Sunday Signal Dec. 23,2018

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D E C E M B E R 23, 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS NEWS FEATURES

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NEWS OF THE WEEK

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5 Touching off a bright idea 6 Last-minute tips for travel 7 Holiday lessons 8

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Interstate 5 lane reopens to avoid heavy holiday traffic Receiving the gift of running Associate of Vet groups looks to help service members Parents of stroke victim gets community help Hart District officials tour Castaic High School Santa Clarita Family Promise holds big event of year

CITY MANAGER

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REAL ESTATE

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SPORTS

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13 12 days of Christmas, Santa Clarita style 14 This week in real estate 15 Players to watch in SCV high school hoops

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

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Happy Holidays

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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KIDS & FAMILY

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1 Your Home Improvement 2 22 Holiday safety Keeping your tree fresh 3 Enjoying the holiday splendor 2 Sensory-sensitive Santa 24 Donna’s Day: Scented pomander balls add to holiday decor

HOLIDAY 26 5 2

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The best Christmas stories Most downloaded holiday songs The true meaning of Christmas Where’s Santa? The history of tracking St. Nick

GIFT GUIDE 28 FOOD 30 30 Family memories with bolognese sauce 32 making pasta with Nana’s ravioli recipe

THINGS TO DO

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31 Learning about the SCV Blues Society

SENIORS 34 4 The subtle art of worrying 3 Create more time to relax

PROFILE 36 6 From the Crossroads, with gratitude 3 37 Empowering vibes turn setbacks to setups

ENTERTAINMENT 39 39 Movie crazy with Dianne Crawford 40 Tower of Power to jam at Canyon Santa Clarita

BRAIN GAMES

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SUNDAY SIGNAL SignalSCV.com

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

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661-259-1234 On the cover: PHOTO BY CORY RUBIN / THE SIGNAL

D E C E M B E R 23, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

S C V F E AT U R E

Touching off a bright idea

By Matt Fernandez Signal Staff Writer

J

ordan Lindebaum specializes in bringing function to the unusual.

“I’m always on the lookout for something weird, and the weirder the piece I make, the faster it sells,” said the Newhall resident.

Lindebaum, an aerospace engineer, and his wife, Paloma, own the company Off the Beaten Pallet, which sells touch lamps and wireless phone chargers he made out of reclaimed wood and scrap metal. Rather than using a switch, touch lamps are turned on using the electric charge in the human body gained by touching them.

Lindebaum initially began woodworking as a way to create furniture for himself and for people close to him and learned how to do it through YouTube videos, trial and error, and from the advice of family members. The first touch lamp he made was a gift to his father and he did not foresee himself creating a business out of them.

“I wasn’t even sure if I would like woodworking when I started but I jumped into it, made some furniture for my wife and I fell in love with it,” he said. “The things I made turned out really well so I made some pieces and sold them but we never really planned on creating a business just because of the complexity of selling furniture. Then I started making the lamps, and that opened more doors because they’re much easier to sell at a trade show or ship across the country.”

Touch lamps are not new and were invented in 1984 by Scott M. Kunen

Right: Jordan Lindebaum cuts a wooden base for one of his touch lamps.

Far Right: A vintage toy airplane mounted on a touch lamp by Jordan Lindebaum.

Jordan Lindebaum showcases one of his vintage toy airplane lamps with an Edison bulb. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

in New York. Lindebaum said that after seeing people make crude touch lamps, he was inspired to create them himself and add his own unique twist on them. He combined the touch lamp technology with his interests in making furniture out of reclaimed materials and the industrial, Edison bulb aesthetic.

“The technology has been around forever and people are realizing that these are still a really convenient style of lamp,” Lindebaum said. “We didn’t want the same old look as Grandma’s old brass lamp, so we combined the convenience with the new trend of the industrial look.”

As the company’s name suggests, each lamp is made out of reclaimed wood from old pallets at his workplace or scrap wood from lumber yards. The metal touchable parts of

the lamps are whatever interesting pieces he and his wife find at junkyards, antique stores and garage sales and range from engine parts and hood ornaments to vintage metal toys. Lindebaum makes his lamps in batches of 10 and each one takes an average of 10 hours to make, most of which comes from refurbishing and shaping the wood.

“My wife and I are really into the ‘reclaimed’ movement because we love the idea of rescuing something,” he said. “Entire forests have been cut down to make furniture, so this is our way of doing our part to preserve nature. I like finding unique metal trinkets and I use a lot of parts from cars and engines, but the last thing I want to do is take something that a car enthusiast or restorer could use.

I usually take parts that they would

consider unusable and restore them so you wouldn’t know they’re damaged and give them a new life.”

While the company does have a website and a page on Etsy.com, Lindebaum said that the bulk of his sales come from boutique shows. He attributes this largely to customers being able to directly interact with him and with the product.

“Sure the lamps look good in pictures and online, but this product has so much more of an effect when you’re standing in front of it and touching it,” he said. “We hired some people to build us a website and they advertised to try to capture an audience online and it really didn’t do well. In this day and age I think being able to connect on a personal level with a product and the people who made it is such a big motivating factor in purchasing, and that’s something we get at the craft shows.”

The Lindebaums generally aim for at least one craft show per month.

They have recently begun selling their products in three stores in Santa Clarita and Los Angeles, with plans to try to expand into more stores.

“I think the neatest thing about making these lamps is that they’re all unique and that people can take them home and proudly say that no one else has this piece,” Lindebaum said.

“I don’t really have a favorite piece because every lamp I sell that someone has a connection to and buys becomes my new favorite.”

You can find Off the Beaten Pallet on Etsy or visit their website, offthe beatenpallet.com, to see and purchase the lamps and chargers. 

6 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

D E C E M B E R 23, 2018

S C V F E AT U R E

Travel tips for the road and the skies

By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

I

f you haven’t already joined the millions of people on the road for the holiday rush, there are some things to keep in mind, whether you’re taking the station wagon to the snow, loading up the van to see the grandparents or just trying to catch a flight.

For example, did you know that airport officials recommend that you enter LAX using the lower arrivals level — even if you’re departing, just because of the congestion, if you’re visiting the airport during certain times. Little tips like that, and showing up at least two hours early for a domestic flight, as well as being sure you are making safe decisions behind the wheel, can help make any holiday adventure easier.

We reached out to transportation officials and law enforcement to discuss what folks should keep in mind if they’re traveling during one of the busiest times of the year to do so.

Plan your route

Like most holidays, motorists should expect delays because there will be above-normal traffic on the highly traveled I-5 corridor, he said.

Caltrans spokesman Jim Medina offered some sobering statistics when asked to share his top-three travel tips.

“With a record 8.7 million Southern Californians expected to take trips of 50 miles or more this holiday season — 88 percent driving — Caltrans District 7 is advising motorists to be extra cautious and consider traveling at off-peak times and taking alternate routes.

“Before getting on the road,” he said. “Motorists should check Caltrans’ Quickmap http://quickmap.dot. ca.gov/ or call 511 for real-time traffic information. In addition, follow us on Twitter@CaltransDist7.

Also, Medina said, plan ahead.

“AAA recommends motorists should prep their cars by getting oil changes, fluid level checks, battery tests and tire inspections,” he said.

“Get an emergency roadside kit in case you hit bad weather, and make sure it contains a mobile phone and car charger, first-aid kit, blankets, drinking water and snacks, a flash-

light with extra batteries, a basic toolkit, warning flares, an ice scraper, jumper cables and a shovel.”

Caltrans scheduled a grand unveiling of its holiday travel tips at a “Holiday Travel press conference” Wednesday morning on Broadway Street, Los Angeles.

Barger spokesman Tony Bell commended Caltrans for efforts to reduce highway congestion.

“Caltrans has been very helpful and responsive,” he said Monday. “We should applaud them for that.”

When asked for travel tips, Bell had one: “Don’t drive tired,” he said. And, of course, “don’t drive inebriated,” he said. “Even if you had a drink earlier, it’s still in your system later.”

LAX Advice

For motorists bound for the airport, Becca Doten, managing director of media relations for Los Angeles World Airports serving LAX, said: “These five tips are specific to the navigating traffic getting to/from LAX,” she said, describing them as the “ones that we are promoting this holiday travel season.”

1. Take Century Boulevard — it’s typically less congested than Sepulveda Boulevard.

2. Use the lower arrivals level — even if you’re departing 3. Wait in a lot or structure – park free for 15 minutes in all LAX parking structures or sse the cellphone waiting lot 4. Reduce your stress -- take the flyaway other public transportation options 5. Arrive early — at least two hours before domestic boarding and three hours before International boarding.

Public works officials had some travel tips, of their own, for making roads less obstructed for motorists.

Don’t drink and drive

Advice such “Don’t drink and drive” and “slow down” still tops the list for many officials intent on making travel easier, yet safer.

Sgt. Scott Shoemaker, who heads the Traffic Unit of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station, puts the most common tips at the top of his list.

“No. 1, slow down,” he said Monday. “No. 2, don’t drink and drive; and, three, watch out for pedestrians.

With schools being out for winter break and more people taking time off of work, be mindful of pedestrians, especially when driving though shopping center parking lots.”

Down the road from the Sheriff ’s Station and around the bend of Valencia Boulevard to Santa Clarita City Hall, the same advice is heard.

“Be a ‘head’s up’ driver,” said Carrie Lujan, city spokeswoman. “Put down the cellphone and focus on the road in front of you,” she said. “Not only is distracted driving dangerous ­— holding your phone while driving is also illegal.” She also mentioned a city website, santa-clarita.com/HeadsUp, as a resource for more tips.

