We welcome these New Tenants to our Cinema Park Family:
Facialology, Inc
Drawn2Art
Candle Corner
Perfect Tux
StoneFire Grill
Hand Rehab Pros
Ross Morgan & Co
A Chorus Line
Dance & Halloween
Thanks to The Signal for being here for us!
Yeager Law, APC
Jewelry World
Pilates Body Basics
Tranquility Salon & Spa
Alexander Villar, DDS
California Bank & Trust
Karla Grgas, L.M.F.T.
Rimpco, Inc
Bambi Lash
Premier Hospice & Home Care
20/20 Optometric Eyecare
Massage w/Healing Touch
Circle One Hypnotherapy
Exodus Real Estate Services
Emina Beauty & Med Spa
Sofa Interiors
Cinema Park
23300 Cinema Drive, Valencia
(Cinema Drive & Bouquet Canyon Rd)
For Leasing Information, Please Call (661) 253-3344
By Selvin Ramirez For The Signal
Lighting up Santa Clarita
stories of why they do this year after year, despite the challenges that come from installing these elaborate displays.
The days after Thanksgiving, or even the day after Halloween, families decorate their homes with lights and displays to celebrate the holiday season. These homes light up the Santa Clarita Valley with joy and cheer. Behind each of these homes are families with
Here are some of the houses you can visit this holiday season:
Wakefield Winter Wonderland
Wakefield Court, Santa Clarita 91350
Commonly referred to by local residents as “Candy Cane Lane,” the Wakefield Winter Wonderland has been a holiday staple to Santa Clarita residents and visitors for almost 30 years. Over 40 houses are decked out with lights, inflatables and animatronics of your favorite holiday characters. As you walk or drive around the cul-de-sac, you can see homes lined up with the classic poem “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” What many people don’t know is that this neighborhood tradition started during the year of the 1994 Northridge earthquake to bring the community together. There is also a toy donation collection location for the SCV Boys and Girls Club at 21900 Wakefield Court and for the local homeless shelter at 21982 Wakefield Court. According to the Wakefield Winter Wonderland Facebook page, the hours are 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., and there are no public restrooms, so drink that cocoa at your own risk.
Homestead Holidays
Homestead Place, Santa Clarita 91350
Nestled west of the Wakefield Winter Wonderland is the Homestead Holidays. This neighborhood goes all out with their holiday decorations. This neighborhood tradition was founded in part by the Valvo family. The Valvos’ twin children Troy and Cheyenne Valvo have been passing out candy canes for years to people visiting their street. Homestead Holidays gained national attention in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic when the twins aimed to continue to pass out candy canes to raise money and collect toys to donate to those in need.
“Just like Santa, not even the pandemic will stop them,” Mike Valvo told Fox News. “Whether it’s raining or it’s windy outside, the kids are out there almost every single night.”
Homestead Holidays has also been featured in the Santa Clarita Transit Holiday Tour Trolley.
Thomas & Cody’s Light Show
25851 Royal Oaks Road, Stevenson Ranch 91381
The Thomas & Cody’s Light Show has over 20 songs to choose from for their light shows. There are traditional Christmas songs, mod-
ern Christmas songs, Disney songs and the non-Christmas song “Barbie Girl” by Aqua. You can tune in to 99.7 FM when you’re near the home to listen to the songs. It runs daily from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The Hallak House
25086 Cotton Blossom Lane, Stevenson Ranch 91381
Houses away from the Thomas & Cody’s Light Show, the Hallak House is another home with 65,000 lights. There is a train, an 8-foot teddy bear and a snowman that blows out snow. Many homes decorate the outside of their homes for others to see, but this house also decorates the inside of their home for their family to enjoy. Tune in to 107.FM when you’re near the home. It runs every night from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Holiday Light Spectacular on Briarcliff Place
27732 Briarcliff Place, Valencia 91354
The Steigelbauer family has the tradition of hosting holiday light shows from October to December. As they raise holiday spirit and cheer, they are raising donations for the National Brain Tumor Society. Kim Steigelbauer lost her father Frank Egan to glioblastoma eight years ago, and the family’s goal is to make life brighter for those diagnosed with a brain tumor now and in the future. Donations can be given at the home or online at nbtsevents.braintumor.org/HolidayLightSpectacular. Koji Court
19715 Koji Court, Santa Clarita 91351
For over 11 years, the Tolentino family has put on a spectacular light show for the community to see. Their home won the Signal’s Holiday Lights Contest in 2017. They received 65,627 votes.
“I ask myself when it will be the last year,” said Manny Tolentino. “I look at the kids who visit, and I know it won’t end.”
Manny Tolentino has a creative technical background. For years it had been a dream to work for Disney. His father has always been big with Christmas, and one year he decided to take it to the next level with a synchronized light show. He now works for Disney and incorporates elements of it into the shows.
“I love to see the joy on everyone’s faces,” he said. “Even as I work on putting this together, people would drive by and cheer me on.”
The Hallack House
Briarcliff Place
Tolentino Christmas
By Victor Corral Martinez Signal Staff Writer
A‘Tis the season for …
staple during the holidays in many Latino households is the iconic tamales at the dinner table, a treat that many families bond together making. A tamal is a corn flour dough surrounding a filling, wrapped in a corn husk and slowly steamed.
Tamal History
The origins of tamales date back to the Olmecs and Toltecs, prehistoric Mesoamerican civilizations that date thousands of years before the Aztecs.
Tamales historically have been stuffed with various items such as turkey, fish, or vegetables. The recipe for tamales has changed a bit in the past 500 years but predominantly remains unchanged.
Today’s tamales traditionally feature chicken, roasted peppers and cheese, or pork, and dessert tamales are commonly made with raisins. The festive food is given to family and friends, starting around Thanksgiving but continuing through Christmas.
For more than two years, the Tamales Express has been owned and operated by husband and wife Romualdo and Yesenia Barrera. They offer tamales year-round and have a food truck used for special events and catering in Santa Clarita.
The business began one holiday season when Romualdo and Yesenia Barrera ate tamales made by Romualdo’s mother. They only ate tamales during
Christmas but wanted to enjoy them year-round, according to Romualdo.
