro.” She’s merciless, this one. When I left The Signal in 2007, I had written quite a few columns about our adorable little blonde princess. That

was before she grew up to be a wise-ass. Much has transpired in her life during the gap between my first stint at The Signal and my second one. When I left the paper in ’07, she was 5, sweet, and cute as a button. I volunteered that spring in her kindergarten class. A couple of the kids in that class are still her friends to this day. Now, she’s 17, she drives — a little too confidently for my taste — she’s already committed to attend Washington State University next fall, she’s an honor student, she aspires to be a physician’s assistant, and she’s a captain of her cheerleading team and a four-year member of the varsity comp squad at Saugus High. She has three times as many Twitter followers as her hockey-playing brother. She has nearly twice as many Twitter followers as I do. And, as editor of The Signal, aren’t I supposed to be some kind of Big Deal around town? Plus, she’s got mad tumbling skills. In fact, a couple of years ago she started this thing where she did a back handspring for every letter of S-A-UG-U-S as her teammates chanted out the letters. I joked that she should do C-E-NT-U-R-I-O-N-S, which is longer (and, thus, requires four more back handsprings). I was kidding. “Challenge accepted,” she said. Then she did it. Yeah, I’m proud. Just as we’ve lived through every twist and turn of our son’s hockey exploits, we’ve lived through every backflip, back-handspring and layout of Brooke’s cheer adventures. She started out in gymnastics at Gymnastics Unlimited — shout-out to GU ownSee WHYTE, page 20

LETTERS

Continued from page 18

tion. The whole thing smells of political bias. This probe appears to be nothing more than an effort to destroy Donald Trump and the office of the president. Does anyone think that’s good for the country? Jim Blumel, Santa Clarita

Towsley Canyon Thefts Are Going Unabated If you’ve ever visited Towsley Canyon, you would know that it’s a really great place to spend a few hours. The hiking and views are incredible and it’s free! However, this place is being spoiled by rampant crime and the appearance to many that nothing is being done about it. Hikers park their cars and thieves know they have at least an hour and probably more to break into cars to steal whatever is left in them. Even if they find nothing, windows are still broken, which costs money to repair. My wife has had her car broken into and yesterday she and a friend observed two men breaking into a car. She called 911, but of course they didn’t get there in

time before the thieves left. I have a friend who hikes there frequently and he’s witnessed so much crime that he and his hiking friends leave their cars unlocked so they don’t break the windows. I have another acquaintance that also had his car broken into so it goes a bit beyond anecdotal that this is an issue. I’m told that L.A. County sheriffs are in charge of policing this area, but I doesn’t seem as if anything is being done. In this day and age where everyone can have a camera on their front porch for a few bucks, it makes no sense why a few can’t be put up at Towsley to catch these people. I’ve also spoken to Park Rangers who were not just unhelpful, but mildly annoyed that I would even challenge them on the lack of success in catching criminals. Perhaps I’m missing something, but it sure seems like an easy and reasonable fix to add some cameras and get a handle on this problem. Brian Richards, Stevenson Ranch 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.

2 0 · S U N D AY S I G N A L

D E C E M B E R 2, 2018

Opinion

OUR VIEW

Continued from page 18

from a $9.95-billion voter-approved 2008 ballot initiative, so those billions are being spent on high-speed rail, period, because they can’t be spent on anything else. Meanwhile, the costs keep spiraling, with the latest estimates topping $77 billion and counting. It’s evident that Sacramento politicians — hello, Democratic supermajority — will spend whatever they deem necessary to stay on their high horse and tell Californians to get out of their cars when traveling between the Bay Area and the Southland, even if the cost of a highspeed train ticket will closely approach the “Wanna Get Away” airfares from Southwest. And, of course, the currently planned route runs through the Santa Clarita Valley. So at this point, a favorable outcome for Santa Clarita residents would be one that minimizes the new train’s negative impacts on our valley and its property owners, because killing the high-speed rail project in its entirety is highly unlikely. The prospects are concerning. The High Speed Rail Authority is going through the motions of hearing public input as it finalizes the route for the Palmdale to Burbank leg of the rail line. The rail authority’s current recommended route calls for the train to travel near the eastern boundary of Santa Clarita, following the 14 freeway and tunneling underground at depths anywhere from 400 to 500 feet deep. According to state rail authority staff, the train would emerge from a tunnel adjacent to Lang Station Road.

WHYTE

Continued from page 19

ers Craig and Lisa Eichman and the incredible coaches they employ, in particular Courtney Starks. Brooke took those gymnastics skills to cheerleading when she was about 10, cheering Warrior youth football. Once she hit high school, it got more serious: Saugus High happens to have the only local public high school cheer squad that regularly participates in cheer competition, which is a mix of cheering, dance, tumbling and stunting. Those who say it’s not a sport have never watched these kids train and compete. It’s physical. It’s artistic. It’s demanding. It’s dangerous. It’s exciting.

Santa Clarita city officials are advocating that the train remain fully underground through the SCV — which, of course, would likely increase costs, but would reduce the train's negative impacts on the community. “The Santa Clarita City Council remains adamant that only a fully underground alignment, which significantly minimizes or eliminates any impact to neighborhoods and communities, is the only acceptable approach,” Mayor Laurene Weste wrote in a letter to rail authority Chairman Dan Richard. Regardless of which route is taken, issues abound. Seismology. Noise. Proximity to the aforementioned proposed CEMEX mine site. Vibration for those whose property is poised above the tunnel. Impacts on neighborhoods and already-approved local projects, like Vista Canyon, a 185-acre mixed-use development west of the proposed rail alignment. But make no mistake. The High Speed Rail Authority and Sacramento politicians intend to shove it through. Those pushing for the train are going to get their damn train, no matter who or what they run over — or, apparently, under — in the process. Santa Clarita leaders are appropriately expressing concerns about the route and its impacts on not just city residents, but also the city’s nearest neighbors to the east. We know that, to the extent they can, our city leaders will fight the good fight. But this time, will it be enough, as it has been in the past? Be warned, Santa Claritans. This Goliath is bigger, meaner and more relentless than those we’ve vanquished before. Warm up your slingshots. 

A few weeks back, I watched her cheer her last high school football game. It marked the end of an era — the last of our Friday night excursions to watch our girl and her pals exhort the football guys to victory, throwing in some stunts and tumbling runs in the process. It also marked the beginning of her last high school comp season, because the very next day the cheer girls were in Anaheim, competing for a spot in the United Cheer Association national championships in Florida. It’s the one that gets shown on ESPN every year. And here’s where I’m slipping in a little plug: Brooke and the rest of the Saugus High School varsity comp squad won their division (large varsity) at the regional competition and qualified for the nationals in Orlando. My kids — they don’t pick the cheap-

HEGG

Continued from page 18

are different from us. Face it, we’re so much better responding to those with whom we have much in common. But when we’re face to face with people who face certain physical, mental, social, or emotional challenges, we too often avert our eyes or worse … and don’t for a moment think they don’t see it, and feel it, which only serves to validate their feeling of being alone in this world. Leadership: This one may surprise you, but the loneliness of leadership is very real and deep. Leaders in every field live out their lives on the stage of public expectations and can never escape them. They are expected to be upbeat, personable, relational, charming and courageous in every situation, all while knowing those watching are free to interpret their words, facial expressions, body language and even wardrobe in any way they choose. Leadership also means having to make unpopular decisions without being able to publicly explain all the reasons and rationale behind them. Every leader I know will agree that leadership is the epitome of public loneliness. We see leaders from a distance as successful, but what we don’t see is their belief that their world provides almost no safe spaces for them. They come to embrace a personal loneliness that most will never know. So, what’s this all about? Just this. This season, as you make merry with family and friends, think about how you can prepare yourself to bring some joy to the lonely people around you. I say prepare because doing what doesn’t come naturally will mean maturing in areas of your perception, character and manner. For me, that means praying for God to open my eyes a little wider, confront my selfishness a little stronger and fill my heart a little fuller with real compassion for those who need what I can give. What they need is what we all need: a sincere appreciation of who they are as people, fellow-travelers on the human journey, who down deep just want to be welcomed into the family. David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church and a Santa Clarita resident.“Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays. 

est sports around. We’re going to Florida, apparently. And, we’re fundraising: You can go to bit.ly/2SdR0qF if you’d like to help cover the Saugus girls’ expenses as they represent the Santa Clarita Valley in the nation’s biggest high school cheer competition. That, too, will be another bittersweet moment as time marches on — one step closer to our girl moving on from youth and high school and going away to college. Through all of it, Brooke has grown into a bright, confident, witty young woman, who’s not only unafraid to take on her big brother, but also her dad. Example: This past summer, we went to a couple of big country music concerts. We saw Florida Georgia Line at the Midstate Fair in Paso Robles and we saw Luke Bryan at Dodger Stadium.

We had some fun times and built some great memories. (Maybe sometime later I’ll tell the story of how I got lost while walking through the Dodger Stadium parking lot after the concert…) Anyhoo. During these experiences, it occurred to me that it might be nice to have a record of what a great time we were having. So, I went Facebook live. Apparently, this was not the coolest Dad Thing I have ever done. After one of those shows, Brooke said to me, dripping with sarcasm and disdain: “Why is it that any time we do anything remotely cool you feel like you have to go Facebook live?” Yep. That’s our girl. Tim Whyte is editor of The Signal. His column appears Sundays. 