Lujan also reminded everyone to “designate a sober driver or use a car service — such as a taxi, Uber or Lyft.”

Take a beat over your break

And, if that means patience — that’s what Officer Eric Priessman of the California Highway Patrol Newhall Station recommends.

“The first thing the CHP would recommend is having patience,” he said Monday.

“We can anticipate the roads will be filled with holiday travelers, so it’s important to plan your trip and allow for plenty of time to get to your destination.”

Next on the CHP’s list of travel tips is route-planning.

“Look for alternate routes and have a backup plan, said Priessman. “ If you’re planning on traveling into or through a heavily congested area, be aware of other ways to get your to where you’re going.

“A nasty collision can snarl traffic for miles, so it pays to have an alternate route.

Cut down on distractions

And, rising to the top ten most notable travel tips for holiday 2018 season, is the tip hinging on handheld technology.

“Stay off those cell phones,” Priessman said.

“With all of the additional vehicles on the road, you’re going to need all of your attention on the

road ahead of you.

“Don’t let something like a cell phone distract you from where your eyes and brain need to be,” he said.

For those who think travel tips are a waste of time, just remember the hellish holiday travel session through the Grapevine.

To avoid a return to the nightmare of Thanksgiving weekend traffic, Caltrans announced Monday that it has accelerated pavement repair on the northbound No. 3 lane of I-5 in Castaic to provide all four lanes through the construction zone to accommodate holiday traffic.

“While reopening the lane will improve traffic flow through Castaic and Santa Clarita, Caltrans recommends that motorists consider adjusting travel times or taking alternate routes — such as U.S. 101 and State Route 14,” Caltrans District 7 Director John Bulinski said in a news release Monday.

Clean stress-free roads

“Don’t block storm drains,” said Steve Frasher, spokesman for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, noting not to park flush against curbs, restricting the flow of curbside water and creating flooding.

“During periods of rain and storm, be aware of falling rocks and rocks on the roadway.

And, once the holiday season is over, and travel tips apply to those who are homeward bound, Frasher said “don’t obstruct roadways with discarded Christmas trees.

“Cut them up for green waste,” he said. 

D E C E M B E R 23, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

S C V F E AT U R E

Tips for kids to voice gratitude this holiday

By Crystal Duan Signal Staff Writer

T

is the season to be giving and grateful… while being bombarded with commercials, ads, sale signs and big bows on cars, parents may find it a little disarming to figure out how to teach their kids how to be grateful yet also not materialistic.

If the children are chanting, “I want that,” with almost everything they see, Brandman University social work professor Catherine Pearlman, LCSW says it’s to be expected.

But never fear -- here are suggestions to help children learn empathy and gratitude.

Pearlman emphasizes these feelings have to be learned as it’s normal for kids to not be born being grateful or thankful, but that the holiday season is ripe with opportunities for parents to build in fun teachable moments.

Finding examples

Holidays are a great time to model gratitude. Make sure your children hear you say, “thank you,” and have them see you write thank-you notes, write their own or help someone when they’re down.

“I think gratitude is contagious,” Pearlman said. “And when parents model being grateful, kids learn how to say, “please and thank you,” so much better. We must be always doing things to show them that despite our circumstances, we can be grateful in lots of different ways for all the things we do have.

Pearlman also suggests to talk about money and not be afraid of those hard conversations if finances are a burden.

“Too often we shield our kids from the stress and burdens of finances,” she said, adding that parents don’t need to share the stress, per se, but an understanding of the value in a gift is a worthwhile lesson.

“We can give them an idea of tradeoffs, too,” she said. “While being grateful, if we go out tonight we have to say: ‘We can’t afford to go tomorrow.’”

Volunteering

Volunteering is also a great way for children to get their mind onto giving instead of getting.

“A personal experience can help children realize they can make a difference, no matter that the theme,” she said. “It’ll make them feel good and they’ll want to do it more. It’s not that easy to find volunteer options for children, but volunteering at all really helps children feel good about helping others.”

Travel is also a good option. Memories can be irreplaceable compared to toys, she said.

“Less is really more, and parents don’t always realize this or do the best job at conveying this,” she said. “Giving the kids the gift of experiences, from a trip down the street or a trip overseas can really matter more to opening their minds as well.

All-in-all, the best gift can be to teach children how to give “yearround thanks,” she said.

“The holiday tradition of going around the table talking about what we’re all thankful for is certainly a window into what our children are thinking,” she said. “Use holiday opportunities to show — not tell — your kids about grateful behaviors. Bringing to life how you live, and how that is different from others, is an important tangible experience.” 

How to sell your Santa Clarita home yourself: 10 tips real estate agents don't want you to know

By Dave McKean Broker CalDRE# 00972047 If you've tried to sell your home yourself, you know that the minute you put the "For Sale by Owner" sign up, the phone will start to ring off the hook. Unfortunately, most calls aren't from prospective buyers, but rather from every real estate agent in town who will start to hound you for your listing.

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Ultimately, the best gift a parent can give is to teach children how to give “year-round thanks.” PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

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8 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

D E C E M B E R 23, 2018

LOCALNEWS

Interstate 5 lane reopens to avoid heavy holiday traffic

By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

T

o avoid a return to the nightmare of Thanksgiving weekend traffic, Caltrans is reopening the closed-for-construction lane on Interstate 5 in Castaic just in time for the Christmas weekend traffic.

The California Department of Transportation announced Monday that it has accelerated pavement repair on the northbound No. 3 lane of I-5 in Castaic to provide all four lanes through the construction zone to accommodate holiday traffic.

“While reopening the lane will improve traffic flow through Castaic and Santa Clarita, Caltrans recommends that motorists consider adjusting travel times or taking alternate routes — such as U.S. 101 and State Route 14,” Caltrans District 7 Director John Bulinski said in a news release issued Monday.

Like most holidays, motorists should

Caltrans is aiming to avoid heavy traffic during the holidays by opening a lane of Interstate 5, which was closed for construction. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

expect delays because there will be above-normal traffic on the highly traveled I-5 corridor, he said.

The CHP is expected to enforce the speed limit of 55 mph in the construction zone, where traffic fines are doubled, Bulinski said.

Caltrans is working with Los Angeles County Supervisor Kath-

ryn Barger, who represents the area, on developing an emergency traffic circulation plan in Castaic.

Last week, county supervisors motivated by the traffic jam witnessed Thanksgiving weekend through the Grapevine and along Interstate 5 have called for an emergency mobility action plan to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

“Recognizing that Castaic and Santa Clarita Valley traffic issues are a serious concern, my office and Caltrans are collaborating to find meaningful solutions and lessen the travel issues experienced in the community and by motorists in general,” Barger was quoted as saying in the Caltrans news release.

The $171 million I-5 Roadway Rehabilitation Project extends nearly 16 miles in and near the city of Santa Clarita, from south of State Route 14 to north of Lake Hughes Road. It is on schedule and is expected be completed next summer, weather permitting.

Caltrans is aiming to avoid the heavy traffic congestion that occurred in three northbound lanes over the Thanksgiving holiday, when thousands of motorists spent more than one hour traveling a few miles.

Before traveling, motorists are encouraged to check road conditions at Caltrans’ Quickmap, http:// quickmap.dot.ca.gov/. 

Receiving the gift of running

By Crystal Duan Signal Staff Writer

W

est Hollywood Sheriff ’s Deputy Garrett Rifkin was determined to return to work as soon as he could after a traffic collision left him without a leg in August.

He had been driving to his station when the original hit-and-run left Rifkin, a Santa Clarita resident, without full use of his left foot. And soon he realized he’d have to have it amputated.

The prosthetic leg he received after five failed surgeries would have to do, even if it meant he’d have to work twice as hard to be able to run again with it.

He returned to duty in November, praying that rehab would also go by fast and he’d have full use of his legs again soon.

On Tuesday, he received the best surprise gift possible: “the gift of running.”

During a surprise presentation at orthopaedics equipment company Össur’s U.S. headquarters in Foothill

Ranch, Rifkin learned of what had been a hush-hush collaboration with the company. He would now receive a fully-configured Össur Flex-Run with Nike Sole prosthetic foot.

Rifkin, 25, was so shocked he couldn’t believe it.

“It feels really good to have this much support,” he said. “It’s been a long recovery, but all things considered it was already going faster than I thought it would. Now this is going to help me get back to my ultimate goal of being on patrol even faster.”

Rifkin said he was still taking “baby steps, no pun intended” with his current leg, but the running leg would help him get back in shape even faster.

From day to day, it’s been hard, but he had not lost faith that the best is yet to come.

“The hardest part is trying not to feel defeated, because you’re literally falling and getting back up with things that used to be easy like walking up and down stairs,” he said.

“I have a long driveway that’s uphill where I live (in Castaic), and it’s a

West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station Deputy Garrett Rifkin, right, a recent amputee, received the gift of an Össur Flex-Run with Nike Sole prosthetic foot during a surprise presentation. COURTESY PHOTO

lot of little everyday tasks like that that have taken getting used to.”

The weirdest part now, he said, is having cut off tattoo designs on his leg.

“It’s actually weirder now to look at old pictures of myself with legs,” he said with a chuckle. “The top part of my leg was salvaged, but now there’s weird stitching and half of the old tattoos I have are gone. It’s pretty funny though.”

Rifkin has been going to physical ther-

apy three times a week, doing leg presses and hamstring pulls as best he can.

Already nicknamed “Baby Face” by his fellow deputies due to his early graduation from the sheriff ’s academy at age 20, he has nevertheless had a lot of support since the accident, he said.