“We love tamales, and that was one of the main
reasons why we opened the restaurant because It wasn’t fair that you could only have it during the holidays,” Yesenia said.
The Barreras began researching and having their family taste test the items. Eventually, the business opened in 2019 but quickly filled a void for people wanting tamales outside of the holidays.
“Right now we’re making a thousand pounds of masa in two days,” Romualdo said.
Currently, Tamales Express offers beef in red and green sauce, chicken, pork tamales, chicharrón (fried pork belly), jalapeño and cheese tamales.
Romualdo said there are times the business runs out, and it takes about three hours to make a batch of tamales, often selling out before the day is over. Even with increased production, it is still not enough.
“Monday through Thursday we make up to 1,200 tamales a day,” Romualdo said. “Friday, Saturday and Sunday we sell over 2,000.”
On Dec. 23 and 24, Tamales Express expects to sell 12,000 tamales in preorders alone and make an additional thousand for last-minute additions to orders.
Many times the food truck will have more tamales available, in addition to churros and specialty Mexican drinks. The Barreras advise preordering tamales and checking their social media page for more information: instagram.com/tamalesexpress_ scv.
This freshly prepared batch of tamales has been approved to sell to customers by Tamales Express Owner Romualdo Barrera. PHOTOS BY VICTOR CORRAL MARTINEZ
A batch of tamales just waits to be eaten.
Tamales!
If you’re planning to experience making tamales the traditional way with your family, Romualdo says to be in a good mood and have patience with the process.
“I would say don’t get frustrated if you’re new to making tamales,” Romualdo said. “I feel like it’s one of the toughest items to make, honestly.”
Chicken Tamales Recipe
Recipes varies by country, region and grandmother. There is no perfect recipe that will make everyone happy, but this recipe is designed for beginners who want to try one of the most popular varieties of tamales.
Ingredients
Tamal dough
1 package of corn husks
1 cup vegetable shortening, room temperature
1 cup of broth (Use the water from boiled chicken)
2 cups of corn flour (also called masa harina or maseca)
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 tablespoon salt
Filling
1 chicken breast, boiled and shredded
1 pound tomatillos
2 cups water
1 white onion
1 poblano chili
1 clove garlic
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
Directions
The corn husks must be soaked for 30 minutes and cleaned of any leftover corn hairs. After soaking the husk, you set them aside to dry.
You can choose to boil or pan cook your chicken, but for this recipe, boiling is easiest. First, place chicken breast in boiling water; add salt and onions for taste. After 15 minutes of boiling chicken, set the chicken to cool and shred with a fork.
Combine the maseca masa mix, baking powder and salt. Stir into the vegetable shortening, adding more broth from the boiled chicken as necessary to form a spongy dough. You can add more maseca mix if you add too much broth. A clump should float in a cup of water; if not, keep stirring.
You can boil, pan cook, or grill the peppers, but boiling the ingredients is faster and easier for this
Local Places To Buy Tamales
Jazmin’s Bakery
Located at 24330 Main St. in Newhall with more than two decades of operation, Jazmin’s offers many seasonal baked goods. The bakery also makes tamales including the more common fillings and traditional Guerrero style. Varieties include jalapeño and cheese, pork in red sauce, chicken in green sauce and a chicken mole in a banana leaf. You can reach them on instagram at @ jazminsbakery.
California Bakery & Cafe
Located at 23021 Soledad Canyon Road inSanta Clarita, the bakery makes many baked and fried goods and also sells tamales. The
business is also close to selling out of holiday preorders and advises placing a phone order in advance.
You can reach California Bakery & Cafe at (661) 255-1254.
Tamales Express:
Located at 18283 Soledad Canyon Road in Santa Clarita, Tamales Express offers tamales year-round and has a food truck used for special events and catering in Santa Clarita. For more than two years, the business has been owned and operated by husband and wife Romualdo and Yesenia Barrera.
purpose.
Cut the tomatillos into quarters and peppers into slices. Dice garlic and onions. Add the ingredients to a boiling pot of water, add a teaspoon of salt and cook for 20 minutes or until peppers are soft. Drain the ingredients and place in a blender until ingredients are well-blended and you have a bright green salsa. Finally, pour the salsa into the shredded chicken, mix and let the chicken marinate.
With a spoon, scoop the tamale dough and spread it on two-thirds of the inner husk; make sure the layer of dough is about a quarter-inch thick. Next, scoop the filling in the center of the dough-covered husk with a spoon.
Fold half of the tamal to cover the filling, then fold the other half; fold the bottom of the corn husk under your tamal. The spreading of dough and folding is the hardest part of making tamales and will require many attempts before mastering the skills of a grandmother with decades of experience making tamales.
Add a few cups of water to a traditional steamer pot and heat until water is hot. An old grandmother’s trick is to add a coin to the water. If you hear the coins rattling, that means there’s enough water. If you can’t hear the coins moving, then you need to add more water to the pot.
Place the rack in the steamer pot, gently placing your tamales into the steamer upright with the open part of the husk at the top.
Once you’ve added all of your tamales to the steamer, cover and steam over medium heat for 45 minutes or until cooked. Let tamales cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Optional Alternatively, using a slow cooker with a steamer setting can equally work. Apply therecommended amount of water for your multicooker, place the tamales upright and steam for 20 minutes. Check to see the dough is cooked and separating from the husk. You can also change the fillings to incorporate cheese or other favorite ingredients.
Owners Romualdo Barrera and Jesmir Lopez checking the tamales are up to standard before selling.
FEAT URE
42% Of Americans Say They’ll Regift To Save Money This Holiday Season
Nearly half of Americans are worried about money (49%) this season, from the festivities to their financial obligations: In fact, a third (32%) feel the stress over their holiday spending will be more than last year while half (48%) anticipate that their financial concerns will take away from their holiday joy.
More than half are concerned about being able to afford gifts for everyone on their list (59%),1 finding the best deals (51%) and being able to pay their bills on time (54%). Still, over 2 in 5 are worried about having a money conversation around setting a gift-giving budget with family and friends (45%). Finding the trendy “it” gift this year is a stressor for 36% of shoppers.