D E C E M B E R 2, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 21

HOMEIMPROVEMENT

Coloring concrete, and smooth floors By Robert Lamoureux Signal Contributing Writer

Coloring Concrete Dear Mr. Lamoureux, Two years ago, I had a new driveway, walkway and courtyard put in, it was all colored concrete. Unfortunately, my concrete contractor wasn’t very good. The color turned out badly, there were cracks and one portion of the walkway was poured too thin. Of course, he took no responsibility and blamed it on the concrete , and pointed out to me how once it is poured the concrete maker takes no responsibility either. All that said, my question for you is, when he poured the courtyard, there was a step up to my front porch; the step was supposed to stay because we were going to tile the front porch, and the step; when all was done, he had poured it evenly to the step, So there is no longer a step. He also cracked a small corner of the porch when prepping for the courtyard. I have been staring at a gray concrete porch for a while now, but I don’t know what to do with it. I’m ready to make it look nice, should I use concrete paint? What about the cracks? I know I can’t match the concrete to the courtyard and I have

gotten paint samples and they all looked terrible. I don’t want to do it myself, I’m not very handy ( my husband says he’s ready to tackle it ) what kind of tradesman do I call to make this look nice ? I would appreciate any suggestions. The porch is small, approximately 70 square feet. Thank you, Dee L.

ASK THEM FOR A CONCRETE DYE, NOT A PAINT. THE PAINT SITS ON THE SURFACE AND WILL EVENTUALLY FAIL AT A HIGHER RATE THAN A DYE, AS THE CONCRETE IS SITTING ON GRADE AND WEAR/WEATHER WILL AFFECT IT. Dee, I’m sorry you had trouble with the email. I would go into Sherwin Williams and see the representatives at the

When fixing color issues on the concrete, checking in with a paint expert at your local hardware store is a good place to start for suggestions. COURTESY PHOTO

COURTESY PHOTO

counter, and show them the pictures of the area in question. Ask them for a concrete dye, not a paint. The paint sits on the surface and will eventually fail at a higher rate than a dye, as the concrete is sitting on grade and wear/ weather will affect it. The dye will get into the pores of the concrete, and last a lot longer, and the dye color can be custom mixed to your liking. You mentioned that your husband was ready to tackle this, I would follow the lead from Sherwin Williams and things will go smoothly. Best of luck to you, Robert Smooth Floors Hi Robert, I live in a senior community here in the Santa Clarita Valley. My unit is one of five in my building, and I am located in the bottom middle. There are jacks directly under my unit, the problem is that one of the jacks causes a raised spot in my kitchen floor that I am told is not repairable. This area is not visible when there is carpet over it; however, it’s visible when there is sheet vinyl installed. I currently have carpet, but would like to install a wood product of some kind. Would this be possible to do without that small lump showing? If not, do you have another suggestion for flooring? Thank you, Cindy Cindy, The pictures speak a thousand

THE DYE WILL GET INTO THE PORES OF THE CONCRETE, AND LAST A LOT LONGER, AND THE DYE COLOR CAN BE CUSTOM MIXED TO YOUR LIKING. words, as they say. I think the best thing to do is to have BJ Development come by your home and let them assess the situation. I understand what you’re saying, but without being there I’m not getting the full picture. Give them a call and see what they recommend. Anything can be repaired, the question is: at what cost? I recommend calling BJ Development at 661296-9360. These are knowledgeable people who can help you. Best of luck, Robert Robert Lamoureux has 38 years of experience as a general contractor, with separate licenses in electrical and plumbing contracting. He owns IMS Construction Inc. in Valencia. His opinions are his own, not necessarily those of The Signal. Opinions expressed in this column are not meant to replace the recommendations of a qualified contractor after that contractor has made a thorough visual inspection. Email questions to Robert at robert@imsconstruction.com. 

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D E C E M B E R 2, 2018

HOMEIMPROVEMENT

Major changes coming to new home building methods

cross America, home builders are adopting new approaches to construction to create greener homes with better resale value. One major change that’s tackling energy consumption and rising fuel costs is the use of an airtight, solid concrete system to replace inefficient wood framing. Insulated concrete forms, or ICFs, erect a building with an interlocking system, similar to Lego. “It’s a switch for builders, but those who have switched over tell us it’s quite easy to build with ICFs,” says Natalie Rodgers of Nudura, a leading name in the field. “Customer demand has driven this change and builders are now seeing how green construction options can have a positive impact on their business.” The ICF system is now the No. 1 choice of wall-building methods for “net-zero” construction in the country. The term net-zero applies to buildings that are energy efficient and don’t tap into any public utility fuel supplies. The goal is for as many

Insulated concrete forms, or ICFs, are now a common part of builders’ efforts to create “net-zero” construction, which is construction that doesn’t use public utilities. COURTESY PHOTO

homes, schools and public buildings as possible to be designed to be net-zero. Here are some advantages of net-zero construction using ICF. Building guide. Underscoring these proactive measures, the nonprofit organization LEED also reminds us that constructing a green home leaves a much smaller carbon footprint due to less demand on natu-

ral resources. Such homes will create less waste and be healthier and more comfortable for the occupants. Fuel savings. Walls built with ICFs are proven to reduce energy bills up to 60 percent, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce or eliminate exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins. The net cost over time is comparable to owning a conven-

tional home and the resale return is generally assured. Durability. Concrete is strong. Due to high-impact resistance, these concrete walls assure maximum safety in high wind areas. Fire resistance is also reported to be maximized at four hours. Comfort. Unlike in conventional wooded frames, air gaps are eliminated in ICF, minimizing the potential for mold growth and draft. The end result is an airtight structure that enables the mechanical systems to heat, cool and ventilate the structure more efficiently, creating a healthier living and working environment. Responsibility. The materials are recyclable and the system is designed to create less landfill waste during the construction process. Combined with other eco-construction methods, this concrete system will significantly reduce carbon emissions by lowering the amount of fossil fuels needed for heating and cooling.  —Metro Connection

5 ways to make homes safer

njuries that occur around the home contribute to millions of medical visits and tens of thousands of fatalities each year. Falls account for the largest percentage of home accidents, with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that around 30,000 fall-related fatalities occur each year in the United States. Many home accidents are entirely preventable when proper caution is exercised. As homeowners prepare for home-improvement projects, improving safety inside and outside the home should be a priority. 1. Improve lighting One of the easiest ways to reduce the risk of falls is to improve lighting around the home. The National Institutes of Health state that adequate lighting is important at entrances to the home, stairways, hallways, and other frequently traversed areas. Make sure lighting fixtures are using the highest wattage light bulb al-

lowed. Artificial lighting sources become even more vital in fall and autumn, when natural light is less abundant in a home. In addition, install lighting outdoors by the front door, over the garage and where garbage pails are stored to facilitate safe passage. 2. Eliminate slick surfaces Improving traction around the house also can minimize falls. Throw rugs and runners can be made more secure with nonslip rubber backings. Bath rugs can reduce slipping on wet surfaces in the bathroom. Also, nonslip mats can be used inside of showers and bathtubs. Use shoe trays to reduce puddling from melting snow or rain runoff in entryways. Mop up spills quickly, and consider the use of matte- or textured-finished flooring to improve stability underfoot. Promptly remove snow and ice from driveways and walkways. For those who live in cold climates, heated concrete can help melt pre-

cipitation before it accumulates. 3. Make needed repairs Repair loose floorboards and pull carpet taut if it has started to stretch out. Address cracks outdoors and ensure that patio stones, bricks and pavers are secure and level to reduce tripping hazards. Fix areas of the landscape where water may pool and freeze, creating potential hazards. 4. Declutter all spaces Remove unnecessary items and furniture from rooms to free up more space to get around. Be sure there are no obstructions in walkways, entryways and near doors. Keep staircases clear at all times. 5. Invest in assistive devices Handrails, grab bars, nonslip stair treads, and many other devices can make homes safer for people of all ages and abilities. Outfit cabinets and closets with organizers that put frequently used items within easy reach. A sturdy step stool can reduce the risk of injury while reaching for items stored on high shelves.

Stairs should be free of clutter and have sturdy railings. COURTESY PHOTO

Taking measures to reduce the risk of falling around the home is a worthwhile home improvement project.  —Metro Connection

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K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Potato Latkes aren’t just for Hanukkah By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

Family-style Potato Latkes

“

When the calendar turns to December, we’re a blended family as far as holiday traditions go,” said professional caterer and mom, Carole Blumenberg Garrigos. Her husband was born in Seville, Spain, of Catholic heritage, and she was raised in the Jewish faith in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Their teenage daughter Carmen practices Judaism, but appreciates both family religious traditions, including the approaching celebrations of Hanukkah and Christmas. On a visit to their home, I asked Carmen what the eight days of Hanukkah, beginning Dec. 2, mean to her. “The most memorable night is when my extended family gathers at our home at sunset, and we light candles on the menorah, sing a blessing, and eat a meal with tender, juicy brisket, a green salad, Jell-O and — fresh out of sizzling pans on the stove — potato latkes!” she said. So we grated, stirred and fried up a big and beautiful batch of 12 golden

4 large potatoes (Carole prefers Yukon gold, scrubbed and unpeeled) 1/2 onion 2 eggs, lightly beaten 1/4 cup flour 1 teaspoon salt Freshly ground pepper to taste 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Vegetable oil for frying Sour cream for topping Applesauce for topping

Carole Blumenberg Garrigos and daughter Carmen prepare latkes, a traditional dish served during Hanukkah. COURTESY PHOTO

latkes (potato pancakes) together. Topped with dollops of applesauce and sour cream (if you opt for ketchup on top, that’s OK too, according to Carole), I was convinced that latkes are delicious not only during Hanuk-

1. Cut potatoes and peeled onion in chunks and coarsely shred in a food processor, or use a box grater. Place in a mixing bowl. 2. Add eggs, flour, salt and pepper, and baking powder. Toss to combine. 3. Heat 1/4 inch oil in a heavy kah, but anytime of the year.  Donna Erickson’s award-winning series “Donna’s Day” is airing on public

frying pan over medium high heat. Drop mixture in heaping spoonfuls into the hot oil. Cook for about 3-4 minutes. Turn with a spatula and cook to light brown and crisp on both sides. 4. Serve immediately with toppings of sour cream and/or applesauce. Serves 4-6. Extra idea For a twist, heat up your waffle iron, oil lightly, and cook the potato mixture by the spoonful until crisp. Enjoy as a brunch item topped with a poached egg, smoked salmon and chopped chives as a garnish, if you wish. television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit www.donnasday.com.