The West Ranch High School graduate is looking forward to the future, thanks to his Christmas gift of a new leg. 

D E C E M B E R 23, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

10 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

D E C E M B E R 23, 2018

LOCALNEWS

Associate of Vet groups looks to help service members

By Crystal Duan Signal Staff Writer

S

haron Ventrice has always had a thing for war stories — which is why she’s dedicated her life to making sure they’re told properly.

She comes from a line of service members. Her great-grandfather fought for the North in the Civil War. Her grandfather served in the Spanish-American War. And her father, although he was 33, still was in shape enough to serve in World War II. And her husband, Bob, is a Vietnam War veteran who she was determined to help find a community.

Ventrice is an associate of various veterans organizations — which means she’s one of a dozen non-service members in organizations with local chapters like the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and the Vietnam Veterans of America. They help coordinate events and activities for their veteran fathers, husbands and brothers who are also members.

“They need to be reminded of how much our country appreciates them,” she said on Wednesday. “I joined the club to make sure I bring support to those who attend, and to make sure we don’t forget how important their sacrifices are.”

Santa Clarita is “the best place for a veteran to live,” Ventrice said. The city reveres its veterans by hanging up banners for the hometown heroes awaiting their return, and the local media run columns and features on the former soldiers and Marines.

During Memorial Day and Veterans Day, there are huge celebrations of service at Eternal Valley Memorial Park and in the Veterans Historical Plaza in Newhall.

Ventrice has dressed up as Betsy Ross, organized group dinners and passed out stars form retired American flags in the name of making sure veterans in the Santa Clarita Valley feel welcome.

It hasn’t always been easy to connect with Vietnam War veterans in particular, she said.

A lot of Vietnam War veterans weren’t welcome after they came home. So for years, they were uncomfortable sharing their experiences.

“They came home and were called horrible people,” she said. “Baby killers, people spat on them. The war was already something everyone hated, and so they were hated, too.”

But Ventrice, who was raised in Ohio, saw a different side to the homecoming heroes.

“Several of my friends fought in that war,” she said. “I knew they would never be those ‘horrible people,’ and we lost two guys from my high school graduating class. And one was a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient! I had a sense of how honorable they were. And I want to show people that.”

Her sense of duty mirrors that of her second husband, Bob Ventrice, who she met at a church in Santa Clarita decades ago.

By May 1993, the two were married, and Ventrice found herself becoming protective of his mental well-being.

For years, he wouldn’t even wear his Vietnam War veteran’s cap, she said, but over time, he warmed up to the idea of going to these “strange” Vietnam Veterans of America chapter events held on early Sunday mornings.

“They’re every third Sunday of the month at 9 a.m., and Bob really was kicking and screaming for a while when I dragged him there,” she said with a chuckle. “But it’s so important for people to share with each other what they went through.”

She’s met multiple congressional medal holders, but Ventrice thinks the most rewarding part is educating people on veterans’ affairs and making sure they feel a sense of community.

“For a lot of them, they don’t tell their families what happened in ‘Nam,” she said. “My dad didn’t speak a lot about his time (stationed) in Okinawa (in World War II). They spoke with no one for years. I’m not a veteran, but I want to give them the gift of my lineage. I come from a family that has served, and I want to give back.” 

Parents of stroke victim gets community help

By Crystal Duan

G

Signal Staff Writer

olden Valley High School student Jesus Ortiz suffered a stroke in November that left the 16-yearold bedridden in a hospital and unable to speak or move.

His family was unsure how to pay for his recovery. The extensive brain damage he had suffered was going to be costly, between all the surgeries and the needed physical therapy.

His mother Amzi Salinas stayed by her son’s side at the Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center as he came out of the coma, but still could not respond. She worried whether he was going to ever be back to his old self. She also worried about paying the bills. Her husband was the only one working full-time since she quit working to take care of Jesus, and they had two toddlers in addition to their sick son.

The Ortiz family was waiting for

a miracle, whether it be prayers or financing.

On Monday, Salinas drove home from taking care of Jesus to a surprise: the family had received a $10,000 check from an anonymous donor.

“Ten thousand dollars,” Salinas said as she stood in their Canyon Country home, shocked as she turned the envelope over to see the amount. “We are so happy, thank you. Oh my God, yeah. Yeah, it’s good!”

The donor operates a Santa Clarita business and wishes to remain anonymous.

“We want to challenge the community to step forward when they see someone in need,” the donor said on the phone. “We want to set an example. Those of us who are fortunate to have what we need, need to look around sometimes to see who needs their help.”

Jesus is making progress, Salinas said. He can now wiggle his finger, a month after suffering the stroke, and had surgery Saturday to get a tube

installed in his stomach for proper draining.

In two more weeks, he will undergo surgery to remove blood clots and repair burst veins.

He still sleeps a lot and cannot speak, but he seems to be coming along on the road to recovery, she said.

“It’s a big change,” she said. “It’s not very high, but it’s still good. It’s The family of Jesus Ortiz, a 16-year-old who fell into comforting to have this a coma in November, received a generous donamoney. It’s so expention of $10,000 to pay for hospital bills. PHOTO BY sive, but it will help. Of BRENNON DIXSON / THE SIGNAL course.”

The Ortiz family does not speak you to raise a small prayer to God English very well, but Salinas said she and ask for my son Jesus to recover. hopes her message can still go out to You can also help by sharing this the community. campaign with your friends to see “I do not lose hope that my son will if they can help. Thank you for your recover,” she wrote on the GoFundMe prayers and blessings.”  page set up to support her son. “If The GoFundMe page is available at you can not help me financially with www.gofundme.com/come-back-withsomething, do not feel bad. I only ask us-jesusito-jesus-ortiz-salinas.

D E C E M B E R 23, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 11

LOCALNEWS

Hart District officials tour Castaic High School

By Brennon Dixson Signal Staff Writer

T

his time next year, thousands of freshmen will be completing their first semester at the Santa Clarita Valley’s newest high school, which is expected to begin its inaugural year in the fall of 2019.

SCV residents have anticipated the completion of Castaic High School for some time now, but come August of next year, the state-of-the-art performing arts center will be the only part of the 250,000-square-foot campus that won’t be in operation yet, according to William S. Hart Union High School District officials.

On Wednesday, Hart District Superintendent Vicki Engbrecht and Chief Administrative Officer Collyn Nielsen gathered with Castaic Principal Melanie Hagman, Assistant Principal Sarah Delawder and project manager Randy Wrage to offer local

Future Castaic High School assistant principal, Sarah Delawder, left, and Principal Melanie Hagman look out of one of the classroom windows of the 400A building as construction continues at Castaic High School on Wednesday. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

media members a tour of the work that’s currently underway at the SCV’s newest high school.

While touring the campus huddled in the hills of Castaic, the group described the state-of-the-art buildings and unique programs that will soon

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be utilized by incoming freshmen.

The library — which developers joke has more glass than all of the Hart District combined — is currently covered in neon green backer board material as construction crews prepare various components of the

building for student use, Wrage said.

A similar scene can be found around the school’s prospective freestanding lecture hall, which Wrage referred to as a “super classroom” that will seat around 60 to 70 kids.

“Career technical education is the badge of the school,” Wrage said. In fact, there’s more CTE infrastructure at Castaic than any other local high school.

“The CTE component is one of the

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12 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

D E C E M B E R 23, 2018

LOCALNEWS

CASTAIC

Continued from previous page

many aspects that makes the campus unique,” Engbrecht said, adding that this is especially true once you consider the new iCAN academy and the school’s unique partnership with College of the Canyons. “iCAN will be very similar to the Academy of the Canyons model,” Hagman said, adding, “The best news is it’s open to enrollment for all students throughout Santa Clarita.”

This means students can expect to get the same robust curriculum that you’d get at all of the Hart District sites, according to Hagman, but unlike AOC, students can participate in extracurricular activities while still completing one to two years’ worth of college credits for free.

Students might even be able to earn a certificate in some of the medical or welding programs, Engbrecht said, before mentioning the district will hold an information meeting for parents in the near

A construction worker makes progress on a classroom of the 400 building as work continues at Castaic High School. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

future. However, the academy’s application is already on the website along with Castaic High School’s open enrollment application.

“It’s a big deal,” Hagman said, adding that the school’s curriculum isn’t the only draw that’ll bring stu-

dents to campus.

“One of the things the architect really got right is the campus has a great sense of place,” Wrage said, citing the school’s location in the hills and the helipad area where first responders can set up base to fight disasters that

could threaten the local area. “This is a sanctuary. People don’t flock from here, they flock to it.”

As Wrage and the tour’s participants stood on a hill overlooking the bright green football turf and nearly completed classrooms off in the distance, they found it hard to walk away from the beauty of the environment, which offered picturesque views of the surrounding hills, water and sky.

“I’m shocked at how majestic it looks,” said Delawder, the assistant principal who was enjoying one of her first trips out to the construction site of the future school. “The buildings are so aesthetic (and) they look so different. When people see what the school looks like and how different it is, I think they’ll be drawn to it.”

Whether it’s the modern classrooms or state-of-the art programs, students will enjoy their time at Castaic High for a myriad of reasons, Hagman said.

“I think it’s really exciting what we have going on here.” 

Santa Clarita Family Promise holds big event of year

By Ryan Mancini Signal Staff Writer

F

amilies received some early Christmas cheer with help from Family Promise of Santa Clarita during its holiday shopping event at Valencia United Methodist Church on Saturday.