Social obligations and hosting can be taxing on the wallet, leaving many wanting to avoid these situations altogether: Half of Americans (55%) hope they don’t get asked to host a holiday party this year because of the associated costs, while 42% admit to feeling pressured to attend holiday events that are outside their budget.
Nearly half (45%) admit they’d rather spend the money to go on vacation and skip the engagements and responsibilities of the season.
‘Tis the season to spend
A third of Americans (34%) don’t think their money will stretch as far this holiday season as it did last year, and 4 in 5 (83%) report their holiday spending will be impacted by economic pressures like inflation (62%) and cost of living increases (59%). About 1 in 3 think their current debt (35%) and uncertainty about the economy (34%) will play into how they’re spending this holiday season.
While the majority (80%) set a holiday spending budget, people are nearly 3.5x more likely to overspend than come in under their budget (45% vs. 13%). Even though half (48%) say they plan ahead by being more frugal most of the year, to afford the holiday splurge, they still overspend. Close to 2 in 5 (37%) Americans admit they spend more on gifts than intended during the holidays trying to impress others. More than half (53%) would rather take on debt than give up celebrating the holidays in a special way, and 1 in 4 (26%) expect to take on more debt this holiday season than last.
Rather than cross people off the gift lists (1 in 5 gift-givers will do this) or curtail their spending, 9 in 10 (89%) are finding ways to save money on presents this year, including:
• Consider only buying items that are on sale (50%)
• Set price limits with loved ones (46%)
• Only give one gift per person on their list (38%)
• Others say they’re more likely to shop for sales
and deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday (37%) and buy less expensive (33%) or fewer (25%) gifts this year than they were last year. More than 2 in 5 (42%) regift to save money during the holidays.
Some people say they’ll make some lifestyle tweaks to help save up for the festivities, including:
• Make food at home instead of eating out (57%)
• Cut back their spending in other areas to put toward gifts and holiday entertainment (49%)
• Dip into their savings accounts to pay for gifts (32%)
• Cancel subscriptions to services like premium channels and streaming platforms (25%)
Giving season
More than half of people (57%) say if they were to receive a $5,000 windfall right before the holidays, they would spend it on gifts. Americans plan to shell out hundreds of dollars across presents, travel, and socializing this year.
On average they’ll spend more than $1,430 during the season on:
• $766.50 on holiday gifts
• $424.80 on holiday travel
• $239.08 on holiday meals and parties
One third of Americans plan to buy themselves a gift this holiday season, spending $241.91, on average. When it comes to others on their gift lists, Americans plan to spend:
• 83% will buy for their spouse, averaging $322.47
• 92% will buy for their kids, averaging $473.71
• 59% will buy for their parent/s, averaging $179.03
• 41% will buy for their pets, averaging $74.85
• 37% will buy for their colleagues, averaging $116.50
• 30% will buy for their boss, averaging $148.95
The gift of cash
Three in 5 (60%) Americans agree that the perfect holiday gift is cold, hard cash. While close to 7 in 10 (68%) prefer money or gift cards over a gift someone selects for them, cash reigns supreme:
• 63% think gifting money is better than giving someone a gift card
• 77% feel receiving money saves them time from returning items they don’t like
• 84% think gifting money saves them time shopping for items for the people on their lists
While gifting money is a great option, some people hesitate to put it on the wish list:
• 67% think asking for money as a gift around the holidays is impolite
• Some 63% of Americans don’t know how to ask for money as a gift, even though it’s the gift they want or need the most
• And while convenient, close to 3 in 5 (58%) think money seems too impersonal to gift others during the holidays
Hosting for the holidays and off-thetable topics
One in 4 (27%) or nearly 67 million Americans plan to skip Thanksgiving this year to save money. Among people worried about the holidays, 14% are concerned about affording a Thanksgiving turkey. According to the Consumer Price Index, the cost of turkey (and some other uncooked poultry) is down 2.24% versus last year.2
Nearly a third (28%) of Americans will spend more money on the holiday dinner menu than they did last year. This is likely why 1 in 5 (20%) are asking their guests to contribute something to the holiday dinner. Others don’t plan on hosting a holiday dinner at their house this year like they did last year (16%).
While the majority of Americans (87%) agree that spending time with family during the winter holidays is priceless, 84% of Americans report there is at least one topic they’d want to avoid at the holiday dinner table this year. More than half (57%) want to skip talking about politics altogether. Others want to avoid financial topics like how much money they have (51%), spend (44%), or make (33%).
Many people say they can do without the unsolicited advice from around the table (39%), and those “keeping up with the Joneses” conversations (34%).
FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Happy 37th Birthday Santa Clarita
By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager
This Sunday, December 15, 2024 – the City of Santa Clarita will mark its 37th birthday. Back in 1987, the City of Santa Clarita became the largest area ever to incorporate. Our new City was 39-square-miles and included the communities of Saugus, Newhall, Valencia and Canyon Country. Since then, more than 30 neighborhoods have annexed to the City, making Santa Clarita over 70-square-miles and the third largest City in Los Angeles County.
Over the last 37 years, cityhood has resulted in millions of dollars remaining in our community. Our City budget that first year was under $30 million, which is in stark comparison to this fiscal year’s budget of $342 million. These funds have enabled the City to provide new facilities, programs and services our residents want. Some of these amenities include: 38 parks, more than 100 miles of off-street trails, more than 13,000 acres of preserved open space, three Metrolink stations, three Libraries, three community centers, anti-drug programs for youth, hundreds of sports and recre-
ation programs, the Aquatic Center, Skatepark, The Cube, Bike Park, traffic and road improvements, and all of these are just a few of our achievements over the last three-plus decades.
As we celebrate this milestone, we also have many major projects in the works. Earlier this month our City Council hosted the grand opening of our third community center. The Valencia Community Center now resides in the former YMCA building at Summit Park. Make sure to check out the social media videos of the grand opening so you can see the belly flop competition which took place in our City’s first indoor pool. Over at Central Park, work continues on the River of Lights project. This project is going to bring a new landmark to our City, with LED lights that will stream down the hillside, along the exercise staircase, through the plaza and to the new art piece. The color changing lights will mimic the look of flowing water, and will be illuminated in a variety of colors in conjunction with holidays and events throughout the year.