The SCV begins celebration of Hanukkah By Michele Lutes Signal Staff Writer

andles will begin to be lit this evening around the world to celebrate the eight nights of Hanukkah from Dec. 2-10, continuing a tradition of faith dating back over the course of two millennia. “Hanukkah celebrates the events that happened over 2,000 years ago,” said Rabbi Mark Blazer of Temple Beth Ami in Santa Clarita. “The Jewish community fought back for religious freedom and Jewish tradition.” “In the second century BCE, the Holy Land was ruled by the Syrian-Greeks, who tried to force the people of Israel to accept Greek culture and beliefs instead of mitzvah observance and belief in God,” according to chabad.org. “Against all odds, a small band of faithful Jews defeated one of the mightiest armies

on Earth, drove the Greeks from the land, reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and rededicated it to the service of God.” The story has inspired many, Blazer said. “The biggest miracle of Hanukkah is the small group was able to withstand a bigger force and keep tradition.” Tradition has been kept as the Jewish religion celebrates Hanukkah in December each year. “It’s not a ‘Jewish Christmas,’” Blazer said. “It has a different meaning.” After reclaiming the Holy Temple, the Jews sought to light the Temple’s Menorah, according to chabad.org. “They found only a single cruse of olive oil that had escaped contamination by the Greeks. Miraculously, they lit the menorah and the one-day supply of oil lasted for eight days, until new oil could be prepared under conditions of ritual purity.” Each candle represents a different

day of the holiday. When celebrating the holiday, a candle on the Menorah is lit each evening of Hanukkah. “The miracle of the lights,” Blazer said.

Hanukkah is a relatively new tradition on the Jewish calendar in Jewish history, he said. “It’s about halfway through our history. A lot of stuff that happened before that.” 

Hanukkah

anukkah is a Jewish celebration that lasts for eight days and nights and commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Greek-Syrian ruler Antiochus IV Epiphanes roughly 2,200 years ago. Hanukkah is called the “Festival of Lights” in recognition of the day’s supply of oil that somehow burned in the temple for eight days. Hanukkah celebrations are rife with tradition. Families eat latkes and sufganiyot, which are fried in oil

to commemorate the miracle of the oil. Children are rewarded for their Torah studies by receiving Hanukkah money and presents during the eightday celebration, which also includes a recitation of the entire Hallel. Individuals light a special ninebranched candelabrum called a menorah. In ancient times, oil was used to light the menorah, but nowadays many Hanukkah celebrants use candles to light their menorahs, which are typically placed in prominent spots in their homes. 

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K I D S & FA M I LY

Toy retailers ready for holiday rush; are you? By Crystal Duan Signal Staff Writer

ometimes shoppers are frustrated when stores run out of stock during the summer months, but for the holiday season, local stores are stocking up for the expected throngs of shoppers. “During the summer, toys like the L.O.L. Surprise toy, which has been popular this year and last year, are hard to find,” he said. “We do overstock ourselves when the holiday season comes though, so for our particular store, we definitely make sure we provide for that.” U.S. toy sales rose 7 percent to $7.9 billion in the first six months of this year, according to the NPD Group. This year, L.O.L. Surprise! dolls (which stands for Little Outrageous Little) are one of Target’s top-sellers again, according to its hot toy list. The little dolls, which come with “surprise” accessories, and are popular from YouTube “unboxing” videos, spiked in excess of $4 billion worldwide, according to consumer reports, compared to about $600 million last year. Target Valencia was prepared then. Blanco said they did not sell out when the dolls were a hit around Christmas last year. This year, other toys that are looking to be a hit include: Barbie DreamHouse; Let’s Dance Elmo; Luvabella, a life-like baby doll with realistic facial expressions and responses; battle-action figure car game “Mecards,” based on a popular Korean animated series; Think & Learn Code-a-Pillar, a toy from Fisher Price that gives youngsters an early introduction to STEM coding; and KONEX building sets. “Our store alone already has deliveries every day,” Blanco said. “But for our particular store, we also pay attention to online stores. We always keep track of inventory so we don’t run out before the holidays.” Target is doubling the number of new and exclusive items this year, and will have more than 2,500, Mark Tritton, the company’s executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, said in a statement. This tends to happen in late September through early January, Blanco said.

DKT 39 Think and learn codeapillar.

COURTESY PHOTOS

“It’s more or less during the summer when we are struggling with having enough merchandise in the store for our guests that we would run out, but it’s still not a common thing,” Blanco said. “Our store specifically gets deliveries during the holidays where we are doubling our input. We get up to 10-12 trucks a week, while we would in contrast only get five trucks a week in the summer. And even in those trucks they bump up our merchandise count, especially in our toy department with high sellers.” Other high-sellers also include: Pomsies by Skyrocket, which are fashionable plush pets that can even wrap around children’s wrists; SelfieMic Selfie Stick Microphones; and the classic slimy and squishy toys that Blanco said have been popular for many years. The biggest inconvenience to local Santa Claritans is the long lines they must endure to buy the items, he said. “It’s not a matter of running out, it’s that these toys can be so popular that people crowd the stores at the same times getting them,” he said. “My advice would be to shop as early as possible, and look to do it especially during the week. I’d suggest that’d be the best bet, such as in the early mornings before everyone’s off for the weekend.

Or shop online,” he said. “All retailers like Walmart and us are all prepared, so it’s up to the consumer as to how they want to strategize when to make their purchases.” Blanco also said large retailers like Target intentionally add toys to display racks around town or by checkout lines to make space for the excess in merchandise, and so consumers will be able to easily find them. 

LOL surpise eye spy pets Mattel Mecard

D E C E M B E R 2, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 25

How to advocate for children at school

chools are an important cornerstone of children’s development, both academically and socially. And whether students are part of the general education curriculum or requires accommodations for physical or developmental challenges, their parents are their staunchest advocates for their success in the classroom. Parents can represent their children in the educational climate more effectively if they understand how schools operate. As with any official government or municipal organization, there are policies and regulations in place. Parents who can navigate effectively will have the greater chance of having their voices heard.

• Develop a positive image in the school. Parents can ingratiate themselves to school personnel in various

ability, research it and the tools that have helped other students in similar situations achieve success.

There are a number of ways to get involved, including parent-teacher organizations. Parents can represent their children in the educational climate more effectively if they understand how schools operate. COURTESY PHOTO

ways. This includes participation in parent-teacher organizations, volunteering for school-led activities and taking time to get to know all staff, including office secretaries, paraprofessionals and student teachers. Consider chairing an activity, like

Box Tops for education collection or a scouting troop. Being a positive presence on campus will set the tone for how others view you. • Educate yourself on policies. Read up on the issues you support. If your child has a particular learning dis-

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LUNCH Bean & Cheese Burrito Popcorn Chicken Hot Dog on a Bun Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar Pork Carnitas Taco Dippin’ Chicken & Sauce Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar Chicken Enchilada Spicy Chicken Sandwich Chicken Sandwich Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar Chocolate Chip Cookie Rodeo Roundup Burger & Spicy Curly Fries Chicken Nuggets PBJ Sandwich & String Cheese Smart Choice Pizza Seasonal Salad Bar Carnitas Fiesta Bowl Popcorn Chicken Smart Choice Pizza Manager’s Choice Seasonal Salad Bar

• Attend workshops and investigate what your school district offers by way of individualized education modifications so you can present a well-researched argument. In addition, if necessary, learn about children’s rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). • Stay organized. Keep a folder of test scores, homework assignments, report cards, and other pertinent documents in one place so you can document and track your child’s progress and performance. • Be positive, calm and firm. The advocacy organization Understood says parents can learn strategies and phrases to redirect conversations and defuse tense situations. Parents are an equal member of the education team. Be receptive to staff ideas, but don’t feel pressured to agree with them all. • Communicate regularly. The notion that “the squeaky wheel gets the grease” is largely true. Speak with teachers, therapists and the principal as necessary to ensure that lines of communication are kept open at all times. Continue to do so with tact and decorum. Remember to follow hierarchy protocol, first speaking with a teacher directly instead of going straight to an administrator. • Parents are their children’s first and most avid advocates. They can help ensure students get the education they deserve.  —Metro Connection