Around 250 families made their way through the church, stretching out in a line that led to the parking lot. Once inside, families received bags to place inside and carry various items available for them. With at least $70,000 worth of donations, the event was meant for low-income families in Santa Clarita who need help but also want to enjoy the holiday season, said lead organizer Olga Zapata.

Upon entering, guests also received a raffle ticket with the chance to win any particular item or a gift card.

Items available included: clothing, bedding, cleaning supplies, toys and school supplies. Children were limited to three gifts, but families had unlimited access to other items.

Each item, along with breakfast, was donated from individuals, busi-

nesses, youth and faith groups from all across Santa Clarita who wanted to help.

“Children do not wake up one day and decide, ‘Oh, it’s fun to live and camp in my car,’” said Roché Vermaak, executive director of Family Promise. “They are sometimes the byproduct of a tough economy, of parents losing their housing. We want to make a difference in the lives of children.”

Lisa Reyes walked around the back of the church looking through items with her son, who wore an Iron Man mask at the event. Though she struggles with her new home and it takes her two hours to get to work, she was enthusiastic about attending the holiday shopping event.

“If it (wasn’t) for them, I wouldn’t be this far,” she said.

The event also brought families from Bridge to Home, Single Mothers Outreach, the Domestic Violence Program of the Child and Family Center, and from across all five local school districts. With as much help that was provided for Family Prom-

Local families walk through Valencia Methodist Church and collect different items from toys to clothes, cleaning supplies to bedding on Saturday. PHOTO BY RYAN MANCINI / THE SIGNAL

ise’s biggest event of the year, the organization is still in need of help from places of worship, said Laurie Ender, president of the board of directors at Family Promise.

“That’s really the magic of how Family Promise works. We don’t have

a shelter. We partner with churches and synagogues to provide overnight classrooms or fellowship halls for our families to sleep in,” she said. “We are working with some amazing faith communities right now, but we need more.” 

D E C E M B E R 23, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 13

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

The 12 days of Christmas, Santa Clarita-style

By Ken Striplin City Manager

T

he holiday season is a time to be with loved ones, to give thanks and to partake in beloved holiday traditions. I want to wish all of the residents of Santa Clarita a joyous and festive holiday season.

I am thankful to have the opportunity to serve this great community as your city manager and I am thankful for the many projects, programs and amenities that provide the high quality of life we all enjoy. So let’s count down the 12 days of Christmas, Santa Clarita-style.

Day 1 Named the No. 1 Most

Business-Friendly City in Los Angeles County by BizFed.

Day 2 Two community centers filled with enriching activities for all ages.

Day 3 Three Santa Clarita Public Library Branches offering holiday festivities, books, eBooks, events and even passport services to make your 2019 vacation planning even easier.

Day 4 Four plus 30 parks, for a grand total of 34 parks for playing, exploring, picnicking and enjoying the beautiful outdoors Santa Clarita offers.

Day 5 537 smart irrigation controls in landscaped medians and parks, which have collectively saved more than 2 billion gallons of water.

Day 6 Six new and upcoming projects that will have a positive impact on our community. The new Old Town Newhall Parking Structure; the almost complete Newhall Ranch Road Bridge Widening Project; the new Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station, which is currently under construction; the new Canyon Country Community Center, which we will break ground on in the Spring; the city supported Senior Center that is taking shape, and the new and permanent Fire Station 104.

Day 7 Seven dedicated Crime

Prevention Unit zone leaders and the entire Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station team, working hard every day to protect our residents and their valuables.

Day 8 An 88 percent excellent or good rating for Santa Clarita as a place to raise a family. The results from our 2018 Public Opinion Poll also showed that the city earned high marks as a great place to live (85 percent) and was rated excellent or good overall for quality of life in the city (83 percent). This is a tremendous indication of our overall impact in the City as perceived by our residents!

Was Manag te e will col ment l e ct an recycle holiday d trees on your r collecti egular on da beginni ng Dec y 26 thro ember u Januar gh y 12.

Day 9 91 percent of construction and demolition debris from City projects has been recycled, totaling over 115,000 tons.

Day 10 More than 10,000 acres

of beautiful, pristine and preserved Open Space, where the community will be able to hike, ride and explore for generations to come.

Day 11 $11 million to ensure that

our City streets are smooth and safe as part of our annual slurry seal and overlay road preservation project, which improves roadways and extends their life.

Day 12 Drug Free Youth in the Santa Clarita Valley — better known as DFY in SCV, was launched in 2012. The program was formed to help address the growing drug epidemic and has engaged thousands of local students in a community wide, united fight against teen substance use and abuse.

All of these programs, projects and amenities add up to our amazing city. I wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a very Happy New Year.  The views expressed in this column are those of the city and not necessarily those of The Signal.

• Trees must be placed inside or next to greenwaste carts for pickup.

• Remove all decorations including tinsel, lights, ornaments and tree stands.

• Flocked trees will be collected and disposed of as trash; they cannot be recycled.

• Residents of multi-family complexes should place trees next to trash enclosure.

• When possible, trees that are larger than 6 feet tall should be cut in half.

For more information, please contact Waste Management at (661) 259-2398 or the City of Santa Clarita at (661) 286-4098.

14 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

D E C E M B E R 23, 2018

R E A L E S TAT E

Remembering what’s important this holiday season

W

hile the SCV Home

Team and I have been busy with real estate this month and will be for the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day, we’re taking a break for the next couple of days to wrap and open presents, enjoy our families and count our blessings.

The holiday season can also bring stress, and even depression, for some.

The major stressors of the holidays are typically things like family pressures, money pressures, and often just the sheer amount of things to do — a list that’s longer than the day.

This holiday season do the following three things to slow down your pulse and lower your stress for the holidays: Take control of yourself and make decisions on what is best for you and

your family and don’t get caught up in trying to please everyone else.

Choose to be fully present in the special moments. Just notice the blessings, the beauty, the abundance and the wins of 2018. Reflect on the things that are important to you.

Remember, there’s so much to enjoy during the holidays. Choose joy, not stress. Choose inner peace.

Take a few deep breaths. Tell yourself, “I will allow no one to ruin this holiday.” It’s up to you. Choose

joy, choose peace, and have a Happy Holiday.

Ray Kutylo is associated with Keller Williams VIP Properties in Santa Clarita. CA DRE 00918855  Ray the Realtor Kutylo is the team leader of the SCV Home Team at Keller Williams VIP Properties in Valencia. CA DRE 00918855 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.

SANTA CLARITA VALLEY CLOSED SALES 12/7/18 TO 12/14/18 AREA/St#

St Name

Sold Price

Br/Ba

Sqft/Source

Price/SqFt

$245,000 $270,000 $270,000 $299,000 $300,000 $315,000 $322,000 $420,000 $477,000 $480,000 $500,000 $501,000 $525,000 $535,000 $539,000 $540,000 $680,000 $699,000 $760,000

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

652/A 850/A 850/A 934/A 1127/A 1007/A 1007/A 982/A 1080/A 1144/A 1248/A 1344/A 1198/A 1669/A 1479/A 1464/P 3456/A 3422/A 2463/P

$375.77 $317.65 $317.65 $320.13 $266.19 $312.81 $319.76 $427.70 $441.67 $419.58 $400.64 $372.77 $438.23 $320.55 $364.44 $368.85 $196.76 $204.27 $308.57

$372,500 $439,000 $445,000 $465,000 $476,000 $500,000 $539,000 $550,000 $625,000

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

1392/A 1067/A 1368/A 1046/A 1976/P 1621/A 2297/A 1736/A 2846/A

$267.60 $411.43 $325.29 $444.55 $240.89 $308.45 $234.65 $316.82 $219.61

$305,000 $310,000 $325,000 $360,000 $575,000 $650,000 $760,000

2/2, 2/1, 2/2, 3/2,0,1, 3/2, 4/2,0,1, 6/5,

819/A 810/A 938/A 1176/A 1280/A 2200/O 3750/O

$372.41 $382.72 $346.48 $306.12 $449.22 $295.45 $202.67

$418,000 $450,000 $480,000 $515,000 $517,000

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

1440/A 1710/A 1418/A 2340/A 2283/A

$290.28 $263.16 $338.50 $220.09 $226.46

CANYON COUNTRY 27236 18756 18752 28007 27612 26870 26864 19213 19340 27518 14625 18635 15261 26570 28400 29104 26815 15710 26432

Luther DR #711 Mandan ST #1516 Mandan ST #1010 Tiffany LN #314 Nugget DR #5 Claudette ST #701 Claudette ST #718 Newhouse ST Delight ST Camp Plenty RD Mums Meadow CT Bainbury ST Carla CT Goldfinch PL Winterdale DR Abelia RD Sassafras CT Rob Roi CT Oakdale Canyon LN

CASTAIC & VAL VERDE 27568 31679 27721 28496 36801 29834 27652 27621 32717

Ruby LN Bobcat WAY Morning Glory PL Avion CIR Ridge Route RD Saguaro ST Elk Ridge RD Firebrand DR Ridge Top LN

NEWHALL 21227 18714 18858 18846 23124 23634 23444

Trumpet DR #205 Vista Del Canon #F Vista Del Canon #G Vista Del Canon #A Middlebank DR Fambrough ST Glenridge DR