Next summer will mark the transition of William S. Hart Park from the County of Los Angeles to our City. This process has been a long time coming and much-anticipated by our residents. With the transfer of the historic Park, the City will soon handle
operations and oversee the 160-acres which include a herd of bison, hiking trails, the Hart Mansion/ Museum, historic structures, a barnyard, campground and more. With William S. Hart Park as a City Park, there will be opportunities for enhanced programming, new additions to the popular Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival and more ways to celebrate our community’s rich, western heritage.
Santa Clarita is a unique and special community that has truly lived up to the vision of our City founders. I am proud of our organization’s work over the past 37 years – thanks to the devoted leadership of our City Council. We will continue to provide our residents with top-notch customer service and high-quality City resources. Please join me in wishing Santa Clarita a Happy 37th Birthday, and to all of you…happy holidays!
Ken Striplin is the City Manager for the City of Santa Clarita and can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita.gov.
ENTERTAINMENT
“The Order” An Intense And Searing Crime Thriller
By Richard Roeper
Signal Contributing Writer
“THE ORDER”
1/2 (out of four)
Terry Husk ......... Jude Law
Bob Mathews ........ Nicholas Hoult
Jamie Bowen ........ Tye Sheridan
Joanne Carney ...... Jurnee Smollett
Debbie Mathews ..... Alison Oliver
Alan Berg .......... Marc Maron
Vertical presents a film directed by Justin Kurzel and written by Zach Baylin. Running time: 116 minutes. Rated R (for some strong violence, and language throughout). Opens Thursday in theaters.
More than 22 years after he costarred with Nicholas Hoult in “About a Boy,” Hugh Grant posted a photo last month of the actors reuniting for a tribute to filmmaker Richard Curtis in Hollywood. It was a reminder that while Hoult is still just 34, he has compiled a remarkable and varied resume, and his range and depth are on
full display this year in three wildly different roles: the morally conflicted titular character in “Juror #2,” the ambitious young real estate agent who journeys deep into the Carpathian Mountains to see the mysterious Count Orlok in the upcoming “Nosferatu,” and the real-life neo-Nazi terrorist Bob Mathews in director Justin Kurzel’s intense and searing crime thriller “The Order,” which is set in 1983-1984 but has obvious and sobering parallels to our world today.
Based on the book “The Silent Brotherhood” by Gary Gerhardt and Kevin Flynn, with a richly dramatic screenplay by Zach Baylin and impressive period-piece visuals from cinematographer Adam Arkapaw, “The Order” works as a piece of historically accurate fiction and as a fascinating character study.
Sunday-Thursday, December 15-19, 2024 W H I T E C H R I S T M A S 70T H A N N I V E R S A RY Mon: 1:00 4:00 7:00
Jude Law looks bulky and blearyeyed and gives a grounded and subtly powerful performance as Terry Husk, a world-weary (and fictional) FBI
Two talented song and dance men team up after the war to become one of the hottest acts in show business
KRAVEN THE HUNTER E Sun: 10:00 1:10 4:10 7:10; Mon to Thu: 1:10 4:10 7:10
Kraven, a man whose complex relationship with his ruthless gangster father star ts him down a path of vengeance with brutal consequences
I A M T H E I M M AC U L AT E CO N C E P T I O N Tue: 1:00 4:00 7:00 Hear from the rec tor of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception at the nation’s capital speak about Mar y ’s historic role in American histor y
F LOW B Sun: 10:30 AM; Mon to Thu: 12:50 3:00 5:10 7:30
Flow follows a courageous cat after his home is devastated by a great flood
T H E O R D E R E Sun: 10:10 AM; Mon & Tue: 1:00 7:15; Wed & Thu: 1:00 4:20 7:15
A lone FBI agent believes that the crimes were not the work of financially motivated criminals, but rather a group of dangerous domestic terrorists
T H E R E T U R N E Sun: 10:20 AM; Mon & Tue: 4:10 PM; Wed & Thu: 1:10 4:10 7:00
After 20 years away, Odysseus washes up on the shores of Ithaca, haggard and unrecognizable The King has returned from the Trojan War
M OA N A 2 B 1:20 4:25 7:20
Moana and Maui reunite three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers
G L A D I ATO R I I E 12:50 4:00 7:10
Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glor y of Rome to its people
W I C K E D B 1:00 3:55 7:00
The untold stor y of the witches of Oz Elphaba, a defiant social outcast who has yet to discover her true power, and Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true hear t
agent who has tangled with the KKK and the Cosa Nostra and now finds himself in a remote and outwardly sleepy outpost in the Pacific Northwest. For years, the FBI has been investigating a shadowy and nefarious group that calls itself The Order, which follows the teachings of a 1978 novel called “The Turner Diaries” that espouses a race war and the systematic extermination of non-whites, and the trail has led here.
While Husk enlists the help of an idealistic young local police officer named Jamie Bowen (Tye Sheridan), we follow the parallel story of Bob Mathews (Hoult), an insidiously charismatic sociopath who masterminds a series of bank heists to fund The Order’s so-called revolution. In one of the film’s most unnervingly effective sequences, Mathews meets with the white nationalist Richard Butler (Victor Slezak), who cautions Mathews against violence and says the true path to change is by having their people in elected office. By comparison, the vile and reprehensible
Butler is a voice of relative reason in this exchange. Talk about chilling.
Director Kurzel deftly handles a number of subplots and introduces a myriad of well-drawn characters along the route. Marc Maron turns in sharply honed work as the real-life talk show host Alan Berg, who was assassinated by members of The Order. Jurnee Smollett’s FBI Agent Joanne Carney provides balance to Law’s borderline rogue actions. Alison Oliver and Odessa Young both do layered work as Mathews’ wife and his mistress, respectively. We feel a measure of empathy for each of them because of the way Mathews treats them, but only to a degree; they know who this man is and what he’s about.