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

Heart’s Nancy Wilson beats a path to Canyon Santa Clarita Dec. 7 By Stephen K. Peeples Signal Contributing Writer

eart co-founder/guitarist/singer and Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductee Nancy Wilson will rock the Canyon Santa Clarita with the music of Heart and more Friday, Dec. 7. “Heart took a hiatus for a little

while, and I got this itch to put together a band with three members from Heart — Dan Rothchild, Chris Joyner and Ben Smith — to play with me and Liv Warfield and her guitar player, Ryan Waters, who both came out of Prince’s New Power Generation,” Wilson said, calling from the road. “Liv had opened for Heart at the Hollywood Bowl a couple years ago,

and she and I hit it off fast,” Wilson said. “She said, ‘We should talk about doing something if (Heart is) going to be off the road for a while.’ I said, ‘Let’s do it!’ “We put the band together pretty quickly and made an album called ‘First Things First,’” she said. “It’s my second rock band. We call it ‘Nancy Wilson with Roadcase Royale.’” Heart’s Rothchild produced the

album, and legendary rock photographer Neal Preston, longtime Heart tour shooter, directed its first video, “Get Loud,” which premiered on Rolling Stone’s website in September 2017. While half the bandmembers — Wilson, Rothchild and Joyner — live in L.A., “Ben and Ryan are in Seattle See WILSON, page 39

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THINGSTODO

An Arcane escape in Newhall Ghost Room By Martha Michael Signal Staff Writer

here are plenty of mysteries where answers are either unattainable or arcane, such as: What’s in your DNA? What’s at the bottom of the ocean? Is there anything to do in Santa Clarita? Well, now there’s a local business that might not be your best source for the first two questions, but it does offer a creative venture centered around problem-solving, that’s offering a solution to that third question that has long-plagued SCV residents. Arcane Escape Rooms in Newhall opened in 2016, offering the public an interactive team experience where participants solve puzzles to exit a space (sometimes in multiple rooms) within a designated time period. Though the craze may have emerged from a social media-centered culture, it’s now embraced by people of all styles and elicits real, unplugged communication among team members. Company executives sometimes send employees to facilities such as these for skill-building purposes, because the individuals are forced to work together and overcome obstacles. Arcane is popular with board gamers, video gamers, groups of friends, families — anyone who wants to try a new form of entertainment.

What’s the idea?

Escape rooms begin with a premise

that’s explained to participants by a staff member or a video, at which time the the group springs into action — seeking out clues and developing a course of action as quickly as possible to beat the clock. This writer was part of a team who tackled the “Ghost of Mentryville” escape room, which is Arcane’s newest attraction. It’s a departure from the other two — “The Hideout” and “The Agency” — in several ways. Designed to please those who have a penchant for the macabre, participants gather around a coffin and solve puzzles related to a bloody murder. A small team (four or fewer) uses logic to unlock mind puzzles that literally unlock doors, advancing the storyline each time. A newly built room with an original narrative, “Ghost of Mentryville” is another first for Arcane: It involves a live actor. The main inspiration came from the staff, said Matt Tye, Arcane’s creator, who grew up in Santa Clarita and currently lives in the San Fernando Valley. “I was about halfway finished designing ‘The Ghost of Mentryville.’ We actually started doing a weekly ‘Dungeons and Dragons’ game at our location with the staff… I saw how incredibly fun it can be to interact with someone who is playing a character and thought it would be a fun aspect to add into the game that I was building. I started designing some puzzles and ideas around these interactions and leaned into that aspect of the game.” Scott and Karen Goodspeed, of Canyon Country, also were on the team tackling “Mentryville” a week ago.

“This escape room was not like any other that we’ve seen,” Karen Goodspeed said. “It was elaborately detailed and having an actor in the room made the game creepy, yet exciting.”

Puzzled and inspired

Tye said he doesn’t know when he’ll change the storyline of the rooms, as they’re still going strong, even “The Agency” — which has been in operation for two and a half years. ”We haven’t yet reached the point where a room stops getting booked,” he said. “Once a room starts getting slower, we’ll be creating a new one in its place.” A 2006 graduate of Canyon High, Tye decided to launch the business after playing some escape rooms in 2015. “I immediately became infatuated with them,” said Tye, who has now participated in nearly 100 escape room experiences. “I played my first one and loved it. Right after we

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The main inspiration for the “Mentryville” room was input from local staff members, said owner Matt Tye. COURTESY PHOTO

In the “Ghost of Mentryville,” one of the rooms at Arcane Escape Rooms in Newhall, participants solve interactive puzzles to move on. COURTESY PHOTO

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finished it, I said to my wife, ‘This is the thing. This is what I’m supposed to be doing!’ It was the first time I’d ever felt 100 percent sure about what I wanted to do with my career.” He previously worked in the research and development department at Walt Disney Imagineering in Glendale. “When I worked there, I picked up a lot of the skills that I use to build the props and puzzles at Arcane,” Tye said. “I’ve also been recording and creating music and video for a long time, so we’ve created custom music, audio and video for every game. I’ve been a video gamer for my whole life, game design has always been an interest.” Based on feedback about the escape room experience, Tye said that participants like being part of a story and working together with family or friends. Arcane does not have specific age rules but recommends that players are 10 or older. An adult needs to be present, and parents of minors sign a waiver, which is available on the website. Arcane is located at 23504 Lyons Ave., No. 405B. It is open Mondays and Thursdays 6-10:30 p.m.; Fridays 1:30 p.m. to midnight; Saturdays noon-midnight; and Sundays 1:30-9 p.m. The full schedule can be found on the website, www.arcaneescaperooms. com, where customers can book a visit through the online system. Prices vary according to the time you play and the number in your party. You can obtain a coupon for 13 percent off by using the discount code “SPOOKY” at checkout. (661) 452-6953. 

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Holiday Gifts from

Happy Holidays! Give them a gift they won't forget or outgrow! Give a little piece of the farm this year! Buy a Gift Card to Gilchrist Farm in any amount good toward - Horseback Riding Lessons - Summer Camp - Pony Rides! Purchase online or at the Farm any Saturday from 9AM-2PM or during the Holidays at the Farm Event December 8th & 9th. www.gilchristfarm.com

Gift Baskets with Gilchrist Farm merchandise and hand made soap available!

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D E C E M B E R 2, 2018

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HIGH DESERT

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• The use of a Christmas wreath as a decoration on a front door, mantel or bay window symbolizes a sign of welcome and long life to all who enter. • Christmas caroling began as an old English custom called Wassailing — toasting neighbors to a long and healthy life.

• All modern references of Santa coming down the chimney can be traced to the famous poem “A Visit From St. Nicholas,” written in 1822 by Clement C. Moore. In it he describes “And then in a twinkling I heard on the roof, the prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in my head and was turning around, down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.” • Due to time zones, Santa has 31 hours to deliver gifts. © 2018 King Features Synd., Inc.

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7:00-8:00 PM Join us for our 4th annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, musical entertainment and surprises.

Community TO YDR IVE Ongoing through December 20 Drop off new toys to any participating merchant, or bring them to our Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, December 06, from 5:00 - 8:00 PM.

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D E C E M B E R 2, 2018

FOOD

A bit of the South in Santa Clarita By Michelle Sathe Signal Staff Writer

t’s the smell that hits you first, as you walk just into Smokehouse on Main. That heady scent of smoking meat mixes perfectly with the rustic brick, wood and wrought iron dining room, where there’s always blues playing and people enjoying some seriously delicious barbecue. You can take a seat at one of a dozen at the bar, where there are 24 craft beers on tap and a long wine list, or slide into one of the comfortable booth/table hybrids. If it’s particularly nice weather, there’s also a patio that’s prime for people watching as they make their way around this busy section of Old Town Newhall. Like the Beastie Boys song, “Low and slow is the tempo” to Smokehouse on Main’s signature meats. Unlike grilling, which is fast and produces a sear, smoking takes hours and creates decadent texture and flavor. Smokehouse on Main offers singleto triple-combo plates ($15 to $36) featuring brisket, pulled pork, chicken, tri tip, beef or pork ribs and Texas hot links. The brisket ($19) is heavenly, better than any that I’ve had across these United States (and I’ve traveled the country twice, including Texas). It’s a fork-tender, savory flavor bomb. They’ll ask if you want it lean or fatty. By all means, choose the latter, which

Above: Delicious street-style roast corn is one of the new veggie items McGraham added to the menu. Right: The Kansas City Burger, featuring single-grind brisket, has a bit of crunch, sweet and savory between the bun. PHOTOS BY MICHELLE SATHE / THE SIGNAL

Smokehouse on Main’s secret to tender, flavorful meat, like the tri tip pictured here, is a dry rub and slow smoking. COURTESY PHOTO

Smokehouse on Main owner Cherie McGraham holds up a Kansas City Burger at her restaurant in Newhall. PHOTO BY MICHELLE SATHE / THE SIGNAL

adds an extra layer of richness. (If you’re gonna do barbecue, I say, go all out). Texas hot links are snappy, spicy and succulent, while the smoky meat on ribs and chicken practically falls off the bone. And the tri tip is tender. It’s not just the smoker that makes the barbecue here extra special, according to owner Cherie McGraham. “Our rubs hold the juice inside while flavoring the meat,” she said. Six barbecue sauces made in house, many with a regional flair, are placed on the table to enhance the meat including Georgia Mustard,