SAUGUS 28424 19333 27220 19931 19932

Mirabelle LN Opal LN #126 Cabrera AVE Darla CT Holly DR

21835 21814 28401 22601 29134 19020

Agajanian LN Taylor CT Ricki CT White Wing WAY Discovery Ridge DR Graham LN

$595,000 $635,000 $694,000 $734,875 $760,000 $852,000

3/2, 3/2, 4/3, 5/3, 5/4, 5/4,

1728/A 2024/A 2254/A 2520/A 3150/A 3538/B

$344.33 $313.74 $307.90 $291.62 $241.27 $240.81

$460,000 $620,000 $637,000 $915,000

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

1664/B 1840/A 1948/A 3193/A

$276.44 $336.96 $327.00 $286.56

$325,000 $405,000 $439,000 $450,000 $490,000 $495,000 $518,000 $540,000 $575,000 $575,000 $589,000 $640,000 $646,750 $650,000 $670,000 $695,000 $710,000 $727,500

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

900/A 1120/ 1170/A 896/A 2137/A 1658/A 1128/A 1521/A 1817/A 1938/A 1624/A 1763/A 2327/A 2388/A 2287/A 1611/A 2640/A 1839/A

$361.11 $361.61 $375.21 $502.23 $229.29 $298.55 $459.22 $355.03 $316.46 $296.70 $362.68 $363.02 $277.93 $272.19 $292.96 $431.41 $268.94 $395.60

STEVENSON RANCH 25715 25454 25368 25705

Wagner WAY #E Fitzgerald AVE N Mirabile CT Chestnut WAY

VALENCIA & WESTRIDGE 24505 24161 25871 25916 29365 25425 25808 25862 23946 25670 23220 23702 25571 29317 23744 26348 23942 25873

Town Center DR #7408 Jacaranda LN McBean PKWY #58 Pueblo DR Dakota DR Eagle LN #132 El Gato PL Ramillo WAY Avenida Entrana Yucca Valley RD Osage Ridge RD Greystone CT Via Brava Via Solano Western Cedar CT Emerald Dove DR Rancho CT Parma CT

MLS Data Disclaimer: Based on information from the Southland Regional Association of REALTORS®/Multiple Listing Service for the week ending on 12/14/18. 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 23, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 15

All Valley RV Center

WRAP it UP SANTA

SPORTS

10 players to watch in boys hoops

By Dan Lovi and Diego Marquez Signal Staff Writers

W

ith the 2018-19 boys basketball season underway, we take a look at 10 players from the Santa Clarita Valley to keep an eye on throughout the year.

Hart — Julian Verrier (Sr.) Julian Verrier heads up Hart’s frontcourt with his big, physical presence inside the paint. When Verrier gets positioned down low, he utilizes his big frame and quick feet to expose opposing defenders weaknesses. Adding to his array of skills, Verrier can also pop out and sink the occasional 3—pointer if given too much space.

Saugus — Nathan Perez (Fr.) Freshman sensation Nathan Perez joins adds exquisite perimeter shooting for Saugus. Perez can hit shots coming off screens as well as knock down stand still shots and will be key for Saugus’ success moving forward.

“This guy can be really good. This guy is in the gym every morning before class,” said Saugus head coach Alfredo Manzano. “He’s constantly getting work after practice. He is an absolute gym rat and if he continues on that same path in putting in the work it’ll all pay off in the end.”

Saugus — Adrian McIntyre (Jr.) Adrian McIntyre is an all-around player who can score with ease and has deceptive speed for a player his size. He’s already scored 39 points in a game this season and can light it

up at any moment. McIntyre is the unquestioned leader for the Centurions and if Saugus is to contend for a league title this year, McIntyre will have to carry the load.

Valencia — Richard Kawakami (Sr.) Serving as Valencia’s point-forward, Richard Kawakami can do everything for the Vikings. He can post defenders up, can knock down 15-footers and is known to be able to sink the occasional 3-pointer. Establishing himself as one of the most physical players in the Foothill See HOOPS, page 38

Out! Miss Don’t

YEAR END CLEARANCE EVENT!

SCCS — Noah Veluzat (So.) Entering his sophomore season, SCCS point guard Noah Veluzat already has a CIF-Southern Section regional and state championship under his belt serving as one the most dynamic scorers on the year.

The 6-foot-2 guard has a knack for scoring by taking defenders off the dribble or spotting up and knocking down the long-range jumper.

Trinity — Zack Totten (Sr.) For Trinity Classical Academy, Zack Totten is a key component to any success the team is looking to build. Totten can do it all, whether it’s shoot, rebound, defend or find his teammates for an open look. His numbers don’t always jump out from the box score, but he definitely does the dirty work for the Knights.

“He’s the leader of our team, he’s the rim—procter he does the little things, he dives after loose balls and we wouldn’t go anywhere without him,” said Trinity head coach Aaron Southwick.

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16 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

D E C E M B E R 23, 2018

TIMERANGER

Hobo Gangs, Nude Guys, Christmas & Drunks It’s just about Christmas and I must confess. I am so grateful for all these trail rides over the years with you friends, neighbors and people of Santa Clarita. Well. You people of Santa Clarita motivated enough to time travel way back into yesteryear.

Merry Darn Christmas. We’ve a most interesting trek ahead, one filled with crazy nudes, hobo gangs, drunks and good souls. Shall we mosey into the Mystic?

WAY BACK WHEN & THEN SOME

• BERNIE SANDERS HAD AN ALIBI — In the largest roundup of crooks in SCV history, 30 Industrial Workers of the World union members were arrested in Saugus on Dec. 15, 1916. They were captured at gunpoint by local lawmen and a sizeable posse of armed volunteers.

The IWW gang was squished into the little Newhall jail, which they proceeded to tear apart. A veritable small army escorted them to the larger L.A. County Jail downtown.

The union men were part of a larger gang that had commandeered a train at Mojave in November.

• EARLY HOMELESS PROBLEM — On this week in 1906, a gang of 38 hoboes was rounded up in Newhall after pillaging local farms and liberating several chickens and hogs.

Tramps, sometimes as many as 100 per day, would ride in the box cars through the SCV, often stopping off to steal from local homes and businesses.

• THE TIBBY WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS — Our infamous outlaw, Tiburcio Vasquez, not only raided Kingston, but also tied up everyone in town. Day after Christmas, 1873, his gang collected $2,500 in cash and loot from the good citizens. Vasquez would be captured five months later, near today’s Hollywood Bowl.

DEC. 23, 1928

• XMAS DRUNK No. 1 — Bert Hasket lost control of his Model T on a frozen Davenport Road. He went over the edge, flipped three times and landed in a ravine — right side up. Despite being thrown from the vehicle and landing in a creek,

Hasket escaped without a scratch.

Bonus? He was in shock, sitting and still holding the detached steering wheel when rescuers found him.

• XMAS DRUNK No. 2 — Christmas night, Martin Aguilar got so sloshed, he passed out driving his car through the old Newhall road tunnel. Judge A. B. Perkins gave him a choice: 100 days in jail or a $100 fine. Seeing you could buy an entire house on an acre in Downtown Newhall for $500, Señor Aguilar chose the jail time.

• XMAS DRUNK No. 3 — Jimmy Kern was the dishwasher at the Saugus Café. On Christmas night, other side of the valley from Bert Hasket, the Jimster got into an argument in the front seat with a pal. Jim felt he didn’t need the verbal abuse and climbed out of the passenger side of what he perceived as a parked car. ’Tweren’t. The car was barreling down Mint Canyon about 50 mph.

Mr. Kern lost a good portion of his scalp as he rolled over and over and over downhill and busted a leg.

DEC. 23, 1938

• FALLING, BUT NOT FOR YOU — In two separate Ridge Route accidents, Margie Stockton fell out the passenger side of a roadster and Susan Quibel fell out of a rumble seat. Get this. Susan was 5 and sitting ALONE. Neither were hurt.

• BAD HOUSING SITE. BAD PARENTING — The A.G. Greenleaf family found their home a yarddeep with muck after a flash flood devastated their Mint Canyon home.

A week later, the same house burned to the ground. Worse? The Greenleafs had left their two children, 2 and 4 years old, alone at home. A neighbor saw the flames, ran in and saved the toddlers.

• BALLS o’ GOLD. LEG o’ BULLET — Bandits took over the Governor Gage mine in Acton, making off with a solid gold ball worth $4,000.

They also shot the armed guard in the thigh.

DEC. 23, 1948

• IT’S A GREAT DAY IN JOURNALISM WHEN — You get to

run the headline: “NUDE MAN CONDUCTING WEIRD RITUALS NABBED BY OFFICERS.” I never knew this was in the law books, but a Palmdale man was arrested for “genuflecting without any clothes on.” Charles DeLacey, from Palmdale (of course!) had a history of spells. His wife confessed Charles often “believed himself to be Bing Crosby.”

• NUDE MAN NUMERO DOS! — Same morning as the DeLacey exhibition, a second man was arrested for public indecency — by the same two sheriff ’s deputies. Sid Morgan, 50, had completely disrobed and was walking atop the counter of the Gorman Café. A moon pie to go, please?

• BUH AND URRRR!! — A winter storm passed through, closing the Ridge Route. Temps dipped into the single digits.

• ONE WAY TO SOLVE THE HOMELESS PROBLEM — Sheriff ’s deputies, some armed with submachine guns, greeted a freight train at the Saugus Station and arrested 50 hobos. They drove them to the Ventura County line.

DEC. 23, 1958

• EPIC WRECK — A stupid driver carrying six passengers was speeding and passed several cars on curvy Soledad. He crashed head-on into another car, carrying seven.

Ten people were terribly injured and disfigured, one killed, on Christmas Day. • DRUNK ARSONIST — John Mitchell was at the right place at the right time. He saw a drunk lighting brush by the side of a Sand Canyon home. With Mitchell’s description, cops found the fire bug later at the Solemint Café, calmly sipping coffee.