“The Order” is an enormously effective thriller, and yes, a timely reminder that there has never been a time in this land when darkness and hate thrived, and in numbers.
Copyright 2024 Chicago Sun-Times
PHOTO COURTESY IMDB
Embrace the color and flavor of tradition this holiday season with new twists on red velvet desserts. These variations on the classic cake can take your celebrations to new heights by throwing it back to childhood with a little bite of the past.
Take a trip down memory lane with “Cookin’ Savvy” and her delicious takes on tradition: Red Velvet Bundt Cake, Red Velvet Cake Balls and Red Velvet Cookie Cutouts, all of which make it easy for the entire family to join together for some fun (and rich homemade flavor) in the kitchen.
Find more “Cookin’ Savvy” recipes at Culinary.net. (Family Features)
Red Velvet Bundt Cake
1 red velvet cake mix
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 heaping tablespoon cocoa powder
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk
3 eggs
1 stick melted butter
Frosting:
1 stick softened butter
1 package (8 ounces) softened cream cheese
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
5 cups powdered sugar white sanding sugar (optional)
In mixing bowl, mix cake mix, flour, cocoa powder and sugar. Blend in milk, eggs and butter. Grease bundt pan with butter and pour in batter. Bake according to package instructions for bundt cakes then add 10-15 minutes. Let cool before icing.
To make frosting: In bowl, mix butter, cream cheese and whipping cream. Slowly blend in powdered sugar.
Ice entire bundt cake or place frosting in piping bag and pipe with back and forth “drip” motion. Sprinkle sanding sugar for sparkly snow appearance, if desired.
1 red velvet cake mix
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 heaping tablespoon cocoa powder
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk
3 eggs
1 stick melted butter
Frosting:
1/2 stick softened butter
4 ounces softened cream cheese
1/8 cup heavy whipping cream
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, plus additional for rolling, divided
Heat oven to 350 F.
In mixing bowl, mix cake mix, flour, cocoa powder and sugar. Blend in milk, eggs and butter. Grease 9-by-13-inch pan and pour in batter. Bake 45 minutes.
Remove from oven and use fork to crumble cake then place in large bowl.
To make frosting: In bowl, mix butter, cream cheese and whipping cream. Slowly blend in powdered sugar. Mix frosting into bowl with cake. Form cake mixture into balls then roll in powdered sugar.
Red Velvet Cake Balls
4 Expert Poinsettia Styling Tips To Add Holiday Cheer To Your Home
When it comes to Christmas flowers, poinsettias are the undisputed stars of the season. Their vibrant colors and festive charm bring instant joy to any room, making them a must-have for centerpieces, decor, and more. They’re available in a wider array of colors, shapes, and sizes than you think! Poinsettias offer endless possibilities for holiday decorating. Whether you’re already a fan or are anxious to learn more about this fabulous plant, these four styling tips from Ball Horticultural Company, a leader in delivering standout poinsettia varieties, will help you add color to your celebrations this season.
Time It Right: Poinsettias For Every Festive Moment
Timing is everything when it comes to poinsettias. These holiday beauties are pre-potted to bloom at different points in the season, so you can find just the right one to complement your festive celebrations. Early season varieties like Early Elegance™ are perfect for adding subtle sophistication from Mid-November through Thanksgiving. With soft cream edges and the truest pink hues, they bring a fresh twist to traditional holiday decor.
As the season progresses, mid-season varieties such as Christmas Beauty™ shine with their compact, long-lasting blooms. They’re an ideal choice for classic displays that transition seamlessly into the heart of the holidays. For a timeless look closer to Christmas, the Christmas Feelings™ series stands out with its vibrant red, white, and pink options, perfect for dramatic groupings or stunning focal points. Pro tip: pair your poinsettias with metallic pots or evergreen candles to create a cohesive, joyful atmosphere.
Go Small For Big Holiday Impact
Mini poinsettias are a charming way to add festive flair to smaller spaces. Christmas Eve Red, with its striking color and long-lasting freshness, is perfect for brightening up
work desks, bedside tables, or windowsills. These compact plants are versatile and make any small nook feel cozy and seasonal.
For an added creative touch, use mini poinsettias as place settings at your holiday table. Wrap their pots in ribbons or add handwritten name cards to give your table a personal and elegant touch. These also double as thoughtful keepsakes for your guests, ensuring your festive gatherings leave a lasting impression. Style them on entryway tables or cluster a few together on your dining table for a playful yet polished centerpiece.
Embrace Novelty Colors To Brighten The Season
While red poinsettias are classic, exploring novelty colors can elevate your seasonal decor to something truly special. Peach Glow, with its warm tone, adds an unexpected pop of color that pairs beautifully with neutral or gold accents for a modern holiday look. Early Eleganceâ™ Marble, with its soft cream-edged bracts and pink center, offers a vivid yet elegant design perfect for glossy or metallic pots. For a delicate touch, Christmas Joyâ™ Pink introduces pale pink hues that stand out in a sea of red and green, creating a unique and merry display.
Keep your poinsettias looking their best by placing them in indirect light and watering when the top inch of soil feels dry. With minimal care, their beauty will last throughout the season.
Meet The Whimsical Christmas Mouse
If you’re looking for something truly unique, the Christmas Mouse® poinsettia is sure to delight. Its whimsical, mouse-ear-shaped bracts make it a playful addition to any holiday. Children especially love its fun and distinctive shape, making it an easy way to bring extra joy this season.
Available in both red and pink, Christmas Mouse™ works beautifully as a centerpiece that sparks conversation, adding personality to tables,
mantels, windowsills, or even a child’s bedroom, where it can inspire imagination and fun. Let this standout variety be a highlight of your decor while bringing smiles to all who see it.
With these tips, poinsettias can do so much more than sit in the corner. From early-season elegance to joyful touches, these plants offer endless opportunities to bring warmth, color, and charm to your holidays - and maybe even inspire your houseplant style into the new year.
To learn more, visit BallHort.com.
CELEBRITY NEWS
QI watched the boxing match with Jake Paul and Mike Tyson. I didn’t know that Jake and Logan Paul were two different people. Did they both start out on YouTube?