East Carolina Vinegar Pepper, and California or Kansas City barbecue. (Bottles of sauce are available for purchase at $7 each). Beyond barbecue, there are sandwiches ($12 to $16), salads ($6 to $15), and burgers ($14.50 to $18.50) on the menu. The Kansas City Burger ($14.50) has a bit of sweet crunch from coleslaw that mingles deliciously with the thick, juicy, single-grind brisket patty, sharp melted cheddar and tangy barbecue sauce. Most items are served your choice of a side or two, from the sharp and creamy Macaroni n’ Cheese and silky

collard greens, both infused with bits of bacon and/or Andouille sausage. Other standouts include chunky redskinned garlic mashed potatoes and perfectly crispy fries or barrel tots. McGraham, who took over the former Southern Smoke in July, has kept the original menu largely intact, but added a few extra items, such as grilled asparagus, seasonal vegetables, and a stellar street style roasted corn with garlic butter and all the fixins’. “I love veggies,” she said. McGraham also loves people, which is why she became a restauranteur for the first time after 17 years in the real estate business. “It’s like meeting friends every time I sit someone at a table. It feels like everyone’s coming to my home to hang out and have a great meal,” she said. Soon, people will be coming to lounge and listen to live music when McGraham expands Smokehouse on Main with a second venue right next store that will feature two bars, a latenight grub menu, and a stage to showcase rock and blues bands until 1 a.m. “It’s going to be an extension of the restaurant and great for large parties,” she said. “I want this to be the place that everyone comes to after going to the movies or the theater.” Smokehouse on Main, 24255 Main Street, Newhall. Open Monday to Thursday, 11 am to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday, 11 am to 10 pm, and Sunday 9 am to 9 pm (Sunday brunch served 9 am to noon). Catering available. For more information, call (661) 888-4585 or visit www.smokehouseonmain. com. 

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FOOD

A few fabulous food gifts If you really want to dazzle that super-healthy friend, give them a selection of fresh, organic, cold-pressed juices ($8.50 to $11) in gorgeous jewel tones that taste great any time of day or night. (Order 6 baked goods or four juices and get 10 percent off).

By Michelle Sathe Signal Staff Writer

he holidays are coming. Do you know where your gifts are? Well, if you have foodies on your list, but no time to bake or cook, you can find perfect presents made right here in the Santa Clarita Valley. From classic cookies to terrific toffee, there’s something for everyone just a short drive or website visit away. Here are some of our favorites.

Daily Harvest Café & Juicery

Address: 22722 Lyons Avenue, Newhall Hours: Open Tuesday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Info: (661) 383-9387/www.thedaily harvestcafe.com. Order in restaurant or call in advance Think someone on a keto, detox or

DW Cookie Company Daily Harvest fresh, cold-pressed, organic juices make a dazzling gift for that healthy friend or loved one on your list. COURTESY PHOTOS

gluten-free diet is too hard to find a food gift for? Think again. The Daily Harvest in Newhall has a delicious array of baked goods ($3.50 to $5), such as a delectable, gluten-free lemon ricotta cake and a vegan zucchini bread freshly baked on the premises that will satisfy any discerning sweet tooth.

18 0 2

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

Address: 18962 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country Hours: Open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Info: (661) 505-0781. Order in store or call in advance Who doesn’t love a cookie? An assortment of DW Cookies are sure to put a smile on your recipient’s face, as they dive into moist, chewy classics like chocolate chip (with or without walnuts), sugar, or peanut butter, plus fun varieties like triple chocolate, white chocolate cranberry, toffee chip and rainbow chip. There’s even gingerbread, just for the holidays.

L CHÊNE e French Cuisine

A mug full of cookies is $17, a small platter is $37, the small basket is $42 (2 dozen) and a large basket is $55 (3 dozen).

Smokehouse on Main

Address: 24255 Main Street, Newhall Hours: Open Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Info: (661) 888-4585. Order in advance or walk in Do you have an aspiring pitmaster on your list? Then a selection of homemade BBQ sauces from Smokehouse on Main is a fine gift. There’s a lip-smacking variety for every kind of ‘cue craving, including regional favorites like Georgia Mustard, East Carolina Vinegar Pepper and Kansas City or California BBQ. See GIFTS, page 39

Best Happy Hour in Town 25% off

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

New Year’s Eve Murder Mystery Event

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D E C E M B E R 2, 2018

FA S H I O N & B E A U T Y

How to buy clothes as holiday gifts

oliday shopping lists are being made, and there is a strong chance that clothing has made many of those lists. Year after year, apparel, along with technology and books, dominate the top giving categories, according to Nielsen Global Holiday Spending Expectations. However, before rushing out to buy that new sweater or pair of slacks, shoppers are urged to follow a few tips that can make clothing shopping easier.

• Mimic the recipient’s sense of style. Take your shopping cues from the types of clothing your loved one typically wears. Now is not the time to try to impart your own fashion sense on someone else. Enlist help if you’re not exactly sure of your loved one’s sense of style; retail associates are there to help. • Stick with classics. Instead of mimicking his or her style, you can always select from classic apparel or general categories if they seem like they might be the right fit. Certain pieces, such as classic black pants or a skirt or a camisole and cardigan, always work seamlessly in a wardrobe. A gentleman might appreciate a new dinner jacket or blazer for those special occasions like a night out on the town. Opt for muted colors unless the recipient to make a statement. • Find out the right size. This can take some investigatory work, but

Shoppers hunt for bargains at the Westfield Valencia Town Center on Black Friday morning. Knowing which stores your loved ones’ like makes buying gifts a little easier. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

enlist other friends or family members to determine which size clothing your loved one wears. Otherwise, do some subtle sleuthing. Indirectly inquire as to size in general conversation. Or you can be forthcoming and say, “I’d like to get you clothing as a gift, what sizes do you wear?” • Discover his or her favorite stores. Through your relationship, you may have learned about your loved one’s favorite clothing stores. Such knowledge can give you a better

sense of where to shop. • Get gift receipts and learn the exchange policy. Even items purchased with the best intentions might not be right or fit correctly. Give the gift recipient an easy out by including a gift receipt with the present. This way he or she can exchange the gift for something else at full purchase price. Avoid retailers with especially stringent exchange policies. • Enroll in a clothing subscription service. You don’t need to buy clothes

to gift clothing. Another way to gift clothing is to enroll your loved one in a trial for a clothing service. Clothing services ask members a few questions, and then fashion specialists will choose select pieces to ship each month. The clothing can be kept or returned for new items. Clothing gifts are very popular. Gift-givers can help ensure they’re well received by selecting items with care.  —Metro Connection

‘Tis the season for booties By Taylor Harding Signal Contributing Writer

t’s that time of year again, y’all: Bootie season! Even though I wear booties year-round, fall is my favorite time, because it’s when all of the cute new bootie styles come to stores. Booties instantly elevate any daytime outfit, and the heel and rise of most of them flatter your legs and slim your ankles. If you know me, you know that my thick ankles are always a struggle for me (they are truly genetic cankles), so anything that makes them appear

slimmer gets my vote. The inspiration for this post started when I saw a pair of white cowboy boots that I had to have. It wasn’t until after further investigation that I realized for $1,190, I really didn’t need them as much as I thought I did, LOL. The next day, I randomly stumbled across a pair of booties that looked identical to the ones “I needed” — for one-fifth of the price. After that I, embarked on a mission to find the best-looking dupes for all of the high-quality designer booties for fall 2018. I found dupes for each

pair, and I tried to keep them under $100, but there are a few pairs in the $200 range — which is still practically a steal in comparison to the $1,200 price tag on some of these. Matisse, for example, had a similarly styled boot to Givenchy, with the price difference being about $1,300 for the French designed, and roughly $200 for the U.S. version from Matisse. Similarly, DSW and Nordstrom offered similar looks to a Fendi cowgirl boot that retailed for about $1,200, for anywhere from about $100 to $250, respectively.

COURTESY PHOTO

For more information on all of these fashions, as well as links to where they can be purchased, check out StyleStash. co. 

D E C E M B E R 2, 2018

TIME RANGER

Continued from page 16

the street, waiting for Santa and other dignitaries. • Speaking of Signal errors, Publisher Jon Newhall wrote an editorial suggesting that drug use may not be such a bad thing. He was later arrested for growing marijuana off Highway 99. • George Millay was in town, looking for land. The president of Sea World was interested in building a “Disneyland-type” amusement park. It would later be called, Magic Mountain. • A world’s record for pettiness could have been handed out to the Newhall Court. Trucker Vern

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 33

Courtnage traveled 300 miles from Northern California to fight a speeding ticket. He was 15 minutes late and was told he had to come back next week. Courtnage was ticketed for going 71 mph, uphill, in a 70 mph zone. Come on and PLEASE … DEC. 2, 1978

• For months, parents worried that court-ordered segregation would require their kids to travel for hours and be bussed into inner-city schools. The problem was eventually solved in a board room in Geneva. Oil prices were so high, it was fiscally impossible to pay for the fuel to bus the kids.

Y RDA U T SA 8TH DEC PM 1:00 to PM 4:00

• Noted local businessman Richard T. Schindler earned the nickname of “Schindler the Swindler.” The Plaza Posada investment counselor took dozens of locals in a complicated Ponzi scheme, raking in thousands. • Grace Hovey had been waiting years for the good news. The county announced they would be building a $1 million senior citizen center on Market Street. Grace had moved to Newhall in 1910 and had just celebrated her 100th birthday. Jim Jones was the Svengali-like cult leader who ran the quasi-religious People’s Temple in San Francisco. He also had one here in the Santa Clarita Valley. The socialist Jones was the darling of San Francisco society. He became infamous for murdering five temple members in Guyana and soon thereafter, poisoning another 918 at the jungle compound on Nov. 18, 1978. A third of the victims were minors. Until 9/11, it was the worst mass murder in American history. Jones ran a satellite temple on 65 acres up Charlie Canyon. The compound foreman, Eugene Chaiken, died in the cult suicide/murders. Many died from drinking Kool-Aid laced with cyanide. That’s where the phrase, “drinking the Kool-Aid,” was derived. It means swallowing a stupid idea with the payoff of some impossible paradise. Actually, the victims didn’t drink Kool-Aid. It was another, generic grape-flavored beverage.