DEC. 23, 1968

• BABY. IT’S COLD OUTSIDE — This week 50 years ago it snowed on the SCV floor. Next morning, locals were treated to a rare, picture postcard view of snow not just on top of the local mountains, but all the way down.

• DID ALASKA VISIT THE SCV? — That’s what many locals thought when they saw an eerie, flickering glow in the night skies. Actually, the skies were lit up for a week from an oil well fire on Oat Mountain. (I don’t know why they call it “Oat” Mountain. No oats up there.)

DEC. 23, 1978

• WHITE CHRISTMAS. ALMOST — It snowed again, a couple days before Christmas. Alas, it was just a dusting, but the hills were beautiful and wintry. Locals headed up the canyons for tobogganing. The white wet stuff melted by Santa’s arrival…

• THE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS — Signal gossip columnist MIMI (Ruth Newhall) was outraged when she learned that many local schools were stamping out such Christmas Carol classics as “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “Silent Night” and “Come All Ye Faithful” due to the early vanguard of a politically correct movement labeled “ethnic sensitivity.”

A tip of the O’Farrell big giant cowboy hat and a most Merry Christmas, dear saddlepals. See you next week with another exciting Time Ranger history adventure. 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.

D E C E M B E R 23, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 7

= Family Friendly Event

THIS WEEK’S CALENDAR

ONGOING Every Monday, 10 a.m. Please join us for baby and toddler Storytime in the Barnes & Noble Children’s Department every Monday morning. This time is designated for children 6 to 36 months old and their grown-ups.

Come read with us, participate in fun activities and make new friends. 23630 Valencia Blvd. Santa Clarita. Info: 661-254-6604 or visit https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/ store/2642 First and Third Tuesdays of each month, 6:30 p.m., Second and fourth Mondays of each month, 7 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 Real Life Church, 23841 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia on Mondays, and at the Department of Mental Health, 23501 Cinema Dr. on Tuesdays. For more info call (818) 371-9381 or visit https://www.nami.org.

Every Wednesday, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Are you ready to put your smarts to work? Gather up a team and head over to Pocock Brewery’s weekly trivia night, Trivia with Budds. Teams can have up to 6 players. Teams will answer questions over 5 rounds all with different themes. No cell phones or yelling allowed.

Teams compete for prizes and fantastic bragging rights! 24907 Avenue Tibbitts, Suite B, Santa Clarita. Info: (661) 775-4899, https:// www.triviawithbudds.com Fourth Wednesday of the month, 6-7 p.m. “Stop the Bleed’ is a national initiative designed to provide bystanders with the tools and knowledge they can use to stop life-threatening bleeding. This event is free but advanced registration is required.

Education Center at Henry Mayo Fitness and Health, 24525 Town Center Dr., Valencia. Info: Chad Cossey, (661) 200-1701, cosseychad@ henrymayo.com Fourth Wednesday of each month, 7-9 p.m. Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) will hold a support group meeting for parents, allies, and our LGBTQ community as they deal with the coming out process, safety issues, and other matters of importance to all. St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 24901 Orchard Village Rd, Valencia. Info: Jennifer (661) 254-2177 or pflagscv@gmail.com First Saturday of the Month, 8:30 a.m.

The Gibbon Conservation Center presents Yoga with the Gibbons! Stretch, strengthen and lengthen alongside the beautiful gibbons at the Conservation Center. Yoga

sessions will take place the first Saturday of every month. Participants should bring a mat. Classes begin at 8:30 am and attendees should arrive 5-10 minutes early. Instructing the group will be Madeleine Elisabet, a teacher with 15 years experience in a variety of yoga forms, including hatha, power, vinyasa, Ashtanga, yin and smart flow styles. Cost: $20. 19100 Esguerra Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91390 (Near Lombardi Ranch, in Saugus).

Info: https://www.gibboncenter.org.

Friday, Dec. 28, 3:30 p.m. Join us for this very special event as Snow White visits BigBoxPlay and Shelter Hope to celebrate giving back along with tons of fun including visiting the puppies and kittens at Shelter Hope, storytime, singing, Royal Ball lessons, balloon twisting and so much more! $15 for 1 hour and 30 minutes of play. BIGBOXPLAY 24201 Valencia Blvd, Store #3408, Valencia. Info: (661) 2003377 or visit https://www.bigboxplay.com

Last Sunday of Every Month, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Route 66 Classic Grill in Canyon Country will hold their monthly “Cars & Coffee” event where car enthusiasts meet to share their passion. Newcomers welcome! It’s free to gawk, but the coffee is extra. 18730 Soledad Canyon Rd Canyon Country, CA 91351. Info: http://www.route66classicgrill. com

Friday, Dec. 28, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Top Out Climbing Gym will hold a Family Night event where two or more members of the same family can climb and work out for $5 day passes each. Top Out Climbing, 26332 Ferry Ct, Santa Clarita,. Info: www.topoutclimbing.com

Monday, Dec. 31, 7 p.m. To help ring in the new year, Le Chene French Cuisine will be hosting a Murder Mystery Dinner the evening of Monday, December 31st, 2018. This event takes place in Le Chene’s beautiful banquet room, where professional actors from Sharpo Entertainment stay in character throughout the dinner and create a sense of mystery, meanwhile guests participate as suspects in a crime investigation. Info: (661) 251-4315, info@lechene.com, or visit https://lechene. com.

Monday, Dec. 31, 12:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Celebrate your New year’s Eve at Valencia Lanes! Enjoy unlimited bowling per session, shoe rentals, two pitchers of soda, a jumbo pizza, music party favors and a countdown to the ball drop. We have 4 Sessions for you to choose from. Session 1 will be from 12:30 - 3 pm, session 2 will be from 3:30 - 6 pm, session 3 will be from 6:30 - 9 pm and session 4 will be from 9:30 pm - 1 am (Champagne or apple

Thursday, Jan. 3, 4:30 p.m. Stressed about school? Want to flex your creative muscles? You don’t have to be a pro to participate in these crafts! Come in for some Pro-CRAFT-tinating and and leave with something beautiful, crafted by your own hands. Canyon Country Library Teen Area 18601 Soledad Canyon Rd. Santa Clarita.

Info: Kendra Fitzpatrick at kfitzpatrick@ santa-clarita.com

EVENTS BY DATE Wednesday, Dec. 26 to Jan. 4, 9 a.m.to 12 p.m. Bitter Root Pottery is haveing Winter Kids Camp, where kids enjoying winter break can do all kinds of projects using different clay bodies while wheel throwing, hand building and glazing/painting beautiful ceramic vessels.

Kids are to dress comfortably, we do provide aprons and clay does wash out of clothing.

We provide bottled water and granola bars for snack. If your child has any allergies please feel free to pack a lunch or snack to bring along.Session 2: Wednesday Dec 26th Friday Dec 28th (No classes on Dec 24th25th Christmas), Session 3: Monday Dec 31st, Wednesday Jan 2nd - Friday Jan 4th (No class on January 1st New Year ). Camps cost $300 for the full week or $60 for individual days. We do recommend booking at least 2 to 3 days per week so your child will have time to finish class projects. To reserve camp dates visit https://www.bitterrootpottery. com/winter-kids-camp/ and be sure to include store location plus your phone contact information.

cider toast included to ring in the New Year).

Up to 6 people per lane. Reserve your lanes today! Reservations must be prepaid in full.

Valencia Lanes 23700 Lyons Avenue, Santa Clarita. Info: (661) 222-9080 ,http://www. bowlvalencialanes.com/nye-party.

IN!IN! IN! W WCenter W All Valley RV

WRAP it UP SANTA

ET! ERE Y RV TH

CONGRATULATIONS to Jan O’Brien of Valencia — the t! iss Ou on’t M winner of $100 for correctly identifying theDartwork as being from Soapy Suds advertisement on page 31 of our Dec. 09 issue.

Identify this piece of artwork and the page number that it is on in one of the advertisements in this week’s issue, and you will be entered to win $100. One game and one winner each week.

YEAR END Mail your entry to: The Signal – Contest CLEARANCE 26330 Diamond Place | Santa Clarita, CA 91350 Or email to: contest@signalscv.com EVENT!

Wednesday, December 26, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Come in your on select RV’S Advertiser: Page # pajamas for a magical 1 hour train Your one stop shop for EVERYTHING RV related! ride to “Return Santa to the North Pole.”

Name: While onboard visit with Santa. Enjoy sto2019 JAY 2019 JAYCO JAY rytelling, caroling, cookies & chocolate milk JAYCO Address: FEATHER X17Z too! Visit Santa’s Village, ride the Carousel & FLIGHT 264BHW shop at the Christmas Craft Booths. Tickets cost $32 or $22 for youth ages 2-12. 364 Phone: Main St, Fillmore, CA 93015. Info: (805) 524This week’s entries are due Wed. Jan 2.

2546 or visit http://fwry.com/holidaytrains.

Winner to be announced in 2 weeks. html.

ZERO DOWN

1 8 · S U N D AY S I G N A L

Opinion

D E C E M B E R 23, 2018

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

OURVIEW

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

Christmas Truce: A Call for Social Media Peace

Christmas Exemplifies the Ultimate Fulfilled Promise

By The Signal Editorial Board

By David Hegg

Y

ou’re probably familiar with the story of the Christmas Truce of 1914. It was just five months after the outbreak of World War I, the so-called War to End All Wars.

Except, of course, for the war after that. And the one after that. And so on.

On Christmas Day 1914, there was no official cease-fire — but, as the story goes, according to History.com, the shooting came to a stop in various places along the Western Front, “in favor of holiday celebrations in the trenches and gestures of goodwill between enemies.”