— D.E.
AYes, Jake and Logan Paul are two blonde brothers who grew up in Ohio and became social media stars. They can be hard to tell apart. Logan started up his YouTube channel 11 years ago and grew it to more than 23 million subscribers. He’s also a professional wrestler for the WWE and the owner of an extremely successful beverage company, Prime. Like his brother, Jake, he’s also headlined boxing events, including an exhibition match against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2021.
Logan’s younger brother by two years, Jake, recently beat Mike Tyson in a boxing match on Netflix. Many feel it was staged, but both Paul and Tyson came out winners monetarily when they each took home a seven-figure payday. Jake originally was a child actor on the Disney Channel series “Bizaardvark,” then became a YouTube star like his brother. In the years before facing Tyson, Jake won boxing matches against several
MMA fighters, but lost to British pro boxer Tommy Fury.
QWho is the actress with the long brown hair featured in the commercials for the new Bob Dylan movie? She looks very familiar. Also, does Timothee Chalamet do his own singing in the movie?
— K.E.
AYou’re probably thinking of Monica Barbaro, who is best recognized as Lt. Natasha “Phoenix” Trace in “Top Gun: Maverick.” She also co-starred in the Neflix series “FUBAR” opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger and, prior to that, the ABC series “Splitting up Together” and Lifetime’s “Unreal.” In “A Complete Unknown,” Barbaro plays folk singer and political activist Joan Baez, who was instrumental in the success of Bob Dylan early in his career.
You could also be thinking of Elle Fanning, who sports reddish-brown tresses in “A Complete Unknown.” She plays a character named Sylvie, who is loosely based on Dylan’s girlfriend at the time, Suze Rotolo.
Professional boxer and YouTuber Jake Paul. Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for Netflix
New Treatments For “Tech Neck” Discovered
Did you know that spending extended time hunched over your phone can take a serious toll on your neck? Commonly referred to as ‘tech neck’ or ‘text neck,’ this habit can lead to the appearance of deep lines, wrinkles and even sagging skin on your neck. The delicate skin on your neck is particularly prone to showing signs of aging prematurelyand constant hunching only accelerates the process.
The skin on your neck is about four times thinner than the skin on your face, so it quickly shows signs of excess sun exposure, premature aging and ‘tech neck. It’s also highly visible skin, so unless you want to wear turtlenecks the rest of your life, you’ll want to take better care of this fragile skin.
While you may not give up your cell phone, you can take steps to protect and improve the skin on your neck so you can look and feel your best.
Watch Your Posture
How often do you find yourself looking at your phone? Have you ever tracked it? It might be time for a reality check: Most smartphones and tablets allow you to monitor your daily screen time under “settings.” You’ll be surprised by how quickly those minutes accumulate into hours.
Consider setting a timer each time you check your text messages or social media to limit the time spent in this posture - or try checking your phone only at certain times. Additionally, hold your phone higher, closer to eye level, to avoid straining your neck and hunching your shoulders. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.
Harness The Power Of Retinol
Looking for a non-invasive way to lift and firm your neck? Your best bet is Retinol, and RoC Skincare has made it even easier with their new
Derm Correxion Firming Serum
Stick. This innovative product combines their well-known Retinol in a convenient new stick format, firming skin and combatting lines and wrinkles with a simple swipe.
Developed with dermatologists and plastic surgeons, this Firming Serum Stick massages Retinol, antioxidants and firming THPE directly into the skin on your neck, face, chest, and back of hands for both immediate and lasting results. Clinically proven to visibly firm and correct the lines caused by tech neck, it leaves skin looking smoother and feeling refreshed.
“We all want the benefits of Retinol but with instant results too,” says Dr. Prem Tripathi, Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon. “The convenience of the stick format paired with the effectiveness of RoC’s Retinol and THPE makes it ideal for anyone looking to instantly tighten skin and maintain results long term”
Find RoC Skincare Derm Correx-
ion Firming Serum Stick at Target.
Go Easy On Sun Exposure
While it’s well known that prolonged sun exposure can be harsh on your skin, it’s easy to forget to apply sunscreen to all exposed areas. Next time you’re outdoors, remember to apply SPF 30+ not only on your face but also on your neck, chest, and hands - areas of delicate skin that tend to show signs of aging.
Incorporating these simple steps into your routine can help combat the effects of tech neck and enhance the overall appearance of your skin, boosting your confidence to look and feel your best, every day.
Gif t GuideHoliday
Hassle-Free Holiday Gifts for Last-Minute Shoppers
The most wonderful time of the year is here, and with it comes the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Between juggling year-end deadlines and festive celebrations, many families are managing todo lists as long as Santa’s. And if you’re in the habit of last-minute shopping, it’s easy to feel like you’re on the naughty list as you dash through the aisles.
If you’re looking for an easy, affordable way to put a bow on your shopping list, Walmart can take the
hassle out of the holiday hustle. From simplifying stocking stuffers with this one-click stocking bundle to launching a new GenAI tool that delivers a highly personalized holiday shopping experience, to help you find the perfect gift - even for the hardest-to-shop-for person. Check out the gift inspiration below to wrap up the season stressfree and full of smiles.
If you’re looking for an easy way to shop for the kids in your life,
See ENTERTAIN, page 18
ENTERTAIN
Continued from page 15
look no further than Wal mart’s annual Top Toy List. This year’s list features 66 of the season’s top trending toys, featuring fan favorites from beloved brands and franchises like Disney, LEGO, Hot Wheels and Barbie. This year’s list includes must-have Walmart exclusives like the Star Wars Force N Telling Vader Child Action Figure, Little Tikes Creative Chefs Kits, LEGO Speed Champions Aston Martin Set and more.
25 of the toys on this year’s list are available for under $25.
Gifts wired for success
When you’re down to the wire, tech gifts can be easily plugged into any holiday shopping list. Whether you’re shopping for a gadget lover or gaming enthusiast, Google TV Full HD Streaming Device brings your favorite movies, shows and streaming services right to your living room
screen, while the onn. 11” Tablet Pro offers powerful performance on the go. Gamers will love this vibrant onn. Gaming Keyboard and onn. Gaming Mouse, designed to elevate any gaming setup.