Thanks once again for the dear companionship on these history trailrides. What say we get together next Sunday for another? Until then vayan con Dios y Feliz Navidad! John Boston, aka, Mr. Santa Clarita Valley, has been writing about and teaching the history of the SCV for more than 40 years. Read his historical tome, “Images of America: The Santa Clarita Valley.” It’s available on Amazon. com. 

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D E C E M B E R 2, 2018

GARDENING

Caring for your poinsettia and Christmas tree By Jane Gates Signal Staff Writer

oinsettias and live Christmas trees are probably the most traditional potted plants bought to cheer up homes and offices during the holidays. Here are some instructions on how to keep them happy and healthy during the holidays — and beyond.

Poinsettia care

Give your poinsettia plant plenty of good light. Keep the soil slightly on the dry side. The soil surface should be dry to the touch before watering. It’s a good idea to keep a pan or tray beneath the pot to discourage water from staining surfaces below. Even better, fill the tray with pebbles so the pot doesn’t sit in

COURTESY PHOTOS

drained water and roots can breathe. Poinsettias can be toxic if eaten in large quantities and the sap can be a skin irritant for some people. Although not as poisonous as once thought, it’s best to keep all parts out of the mouths of toddlers and pets. To keep your plant showy longer, buy a poinsettia that has not yet opened its flowers. The little yellow-green flowers are found clustered

at the center of what appears to be the big, colorful bloom. But what looks like colorful, showy petals are actually specially adapted leaves called bracts. Once the plant has finished blooming, leaves will start to wither from the bottom up. Now is the time to plant your indoor poinsettia outdoors — if you have a protected, frost-free spot. Poinsettias don’t like temperatures under 40 degrees. In the past, Santa Clarita winters have been too frosty for them to survive outdoors. But temperatures have been warming — both winters and summers — so you might be able to grow them on as garden flowers if you have a sheltered spot in your landscape. In fact, the extreme heat of our current summers is becoming more threatening to poinsettias than frost.

Christmas trees

If you purchase a living Christmas tree you can keep it alive for next year. Or you can plant it outdoors in the landscape after the holidays are over. Christmas trees are expensive items; living trees cost even more. But a living tree can be used for a number of years so you will get more holidays for your money. While indoors, give your container tree conditions that are as close to outdoors as you can. A living Christmas tree is either a dwarf or a baby tree — an immature seedling that may be from one of those great big giants that grow in forests. It will only be indoors for a relatively short period of time, but even so, give it as much sun or good light as you can and keep it adequately watered. If you

have a garden, a patio or even a balcony where the tree can spend most of the year outdoors, you should be able to keep your tree happy in a pot for years despite spending a month indoors outfitted with ornaments. You will have the greatest success with a potted tree if you have a variety that grows naturally small. Fir trees that ordinarily grow over 80 feet in height will only handle limited root space of a pot for an extra year or two even if given bigger containers. Beware of some of the tiny, teddy bear-like Christmas trees that look dwarf. These may be sporting the juvenile foliage of much larger-growing species and start spiking long, dark needles by next year. When planting your Christmas tree in your landscape, choose a location that can handle the mature-sized tree. Know what kind of fir tree you are planting. Nurseries are increasingly offering smaller fir varieties as Christmas trees. Mugo Pine, slow-growing Black Pine, Korean Fir and others that are cultivated dwarfs should fit nicely into the average landscape. But plenty of trees sold are Douglas Fir, Grand Fir, Noble Fir, Scotch Pine and a number of tall Blue Spruces — which can easily reach 80 to 200 feet in height. With trees this big, it is particularly important to choose a spot with plenty of room for growth, where needle drop will not be a problem and where they will not present a wildfire threat. All fir trees have flammable sap, particularly pines. Another alternative is to drive your future giant to an existing conifer forest where it can comfortably be at home. 

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SENIORS

FivePoint gives big gift to SCV Senior Center By Perry Smith Sunday Signal Editor

emonstrating the spirit of giving, which is present throughout the Santa Clarita Valley, FivePoint has made a six-figure donation in support of the SCV Senior Center. The gift, which came from the developers of a master-planned community bringing thousands of state-of-the-art homes to the largest net-zero project in the country — meaning there are zero emissions of greenhouse gases from both construction and operations — is an example of how great public-private partnerships can work to expand community resources, according to FivePoint and Senior Center officials. And the need for a new Senior Center is growing. Past estimates have put the number of seniors expected to be living in the SCV at around 40,000 men and women, according to Senior Center officials. FivePoint officials pledged to center officials to cover the developer fees, including the bridge and thoroughfare fee, which is easily in excess of $200,000 for a project the size of the Senior Center, and could reach the quarter-million-dollar mark. The bridge and thoroughfare fee is the amount a developer pays to build any bridges or roads that are needed to support a new development. Since the Senior Center is the organization funding the project, the donation is a huge savings. “That is something that’s important to us, as far as how (FivePoint officials) operate as far as becoming part of the social fabric of the community,” said Steve Churm, executive vice president of FivePoint for public relations. “FivePoint being another partner for the Senior Center and the community is just fantastic,” said Kevin MacDonald, executive director of the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center. MacDonald added that FivePoint Community President Don Kimball has been very involved with the Senior Center for many years. “To see FivePoint giving back this way is another show of support that we’re receiving,” MacDonald said,

noting the city of Santa Clarita and Los Angeles County have also made huge contributions toward the more than $9 million the center has raised to build the new facility. He also expressed gratitude for Kimball’s time and energy in support of the center’s efforts, as the executive has also been a three-time board president for the Committee on Aging, which runs the Senior Center and is leading the capital campaign. Kimball is currently a board member emeritus. “Over the years, and as the SCV has grown, we always found a need to expand and get a new location,” said Kimball, noting some of his time as board president was working to add some of the modular buildings that are currently at the center’s Market Street location. The new center, to be centrally located off Golden Valley Road, represents a major expansion of local resources for seniors, which is something that’s very much in need, MacDonald said. The new Senior Center is also just down the road from Mission Village, a 4,055-home project that’s also bringing 1.5 million square feet of commercial development to the west side of the Santa Clarita Valley. Mission Village is the next of several stages set for Newhall Ranch, according to FivePoint. The first homes in the community are expected to be sold toward the end of next year. “For us, it was a big deal to be able to do this. We know it’s important within a community to allow multiple generations to live in close proximity,” Kimball said. “I think this is a great example here of where the community saw a need, one of the best communities that we could hope to live in, and said, ‘Why would we not want a great community center?’” The Senior Center is still looking to raise about $600,000 and construction for the new center is about 65 percent complete, said MacDonald, who added that the progress for the center could be tracked, and additional donations made, at the website newseniorcenter.com. 

FivePoint Community President Don Kimball, third from right, is one of the SCV stakeholders who helped make construction of the new Senior Center a reality. The groundbreaking was celebrated with a ceremony last October. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

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D E C E M B E R 2, 2018

PROFILE

Helping hands for Chromebooks in Castaic’s classrooms By Brennon Dixson Signal Staff Writer

n years past, you could catch Del Hickman at the coffee shop he owned in Seattle or opening for The Ramones, Billy Idol or The B-52s, but today, he describes himself as, “Chromebook Santa.” “I was destined to be in this business, but I’m one L shy of being a billionaire,” Hickman said, referring to Dell, the computer company, with his usual sense of humor that is constantly on display. As he dropped off the last of the newly purchased Chromebooks to Castaic Union School District teachers this year, the district’s network supervisor remembered a time when there were fewer than 400 Chromebooks throughout the district. “Today, we’re heading towards 2,000,” Hickman said. “We’re almost 1:1,” and teachers are doing a great job of leveraging the technology and are excited for the added resources that Chromebooks bring to the classroom. In fact, Castaic Union teachers have now successfully received more than $27,000 to purchase different technological platforms for their students, according to Castaic Elementary School Principal Allison West. “A majority of the things teachers use for instruction are on the web,” which is why you see more and more applying for grants that will allow them to purchase iPads, laptops and other gadgets that could help enhance the student experience, Hickman

From left, Del Hickman, Jeanie Taron and Castaic Middle School Principal Allison West recently distributed 10 new Chromebooks the school received from a grand Taron got. PHOTOS BY BRENNON DIXON / THE SIGNAL

said. “You’re never going to replace the teacher, but you can ensure that their supplies and resources enhance the experience for all.” Castaic Middle School teacher Michelle Olafsson is piloting two new history programs that have online components. Her students were working in their textbooks when Chromebook Santa came to gift them a set of laptops that will allow the Castaic Union students to access Google Classroom — a web service that allows teachers to upload,

Allison West and Del Hickman deliver technological tools to Castaic classrooms.