Beginning Christmas Eve, German and British soldiers sang Christmas carols to each other from within their trenches. And, on Christmas Day, says History.com, the troops took a risk in the interest of acknowledging each other’s humanity: “At the first light of dawn on Christmas Day, some German soldiers emerged from their trenches and approached the Allied lines across noman’s-land, calling out ‘Merry Christmas’ in their enemies’ native tongues.

At first, the Allied soldiers feared it was a trick, but seeing the Germans

unarmed they climbed out of their trenches and shook hands with the enemy soldiers. The men exchanged presents of cigarettes and plum puddings and sang carols and songs.

There was even a documented case of soldiers from opposing sides playing a good-natured game of soccer.”

There’s something we can all learn from that Christmas truce more than a century ago.

And, switching things up a bit, we’re asking everyone in the Santa Clarita Valley to give us a Christmas present that we would sincerely cherish: A day of peace.

Yes, we know. There isn’t an actual shooting war here in Santa Clarita.

There are no trenches, no no-man’s land strewn with bodies of fallen soldiers. Thank goodness for that, and it puts things in perspective: No matter what we may complain about on one day or another, we are pretty fortunate to live in this time and this place.

See OUR VIEW, page 20

P

erhaps nothing demonstrates a person’s integrity more than their willingness to keep a promise. As the great Alaskan poet Robert Service once wrote, “A promise made is a debt unpaid.” Yet, today promises are thrown around like confetti, and seldom are they remembered, let alone kept. At the very core of our society’s desire to succeed should be a commitment to only make promises we can keep, and then a persevering determination to fulfill them.

To start with, it is clear we should only make promises we are able to keep. Every time we endure another political season we are reminded anew that most of those wooing our votes are experts at making promises they simply can’t keep. Their hope is that, by the time we figure it out, the election will be long over, and they’ll be firmly in office. A promise-keeper must not only make the right promises, but also have the power and perseverance necessary to fulfill them.

For me, the greatest promise ever made was voiced by God in the garden

of Eden in Genesis 3:15: On the heels of Adam’s sin, He announced that one day a “He” would come along to fix the problems sin brought into the world. This promise forms the very backbone of the Bible, as God continued to give installments of the promise, each carrying more and more information as to its ultimate fulfillment. In Genesis 12 God narrowed it down to the Abraham, through whom a great nation would come. And out of this nation would come the One through whom all the nations of the world would be offered the blessing of renewed relationship with the Almighty.

In Isaiah the promise was further described in terms that must have seemed at the time to be impossible.

The promised “He” would be born to a virgin, and would grow to be a king, sitting on David’s throne, forever and ever. And to top it off, his titles would include Almighty God and Prince of Peace. Certainly anyone reading that promise would have been skeptical, and yet as history moved forward, the See HEGG, page 20

READERLETTERS

President Trump Is Thinking Wishfully and Calling it Quits Without Finishing the Job The President announces the war is over — we won. Last time it was the first President Bush and that proved to be wishful thinking.

This time it is President Trump and there doesn't seem to be much thinking involved.

The suggested removal of troops must be terrifying for the Kurdish people who will be fearing another attack from Turkey.

The ideas involved may be too difficult for President Trump to understand so some sports models may clarify what could be a deadly event for some. If you are playing well against an enthusiastic but weak-

er team and think the game is over, so you leave at three-quarter time.

The other team will keep going and certainly win in the long run.

You have to keep playing or you will eventually lose.

Tweeting a win is not the same as actually winning. Get back into the “game” and finish everything.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne Australia 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.

D E C E M B E R 23, 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

L E G I S L AT I V E V O I C E S

Campfire Tales, Clogs and Keeping in Touch

'Congress Camp' and Preparations for 2019

By Tim Whyte Signal Editor

T

he clogs were just hideous.

And, my friend Anthony wore them proudly. He’d picked them up on one of our group camping trips to Buellton. He loved those clogs, I’m guessing because they were comfortable. It couldn’t possibly have been for the fashion statement they made.

Anthony and his wife Delores had started out as my dad’s friends — Dad and Anthony had been coworkers — and they became good family friends, too, joining us on our family campouts.

One of our favorite places to camp was at Flying Flags RV Resort in Buellton — and by “camp” I don’t exactly mean we were roughing it. We all started in tent trailers and graduated to fully equipped RV’s over the years.

The RV resort is a nice place to park your motorhome as a launching point for Santa Barbara County wine tasting excursions.

In between wine tastings we would take side trips into the nearby Danish village of Solvang.

There, we would find specialty shops — the Christmas store, open year-round, and the knife shop, and boutiques for the ladies...

And a store that sold authentic looking wooden clogs.

They were slip-ons. They looked like the real deal. And they were perfectly awful.

Anthony wore them like badges of honor for his feet.

During our group campouts, we would ride him mercilessly about those clogs. We would tease him at dinner. We would tease him at campfire. We would tease him while he was cleaning their motorhome — I don’t

want to call Anthony and Delores “neat freaks,” but let’s just say, next to them, I am a “dirt freak.”

We were relentless, teasing Anthony about those wooden clogs.

Over the years, as kids got older and schedules got more hectic, the group campouts started to spread further and further apart. It occurs to me that this is kind of a metaphor for a lot of friendships. I don’t do as well as I should at staying in touch, with friends, and even family.

There are several family-and-friend traditions that have been backburnered in recent years, and I’d like to change that. (Group trips to Disneyland at Christmas. Mom — wine tasting this year, for sure. Roland and Kevin — we have GOT to go fishing next summer, whether the kids can join us or not, and if we can’t manage to get all the way up to the Sierras, let’s go somewhere closer...)

This sense of “friendship drift” was brought home to me a couple weeks ago when Anthony and Delores informed us they had sold their home and are moving to Arizona.

We haven’t been seeing as much of them these past few years — the occasional dinner or birthday party, and the holidays. We’ve been busy. They’ve been busy. And time flies whether you want it to or not.

We will see them this Christmas Day, as we usually do, when we stop at my dad’s house before heading to my mom’s place for dinner. Then the next day, Anthony and Delores are heading out, part of the mass exodus of people seeking a place to enjoy their retirement years that isn’t quite so California.

The news got me flashing back to Anthony’s clogs.

See WHYTE, page 20

Part 1 of 2

By Katie Hill Congresswoman-Elect

I

hope you’ve enjoyed the last month and a half since the election – my mom conveyed to me the relief of turning on her TV without seeing my face during every commercial break. Wherever you fall on the political spectrum, I’m sure you agree!

While the holidays are gearing up, I’ve spent the last few weeks on the road at new member orientation, which we often refer to as, “Congress Camp.”

I cannot explain just how incredible the people are who make up this incoming class – it’s larger, younger, and more diverse than ever and I am humbled to be a part of it. The freshmen vary ideologically and politically, but I can already tell that together, we are capable of getting so much done for the communities we represent.

It’s kind of funny just how much new member orientation feels like college. Immediately, I was swept into seminars teaching us the basics of Congress, and receptions that are pretty much just fancy name games.

I found a roommate (another freshman member, Lauren Underwood) and picked my office choice based on which building has the best cafeteria (very soon you’ll be able to visit us in Longworth 1130).

A few critical things happen quickly during new member orientation: Committee assignments and leadership votes.

While committee assignments haven’t been announced yet, I want to make sure you know about my priorities. My first choice committee is Armed Services, because of how vital it is to our district – not only do we have more veterans per capita than almost

anywhere else, our local economy is also directly linked to our military. I hope to give you some news on my assignments in the next few weeks.

As we await committee assignments and swearing-in, there was one thing the freshmen members from California couldn’t wait on: to address the wildfires across the state. In a letter sent to the president, I led an effort to request additional federal aid for the California fire relief. It’s unusual for members-elect to begin making federal requests before being sworn in. However, the devastating fires that have swept through our communities are an exception. When we came to Washington, we promised that we would start fighting for you on day one, and that’s exactly what the members-elect from California are doing.

Next at new member orientation was the leadership vote. There are many roles on the congressional leadership team, but traditionally freshmen don’t hold much power. This year is different. Our class was sent to Washington with a mandate for change – it’s clear that the American people don’t want more of the same, and because of that, our class will have two representatives to House leadership. I am proud that my classmates elected me to be co-representative, alongside Joe Neguse. Together, we will make sure that the issues that matter to us most right here at home are the issues we focus on nationally.

I’m going to Washington to shape the conversation, and to ensure that with the power given to me by our community, we can make our government work for us again.

You can count on me to ask tough questions, make bold moves and enSee HILL, page 20

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D E C E M B E R 23, 2018

Opinion

OUR VIEW

Continued from page 18

But we would like to see a truce, nonetheless.

For the past six months, since we took ownership and management of this community’s newspaper, we have observed a virtual verbal war among neighbors here in Santa Clarita, a conflict that manifests itself most obviously on social media.

Every day, we see verbal rockets and bombs launched, from the left and the right, as political foes troll, target and

trash each other into oblivion. Sometimes, we’ve been the target. Other times, it has been one politician or another. And, still other times, the target has been an average citizen who had the temerity to express an opinion that’s unpopular with one group or another.

Snark has become one of the community’s most prevalent products.

We know social media is here to stay. And we know it is a technology that lends itself to sometimes reckless, hateful and hurtful commentary.

But we’re asking, for now, for everyone to observe and share with each other one day of social media peace.

No insults. No condescension. No antagonistic barbs.

No mean memes.