Show-stopping holiday looks
Looking to add a little glam to your
holiday shopping list? there are a variety of stylish gifts that won’t break the bank. From rhinestone ballet flats to metallic cargo pants from No Boundaries - all for under $25 - you’ll find fabulous fits for the fashionista on your list. You can also never go wrong with the timeless collections from Free Assembly and Scoop. Also trending are beauty items like the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask and festive
Grinch Eyeshadow palette for less than $20. Plus, don’t miss the luxury-inspired beauty picks from Pretty Smart for under $20.
* Order by 12:30 p.m. local time on December 23 for delivery on December 25 * This year, customers now have two more days to shop for gifts for delivery with extended cutoffs for next day and two-day shipping.
Visit some of the beautiful lighting displays around Santa Clarita, including Wakefield Winter Wonderland on Wakefield Court in Santa Clarita. PHOTO BY HABEBA MOSTAFA / THE SIGNAL
Home Upgrades To Make Before The Holidays
Ready to host for the holidays? Whether you’re planning parties and/or welcoming visitors to your home during this festive season, you probably want to make a great impression. Ahead of this busy time of year, you’ll be glad to know there are some easy upgrades you can make to those all-important rooms - your kitchen and bath - which will delight your friends and family. Even better, you’ll love them, too.
Celebrate The Heart Of Your Home
The kitchen is the heart of the home, where everyone gathers, and the sink is the workhorse of the kitchen. To make a statement that’s both practical and aesthetically pleasing, this Strive® farmhouse workstation kitchen sink takes a lot of the stress out of holiday hosting.
This sink raises the bar on functionality and professional styling with custom accessories that integrate seamlessly within the bowl’s ledge. With an eye toward food preparation plus cleanup and storage, the included accessories are thoughtful and practical: a cutting board, drain board, colander/drying rack, soaking bin with drain, stainless steel bottom sink rack and drain cover. Strive is made of thick, premium quality 16-gauge stainless steel with easy-to-clean rounded corners and a sound-absorption system that significantly reduces disposal and dishwashing noise for an improved experience as you gather with friends and family to make memories in your kitchen over the holidays.
Kitchen Detail Upgrades
When time is limited, you’ll want to keep kitchen improvements easy enough to execute in a single weekend. For example, swapping out cabinet and drawer pulls for modern touches like mixed metals or matte black hardware instantly update your kitchen’s look. If you have the time and ability, painting cabinets or adding a new tile backsplash are upgrades that make a big visual impact. Ahead of hosting, one of the best things you can do is clear the clutter from your precious counter space so you’ll have more room for cooking, baking and gathering. Not enough space in your cupboards to put the clutter away? Box up items like small appliances you rarely use to store elsewhere. You’ll be happy to see a lot more counter space to work with when the holidays begin!
Boost The Power Of Your Shower
One easy swap will transform your shower into a spa-like experience. Kohler’s SpaViva™ Two-function handshower with all-in-one cleansing device features the pore-cleansing power of MicroBubble spray while also offering the full-coverage Katalyst spray that retains more heat with each drop.
with your existing wall and tile colors, and you’ll be amazed at the difference these details make the moment you walk into the room.
Improve Comfort And Cleanliness
Bidet seats are trending, for good reason. Your family and guests alike will appreciate the comfort afforded by a seat like the PureWash® E930 Elongated bidet toilet seat, which brings you the freshness of personal cleansing in a slim, low-profile design made to fit most elongated toilets. This heated seat comes with an easy-to-use handheld remote control that allows you to adjust and set
all your personal preferences, from water temperature and pressure to seat temperature and air-drying. A built-in nightlight provides illumination of the bowl, and the self-cleaning stainless steel wand uses UV light for automatic cleaning. Plus, you can personalize and control your product through the KOHLER Konnect® app feature.
With these tips, you’ll enjoy hosting even more this season. Just a few of these updates will help you feel more confident that your home is in the best possible shape for celebrating the holidays with friends and family. Visit Kohler.com for even more ideas to improve your home.
The MicroBubble spray infuses tiny bubbles into water to help clean pores and leave skin feeling refreshed, and the all-in-one cleansing device offers versatile attachments including a facial brush, body brush, body scrubber and body massager. The facial brush has small, gentle silicone bristles that help to deep clean pores, the body brush offers full, densely placed silicone bristles to tackle larger areas of the body, the body scrubber features a natural stone surface that delicately exfoliates to remove dead skin from feet, and the body massager provides five pressure-point nodes to target tired muscles.
Give Your Bathroom A Quick Makeover
Another easy move that instantly gives your bathroom a facelift is switching out window treatments, shower curtain, bathmat and towels for fresh new sets. Consider a livelier color scheme that coordinates well
Tips for Older Adults and Caregivers This Holiday Season
The holidays are coming up, and many people will be celebrating with family and friends. The start of colder months also means flu, COVID-19 and RSV can surge. That can be dangerous for older adults.
“Holidays are a time to gather with family and friends,” said Charlene Wong, MD, MSHP, senior advisor for health strategy at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “but for older people, this can come with risk of serious respiratory illness. Get your updated flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines to reduce your risk and do more together.”
Before heading to holiday gatherings, check out these tips from the Risk Less. Do More. vaccine education campaign. They can help you and your older loved ones enjoy a happy holiday season while lowering the risk of serious illness from flu, COVID-19 and RSV.
Get Vaccinated Against Respiratory Illnesses
Older adults are at higher risk of getting seriously ill, ending up in the hospital or dying from flu, COVID-19 or RSV. Vaccines are the best protection against severe disease from these common respiratory illnesses. The CDC recommends that all adults ages 65 and older get the updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines. An RSV vaccine is also available to help protect older people from severe RSV. It is recommended for all people 75 and older, and for those ages 60-74 with certain health conditions, like heart or lung disease or diabetes, or who live in a nursing home. If you are a caregiver or help an older adult with their medical decisions, encourage them to talk to their doctor about the vaccines that are right for them.