distribute and discuss different classroom materials online. “If you don’t have access to the internet nowadays, you have a severe disadvantage in today’s world,” Olaffson said. “But kids who don’t have the internet still have a phone. And the great thing about Google is they can log in anywhere that has internet.” “It’s great because there are worksheets that I can download to my Google classroom and the kids can write on it right there,” Olaffson said. “You don’t have to buy paper so you’re saving trees and the forests.” Coming from a family of loggers in the Pacific Northwest, Hickman said, “I always feel bad when people talk about saving trees, because my family’s mission was to take them down.” The network supervisor sentimentally recalls running outside in his rural town’s woods where he’d fish and hunt right in his own backyard. “It was a lot of work, though. Don’t get me wrong,” Hickman said, explaining how he’d climb towering trees that would swing and sway as he cut sections off using a chainsaw. “It’s crazy when you get through the cut of the tree and you’re hanging on for

dear life. What an adventure.” That was before he met his wife and began traveling with bands, he said, as he humbly shared stories of opening for The Ramones, Billy Idol or The B-52’s. “I also did a lot of Vegas shows for bands that people will have to Google,” Hickman said. “We still do play shows. We do a lot of benefit stuff. We’re a real sucker for officers and first responders so we like doing stuff for them.” Music has always been a significant part of Hickman’s life. In fact, it’s how he met his wife, with whom he recently celebrated 33 years of marriage. The couple met through mutual friends as she was finishing up her teaching credential at the University of Washington, Hickman said. “Not too long after we got together is when we opened up the coffee shop and dessert bar in Seattle. It was a good time to be in that business because it was before Starbucks,” he jokes. The couple would operate their small business happily until the late 1980s when they moved out to California because of a teaching opporSee CASTAIC,next page

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CASTAIC

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tunity in the Antelope Valley, which is where the couple would remain for nearly three decades. When the opportunity to come to Castaic presented itself, Hickman knew he had to take the offer, “because I knew Mr. Doyle and Linette Hodson were here,” he said. “Their attitudes are 100 percent geared toward what’s in the best interest of kids. That’s what drives them, and I have a lot of respect for that. It’s something that I wanted to be a part of. I wanted to create an environment where teachers and kids can succeed.” The reception and the interaction motivates you, he said. “You see what (teachers) are going through every day, so it makes you want to ratchet up your game. I dig the vibe.” Having been married to a teacher for 33 years and having a son who was a product of public education who went on to attend an Ivy League school and now works in Munich, Del said he has a firsthand perspective of the accomplishments of public education. “Sometimes it gets questioned, but I think it works,” Hickman said. Enter one of the school sites in the Castaic Union district and Hickman’s work is evident from the moment you enter the door. When he’s not bringing a smile to the faces of students, staff and faculty, the silver-haired supervisor can be found configuring computers, upgrading servers or implementing a program called Clever, which would help teachers maximize class time, he said. “If I can save five minutes a day, then that’s 25 minutes a week (or) over an hour and a half a month that they can use for student instruction,” he added. Those minutes add up, so thankfully, there’s a pretty receptive group of folks in the district who are adventurous and use the technology to collaborate and support instruction. The Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year is housed in Castaic, Hickman said. “I know the hard work she does. It’s quite an accomplishment. The community and kids benefit from having somebody like her,” and when you have a rockstar teacher

Above and right: Del Hickman and Jeanie Taron were excited to introduce new educational tools into Castaic Middle School classrooms this fall. PHOTOS BY BRENNON DIXON / THE SIGNAL

such as Erin Oxhorn-Gilpin then you want to make sure the technology that’s provided doesn’t have to be thought about. “It’s not just me, though,” Hickman said. Herbert Bautista and Lori Anthony are crucial to the tech team, “and I’m not trying to butter them up or anything, but I couldn’t do what I do without them.” The trio who composes the district’s technological service team always tries to respond to requests within a day, “because we know how important is it to have access to the network,” Hickman said. It’s why he tries to be visible and can often be spotted at board meetings answering questions. “I don’t want things to go unaddressed,” he said. “(Teachers) rely on us. The problems they’re having, they need to be solved right now.” It’s not a one-man show, though, Hickman said. “When I got that award — district employee of the month for July — it was just because everybody in the team was killing it. They’re amazing and they’re the reason for this.” As Hickman lists the projects that he and his team will focus on this year and beyond, the terms that he uses sail over a millennial’s head. “You can bet they’ll be helpful,” he said. 

James David Auchterlonie 1923-2018

Passed away peacefully at his home in Newhall, CA on October 30, 2018. The son of Ronald Auchterlonie and Margaret Rankin Auchterlonie, was born on October 26, 1923 in Richmond, VA. Orphaned at age nine when his mother died and his father returned to Scotland, Jim was raised by Ann “Ning” Schenk, his aunt, and Mary Agnes Daley, his grandmother. He was a 1941 graduate of Rye High School in Westchester County, New York. Jim served in World War II with the US Army from 1943 to 1946 as tank commander and platoon leader for the 710th Tank Battalion. He fought in Palau during the Philippine Islands liberation and was awarded the Bronze Star. After the war he married Aileen Hostrop of Los Angeles, CA and they raised a family of nine children in the San Fernando Valley. Jim worked for Keysor Century Records, United Sound and AMT Systems. Related to famous golfers Willie Auchterlonie, winner of the British Open in 1893, and Laurie Auchterlonie, winner of the US Open in 1902,

Jim was an avid golfer throughout his life. As a boy, Jim was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for recording the lowest score for a nine-hole round by an eight-year-old. At 80, Jim developed a taste for international travel. He toured Scotland, New Zealand, Australia, the Baltics, China, Switzerland and South America. He is survived by his loving companion of 12 years, Betty Rose, Newhall, CA, and six children: David (Barbara Keller), Corona del Mar, CA; Cheryl Gunther (Donald), San Juan Capistrano, CA; Timothy (Chris), Newhall, CA; Jeffrey, Palm Springs, CA; Mark (Tia), Palm Springs, CA; and Susanne Means, Palm Springs, CA; and two step-children Gerald Paden (Chris), Huntington Beach, CA and Renel Ragsdale, Newhall, CA. He is also survived by 21 grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by Aileen Hostrop Fields, the mother of his children; his second wife, Faye Meadows Paden Auchterlonie; his children, Laurie McCready (Burt), Gregory (Laura) and Scott; stepson, Stephen Paden; and brother, George. The Signal, December 2, 2018 Sign the Legacy online guestbook at www.signalscv.com

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D E C E M B E R 2, 2018

THINGSTODO

Family-friendly holiday outings in and around the SCV By Taylor Villanueva Signal Staff Writer

he best way to get into the spirit of the holidays is to celebrate this time as a family. If you’re looking for ways to spend the kids’ winter vacation, you don’t have to go far to entertain. Here are some budget-friendly options for families to celebrate the upcoming holidays. Even in Southern California, some places give the illusion of the winter season with holiday lights and “snow.” But a winter train ride to the “North Pole” to visit Santa Claus is a foolproof way to make it feel like Christmas. Fillmore & Western Railway Co. features holiday train rides for families to enjoy. One of its featured train rides is the North Pole Express. This one-hour ride includes cookies and milk, Christmas carols and a visit from Santa Claus himself. The vin-

The Fillmore & Western Railway Co. offers a family-friendly experience just outside the Santa Clarita Valley. COURTESY PHOTO

tage train makes its way all the way to the “North Pole,” where kids can find Santa and his elves. The North Pole Express runs until Dec. 26. Adult tickets are $32 and kids ages two to 12 are $22. Children under two years old can ride on an

adult’s lap for free. Reserve your tickets here. Fillmore & Western Railway Co. also has a three-hour train ride called the Sugar Plum Express. Santa will be on board to meet all the children. Guests will arrive at their destination and be able to look around at different craft vendors and even visit Santa’s workshop. If you’re willing to travel a little farther, you can attend Griffith Park’s Holiday Light Festival Train Ride. The train rides through Dec. 30 (excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). You can find more information and book tickets on the Griffith Park Train Rides website. This year, some of the performances at the Canyon Theatre Guild include “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “The Winter Writer.” Families can also take a short trip to the Pasadena Civic Auditorium to watch “The Wonderful Winter of Oz,” described as a “holiday version of a classic fairytale.” Showgoers can pur-

chase tickets based on their budget. Another way to get into the holiday spirit as a family is to explore the different light displays in Santa Clarita, which could also be a family tradition. Driving around the different neighborhoods to look for lights is one way to search for the best-lit streets. Families can also get up and moving with a classic winter tradition. Ice skating will put you in the holiday spirit. Ice Station Valencia even has special events for the holidays, including snow days. This event includes hot cocoa with skating admission. Tickets are $12 for children and $9 for adults. Check the Ice Station Valencia website for updates on snow days. If you’re willing to make a short drive, you can skate at the Holiday Ice Rink at Pershing Square in Los Angeles. This yearly tradition costs $9, with a $5 skate rental. The Holiday Ice Rink is open until Jan. 21, 2019. Additionally, some elementary schools have special winter family activities. Plum Canyon Elementary School is one of the schools hosting a holiday boutique. Children can enjoy the different vendors, grab some cookies and hot cocoa and meet Santa. Children can take a trip to Santa’s Village at His Way Community Church. This event features pony rides, free food, a petting zoo, pictures with Santa and more. Find event details on the His Way website, www.ehisway.org. If you’re looking for discounted holiday experiences, Groupon has year-round deals and creative ideas for the whole family. Just type “kids activities” into the search bar to see daily deals and discounts that are constantly updated. 

The Fillmore & Western train also offers a 3-hour ride called the Sugar Plum Express. COURTESY PHOTO

D E C E M B E R 2, 2018

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GIFTS

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The Pie Tin

Address: 26555 Golden Valley Road, Valencia Hours: Open Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Info: (661) 222-2370 or www.the pietinscv.com. Whole pies must be ordered 48 hours in advance If you have a pie connoisseur to buy for, only a legit pie with flaky crust, succulent fillings, and fanciful toppings will do. Enter The Pie Tin, a restaurant devoted solely to the art of pies with holiday selections to include pumpkin, banana cream, pecan, apple, and many more (call for complete offerings). Your pie will be baked fresh to order and packed in a nifty box or wrapped in festive cellophane complete with pretty ribbon. Whole sweet pies range from $18.75-$27.25 and mini sweet pies range from $5.95$7.45.

Truffles N’ Toffee

Info: Call (661) 309-3252 or email trufflesntoffee@gmail.com for special orders. Order online at www.truffles ntoffee.com

WILSON

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and Liv is in Chicago,” Wilson said. “When we write new music, we do a lot of emails. Sure, it’s much nicer to be in the same room with your collaborators, but it’s so doable nowadays with technology. It’s great.” After releasing “First Things First,” in spring 2017, the group’s first roadwork to support it was a series of dates with Bob Seger on his “Runaway Train” tour with The Silver Bullet Band. “That was our initiation as a rock band,” Wilson said. “Opening for Bob Seger was a dream come true.” Friday night’s show at the Canyon Santa Clarita is part of a mini-West Coast tour. “We’re doing a bunch of Heart songs that you will not believe the way Liv Warfield sings them,” Wilson said. “I sing some of the big Heart hits

If only chocolate will do for that certain someone, Truffles N Toffee is the obvious choice, with award-winning confections made fresh from high quality ingredients. Fall truffle selections ($15 to $50 gift boxes) include almond butter, coconut cream, espresso, Muscovado, mulled apple cider, peppermint crunch, plain ganache, pumpkin pie, and raspberry. Dreamy, buttery, crunchy toffee ($13) is available in original or coconut almond. There’s vegan truffles and toffee, too!

Welsh Baker

Info: Order online at www.welshbaker.com. Free shipping or pick up at local Coffee Kiosk or Welsh Baker by appointment. (Enter SIGNAL for 15 percent off) For a truly unique gift, go with Welsh Baker’s Celtic Tea Experience ($29.99), which has everything one could need for a lovely tea party: hand-griddled Welsh Cakes (a rich, crumbly blend of cookie, pancake, and scone in traditional currant, cinnamon, maple pacan, cherry almond, and more) paired with imported clotted cream, preserves and English Breakfast Tea, packaged up in beautiful gold-embossed box.  people recognize, too, like ‘Barracuda,’ ‘Crazy on You,’ ‘These Dreams’ and ‘What About Love?’” she said. “Then we do some stuff from ‘First Things First,’ which people have responded super-positive to. I think we’re a really great little band, and we conduct a very loud and proud rock show.” Wilson said she and her sister and Heart co-founder Ann Wilson may regroup with Rothchild, Joyner and Smith for a tour in the spring or summer of 2019. “Right now, there’s a really good offer on the table,” she said. “All of the powers are fleshing out details, but it looks really good.” Find the Canyon Santa Clarita on the ground floor of the Westfield Valencia Town Center. Get tickets at the box office 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, by phone at (888) 645-5006, or via Ticket Master.com. For more info, visit Where musicmeetstheSoul.com. 

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D E C E M B E R 2, 2018

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

‘Instant Family’ and ‘Christmas Chronicles’ By Dianne White Crawford Signal Contributing Writer

‘The Christmas Chronicles’ (Netflix)

This film is filled with so many heartfelt moments and Christmas Spirit. Things I haven’t felt in Christmas movies in a long time. I’m happy to say this is an instant classic for me, the last being “Elf.” It’s about time we had another holiday film worthy to add to our Christmas traditions. The story grabs your attention from the very beginning and has you caring about these characters from the start, which sadly doesn’t often happen in movies anymore. The premise of the film is quite conventional, with some very unconventional twists. The excitement only grows with each scene and every actor pulls their weight to bring you a truly magical and film. It’s made up of fantasy, action, comedy and tender moments. It’s not always exactly what

you’d expect from a family Christmas film and that’s one of the things that makes this story so unique, entertaining and surprisingly, has a lot of fun action scenes. The film is also visually stunning and full of color, just how a Christmas film should be. In the end it leaves you feeling full of joy and so much Christmas spirit. I hope the adventures continue in a sequel, as there was much to yet be uncovered, but even if it never does, it’s a beautiful story the way it is.

‘Instant Family’ (Released)

In a story “inspired by true events,” Wahlberg and Byrne play Pete and Ellie, a happily married couple with a business remodeling and restoring homes. They’ve deferred having a family, but when jolted into the realization that time’s running out, they decide to look into the possibility of becoming foster parents, with the ultimate goal being adoption.

Although initially looking for a younger child, they meet 15-year-old Lizzy at a “meet and greet” picnic for potential foster parents, and they’re taken by her smart but sassy personality. They’re surprised when told Lizzy has two younger siblings, Juan and Lita — but the kids are so cute they decide to go for it and take all three children. The film avoids being overly sappy or maudlin, with a good sense of humor throughout; in fact at times it’s riotously funny. This is due in part to a superb supporting cast who hit all the right humorous notes, including Octavia Spencer and Tig Notaro as a team of social workers, Margo Martindale and Julie Hagerty as Pete and Ellie’s mother’s, Michael O’Keefe as Ellie’s dad, and Joan Cusack, who has a very funny sequence as a neighbor.

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Wahlberg and Byrne are winning as the would-be parents, and the three young actors are all solid, believably presented as children who are both appealing and troubled. The challenges raising them are clear but so are the rewards. 

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Editors/Paginators: The Signal, a daily newspaper & multimedia news organization in northern Los Angeles County, seeks a versatile copy editor with design and pagination skills to work on all sections, including news, features, business, special sections and more. News editing experience, InDesign layout & pagination skills required. Send resume & cover letter to Editor Tim Whyte, twhyte@ signalscv.com.

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D E C E M B E R 2, 2018

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CROSSWORD TIME

D E C E M B E R 2, 2018

THE VILLAGE IDIOT

A new condition, called ‘Poli sigh’ By Jim Mullen Signal Contributing Writer

ow that the midterm ballots have been cast, I’m starting to enjoy watching TV again. We’re back to commercials for toothpaste and laundry detergent, instead of the wall-to-wall political ads. Regular ads for everyday products are so uplifting compared to the unpleasantness we’re subjected to during election years. They say the two major parties spent around $5 billion on this last election, and most of that money went to your local TV stations, which were more than happy to take it. For all the nonsense we hear about Facebook and Twitter influencing campaigns, they are mosquitoes compared to the effect of television ads on elections. Still, the political experts say that negative ads work. Do they really? If that’s true, why doesn’t Coca-Cola bash Pepsi in all its advertising? Why doesn’t Budweiser say you’re going to die a horrible death if you drink Coors? Why doesn’t Tide say that if you use Wisk, your clothes won’t just come out dirty, they’ll also fall apart? How would you feel about flying if the commercial for an airline said, “Our planes don’t crash as often as the other guys’”? You’d stop flying altogether. Even used car dealers don’t bash each other the way politicians do. Big corporate advertisers don’t run attack ads because they know it will make both products look bad. What is Coca-Cola going to say about Pepsi? That it’s a bunch of unhealthy sugar water that’s just going to make you fat and probably give you diabetes? Pot, meet kettle. Yet how many times have you seen a political ad where someone running for office calls their opponent a “career politician”? You know — that thing the new guy desperately wants to become. Pot, meet kettle. Why is political advertising such a turn-off? Well, let’s talk about

Clydesdales. What product did you just think of? Even if you don’t like beer, or don’t drink that brand, you like Clydesdales, don’t you? That company made positive commercials that give you a positive association. Now think about commercials for cat products. Lots of those commercials have very cute cats in them, even though the ads themselves are usually about how stinky cat boxes are, or how to get cat hair out of your sofa, or for air fresheners so your boyfriend won’t know you have a stinking, shedding cat. The problems they’re addressing are negative, but the ads are still positive. Even if you don’t like cats, the ads don’t make you run out of the room pulling your hair out, the way political ads do. Yet over and over again, we are told by political gurus that attack ads work. The evidence for that is pretty slim. Think how many of the recent races were decided by a razor-thin margin. If attack ads were all that effective, you would expect the margins to be huge, wouldn’t you? Shouldn’t the candidate with the “best” attack ad absolutely trounce the other? How is it that politicians and their teams are so bad at advertising? It’s almost as if they never watched television before. In effective corporate advertising, the product says how it’s better (or at least different) than similar products. The ad itself is entertaining. That’s the exact opposite of what most political advertising does. Most automobile commercials say very little about the car, but concentrate on how much you’ll enjoy driving the car. Airlines show you the great places they will take you. Is it so hard for political ads to do the same thing? Just paint a picture of what the future could be: “Vote for so-and-so and see how much better your life will be. You’ll never be in a traffic jam again, and your mother-in-law will be much easier to live with.” If a politician can’t come up with something as simple as a good, effective TV ad, what are the chances they’ll be effective legislators?  Contact Jim Mullen at mullen.jim@ gmail.com

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