Gather Safely
Respiratory illnesses often thrive in indoor spaces where people are in close contact. If the weather permits, try hosting holiday gatherings outside. When gatherings are inside, think about keeping windows open or using fans for ventilation. If you
are going to a large indoor gathering, consider wearing a mask. Washing your hands frequently, or using hand sanitizer, also helps reduce the spread of germs. Encourage your older loved ones to take these precautions as well.
Stay Home If You’re Sick
No one wants to miss out on festivities, but it’s important to stay home if you are not feeling well. Encourage your family and friends to do the same. Remind them about the impact flu, COVID-19 and RSV can have, especially on older adults. If you’re a caregiver of an older adult, monitor any respiratory symptoms that may develop. Testing for flu and COVID-19 can also help inform your plans. All U.S. households can now receive four free COVID tests. Order them for your family and your loved ones at COVIDTests.gov.
For many older people, the fall and winter holidays are an important time to connect with others. Be sure to include vaccinations in your holiday planning. Go to vaccines.gov to get started today.
You can also learn more about flu, COVID-19 and RSV at cdc.gov/RiskLessDoMore or by talking to your doctor about which vaccines are right for you this season.
SOLUTIONS
Opinion
Unless otherwise stated, the views and opinions expressed are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily represent the views of The Signal.
READER LETTERS
Why I Voted for Trump
I’m thinking of having a T-shirt produced for myself (and anyone else who might want one like it). On that T-shirt will be two sentences: “I didn’t vote for Trump because I hate Harris. I voted for Trump because I love Trump.”
You see, although I was raised in Hollywood, California, I was born in New York.
Have you met and spoken to the average New Yorker? Most of them tend to be of Irish, Jewish, or Italian descent — you know, the descendants of the great waves of immigrants who came to this country in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The first thing you’ll notice about New Yorkers is that they tend to be very bold, direct, and sometimes even a bit harsh in their presentation. You’ll be lucky if the “politeness” lasts more than a minute because there are places to go and things to get done. It’s like, “OK, very nice to meet you, now what do you want?”
Politics and policies aside, and Donald Trump has many with which so many of us apparently agree, most New Yorkers have personalities that you will either love or hate — they are THAT intense. And the vocabulary and attitude — right off the streets and alleys (just ask Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who is from Brooklyn).
I think the old saying is very true, that “nice guys finish last.” THAT’s the main reason why I voted for Trump. Because in many ways he’s just like me, and he’s not afraid to show it.
Arthur Saginian Santa Clarita
The Bullies on the Left
Ironically, in this age of anti-bullying campaigns, the left is the biggest bully of them all.
They have decided what views are acceptable and deride, silence, and excommunicate anyone who doesn’t fall in line with what the in-crowd finds acceptable.
If you take virtually any issue, you’ll find the right generally makes an argument against something based on policy and the left uses character assassination in their attacks.
Abortion takes a life vs. Republicans want to control women. Minimum-wage laws increase costs for business and lead to fewer jobs vs. Republicans only care about the rich. Criminals need to be prosecuted to reduce crime and keep people safe vs. you’re a racist. Borders should be secure vs. you’re a racist again. Applicants should be judged on merit vs. you’re a triple-racist meaniehead jerk. I could go on and on ...
And it’s not just arguments on Facebook. Think of how many friendships have been destroyed and how many families have been torn apart by politics-going-personal since Donald Trump’s election in 2016. Republicans didn’t do that in the era of Barack Obama. Democrats did that in the era of Trump.
Rob Kerchner Valencia
ETHICALLY SPEAKING
Our Search for Peace
By David Hegg
It’s Christmastime, and even those with no religious connection to the celebration of Jesus’ birth would admit the season brings out particular joys in our society.
You don’t have to be a Christ-follower to enjoy the lights along our streets or the many charitable opportunities that offer the chance to live beyond ourselves and help others find a smile.
There may be a common denominator, a shared value lying deep in each human heart that finds an avenue for joyous expression and a greater-than-usual outpouring of compassion at Christmas. If I had to nominate something, it would be our innate desire for peace.
The lore of Christmas has long been flavored with the idea of peace. In the biblical Old Testament people looked forward to the coming of the One promised as the prince of peace, and today, many seasonal songs cry out for peace on Earth, as the angelic choir promised to the shepherds of Bethlehem.
But haven’t you noticed that our world has become increasingly violent and that violence is getting closer and closer to home?
I would offer this reason, though it may not come as a surprise. We see less and less peace around us simply because we’ve lost the word's true meaning.
Peace is more than a greeting and symbol left over from the free-love era. It is also more than being left “in peace.”
And it is undoubtedly much more than the cessation of aggression between warring factions.
Simply put, peace is not only the absence of something. It is, first and foremost, the possession of something.
starts with a personal set of courageous values that form an ethical worldview and fuel personal contentment, even in the midst of chaos.
Peace is always personal before it is societal.
And where you find a society of people with no ethical moorings, no commitment to anything beyond personal comfort and wellbeing, you are sure to find a nation unable to fill that “peace-shaped” void in their souls. Where personal peace is replaced by serial discontent, chaos becomes the new normal.
So where do we begin?
What is the starting place of real inner peace in the soul?
For me it starts with asking the big ethical questions of life. Who am I? Why am I here? Where did I come from?
Where am I going?
Any sincere attempt to answer these questions must wrestle with the ethical value of believing in the existence of God, and His role in our lives.
Christmas offers us all a time to re-examine the role of biblical faith in understanding the idea that Jesus came to Earth – God in the flesh –so that we might have peace with God.
For, until we’re at peace with our maker, we’ll find peace on Earth beyond our grasp.
And, yet, it is the wonder of Christmas that reminds us peace on Earth is not only our longing, but God’s goal as well. He has sent the Prince of Peace through whom we can be at peace not only with him, but also one day with all those whose search for real peace has been met with his grace.
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And that something is a personal contentedness, arising from sterling character, which results in pursuing what is right, good and helpful for self and society.
Peace starts in you and me. It
From my heart to yours … Merry Christmas!
Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.