On Tuesday, it’ll be Christmas, and while we imagine most of you will be busy celebrating with your families, as you should, if you do happen to venture into the jungle that has become social media, please. Don’t fire a single shot.

Instead, say and write only kind words to your neighbors who share this wonderful community with us, and recognize the humanity in them, even if you don’t agree with their politics.

That is our Christmas wish: The Santa Clarita Social Media Truce of 2018.

HEGG

HILL

Continued from page 19

Continued from page 18

sure your voice is heard.

The first piece of legislation that will be brought to the floor will be H.R.1 of the 116th Congress. It’s a bill that will remove voting obstacles, so every vote and every voice is heard. It will push ethics and accountability reform, so public servants honor the public trust and Washington stops being run by insider influence. And, it will make strides toward finally getting big money out of our elections.

Throughout my campaign, I made it clear that more than anything, we need to restore faith and trust in government – passing H.R.1 is a critical first step. I was proud to be selected as the first member-elect to deliver the Democratic Weekly Address, where I spoke about the importance of this bill.

Over the last few weeks, every time I felt homesick or exhausted, I thought about our community, and how proud I am to bring your voice and priorities to Washington. Thank you for trusting me with this enormous responsibility. Let’s get to work.

impossible came to pass.

Micah the prophet declared that this “He” would actually be born outside Bethlehem, and even mentioned a well-known tower that had stood in the shepherds’ fields since the time of Jacob. It was in these fields that an industry grew up during the reign of Herod in Jerusalem. Those who ran the Temple Mount determined that only lambs raised in proximity to Jerusalem could be used for the great Passover feasts.

Thousands of these special lambs, raised by special Levitical shepherds, were born between mid-December and February. During this period, the shepherds stayed with their sheep around the clock to make sure these valuable lambs were expertly cared for at their birth.

Luke records that it was to these shepherds that the angel first appeared to declare that God had kept the promise. These shepherds, whose task it was to certify that Passover lambs

Katie Hill, D-Agua Dulce, is the representative-elect for the 25th Congressional District, which includes the Santa Clarita and Antelope valleys. Part 2 is scheduled to appear next Sunday. 

WHYTE

Continued from page 19

We were all sitting around the campfire one night, recapping the day’s adventures, and Anthony came clomping out to the fire in his clunky wooden clogs.

The ribbing proceeded in haste. I forget the exact barbs, but we were not exactly known for our restraint. And some adult beverages were in the mix.

We rode Anthony like a rented mule for wearing those clogs.

Finally, he’d had enough.

Anthony stood up. He stepped out of

his clogs. He said something along the lines of, “I can’t believe the treatment I get from my so-called friends just for wearing these damn clogs.”

He tossed them into the fire, then stormed off, disappearing around a corner of one of the motorhomes, presumably to go be alone with his thoughts and wonder why he ever got mixed up with a group of miscreants like us.

I’ve never witnessed a hush of silence descend upon a group campfire so suddenly.

My wife and I exchanged looks of shock, jaws dropping, aghast at what had just transpired.

Someone, I think it was my sister,

Like Santa Claus, we will be checking.

And we’ll report back on the results.

Can the various forums and social media groups of our community, liberals and conservatives and everyone in between, call a truce, and go 24 hours snark-free? Can kindness prevail, at least for one entire day, at least on the social media pages of this one valley, this geographically distinct place we are so proud to call home?

One day. Christmas Day. An online cease-fire, The Santa Clarita Social Media Truce of 2018.

You never know. Maybe it will become habit-forming. 

were in fact spotless, and without blemish, were called to the very birthing place of Jesus.

And there, lying in the manger, they found the “He” whom God had sent to be the Savior.

And at that moment, the promise was fulfilled.

God, the great promise-keeper, had brought the He into the world at the place where all the Passover lambs were born. And in that same place, some 33 years later, the Lamb of God – Jesus Christ – would willingly sacrifice his life that all who follow him in faith might escape judgment and find eternal life.

As you celebrate your Christmas, may your joy be full, may time with family and friends be comforting and exciting, and may you find time to remember the great God of Heaven whose promise was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ the Lord. Merry Christmas!

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

said, “Maybe we finally went too far.”

“Should we go talk to him?” someone else asked.

And then I looked over at Anthony’s bride, Delores. And her shoulders were heaving.

Not with tears. But with suppressed laughter.

Anthony had gotten us, and he’d gotten us good, and Delores was in on it. It was the best kind of practical joke — relatively harmless, and months in the making. I’m sure he wore those clogs even more than he wanted to, just to set the bait.

He returned to the fire with a new pair of shoes and we all had a good

laugh at our own expense, while those awful clogs were reduced to ashes.

I’ll miss my friends Anthony and Delores when they move to Arizona after Christmas Day, and I’ll try to do better at keeping time and distance from being an obstacle, not just with them, but with family and friends alike. There are so many great campfire stories to tell, both from the past and those yet to be crafted.

Plus, all these years later, I still owe Anthony a payback for the clog prank.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

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

D E C E M B E R 23, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 21

HOMEIMPROVEMENT

Garage doors, and redone bathrooms

By Robert Lamoureux Signal Contributing Writer

shower and the tub in a separate area. I have been told by different contractors, different ways to do this, and I am confused.

Should the shower basin be hotmopped or a liner used to replace the current basin? Two contractors have told me that being upstairs should use the liner due to possible cracking of the hot mopping. The rest say that the hot-mopping is fine. Which way should I go?

—Rick

Garage doors Hi Robert, Thank you for returning my call and speaking with me and understanding that I don’t do emailing.

As we spoke on the phone, my driveway is very short and someone turning around, hit the wooden garage door. The machine on top was damaged, the door was split in half and also the hinges and springs on the sides were all damaged.

The contractor that came out said that those springs and hinges can’t be saved. I do have homeowner’s insurance and am trying to get a head start on this before the insurance payment comes in. I’d like your opinion on what to replace all of this with, I plan on living here so don’t want to put cheap stuff in, I’d like to not have to worry about this door anymore. My daughter says to put in a roll-up type door but I’d like to hear from you first, and make my decision following hearing from you.

—Mary F. Mary, The door that your daughter is referring to is called a sectional door.

Sectional doors are recommended, and it’s also suggested that you spend a little more money, if able, to get a higher-end door that is insulated. COURTESY PHOTO

They are typically five or six panels depending on the height and width of your opening. I do also recommend this type of door and adding to that, would suggest that with the weather we have in Santa Clarita that you spend a little more money if you are able, and get a higher end door that is insulated.

It will help keep some of the heat load out of your garage, which ultimately ends up in your home. These doors offer more clearance than the old style one piece doors, so you can get a bit larger vehicle into the garage if needed. I don’t recommend the light panel windows, as you are announcing to the thieves

Redone bathrooms Hi Robert, I have written to you before and have gotten great advice from you, thank you. My new question: We are going to remodel our bathroom tub/showers. In the upstairs master bedroom, we have a stand-alone

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. 

SHOWER DOOR SPECIALIST Sliding Tub Enclosure Chrome with 1/4” Clear Glass Standard Sizes only 18 20

“Hot-mopping” versus using a liner can make a difference on how long your remodel lasts. COURTESY PHOTO

what you store in there.

If you wish to have this style, make sure that the windows are opaque so that it’s not easy to see inside. You can choose from many colors and designs, just check with your installer. If you are within an HOA check first to be sure that the design you want is conforming to the rules within the HOA. You certainly don’t want to spend that money and then have to change the door because you’ve broken some HOA rule.

With regard to the operator, I highly recommend a belt drive vs either a chain or screw drive. They are much quieter, almost silent, and with new hardware you’ll barely notice that the door is going up or down. Those who have internet can also go to a wifi system where the door can even be opened via a cell phone. I’ve had numerous occasions where I’ve been able to let someone into my home via opening this door remotely, quite a handy thing.

Good luck to you, call me again if anything else is needed, Robert

Rick, I’ve redone showers both ways over the years.

It’s my personal opinion that the hot mop will and does crack, as it’s a roofing tar that is applied very thickly, which promotes cracking.

The liner, in all my years doing this type of work, has never failed. I recently remodeled three of my own bathrooms and lined them all.

Best of luck, Robert

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22 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

D E C E M B E R 23, 2018

H O L I D AY

Sharing in fire safety

A holiday prevention fact sheet

E

ach year, fires occurring during the holiday season injure 2,000 individuals and cause over $500 million in

damage.

According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), there are simple, lifesaving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday. By following these tips, you can greatly reduce your chances of becoming a holiday fire casualty.

Preventing holiday tree fires

Special fire safety precautions need to be taken when keeping a live tree in the house. A burning tree can rapidly fill a room with fire and deadly gases.

Selecting a tree

Needles on a fresh tree should be green and hard to pull back from the branches. The needles should not break if the tree has been freshly cut.

The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Bouncing the tree trunk hard on the ground can identify old trees.

If many needles fall off, the tree has

been cut for too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.

Caring for your tree

Do not place your tree close to a heat source, inclt1ding a fireplace or heat vent. Heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.

Disposing of your tree

Never put tree branches or needles on a fireplace or wood burning stove.

When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by having it hauled away by your trash pick-up service.

Holiday lights • Maintain your holiday lights.

Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots or gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked

sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.

• Do not overload electrical outlets.

Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires (they should not be warm to the touch).

Do not leave holiday lights on unattended.

Holiday decorations • Use only nonflammable decorations. All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.

• Never put wrapping paper in a fireplace. Wrapping paper can throw off dangerous sparks and produce a chemical buildup in the home that could cause an explosion.

• Artificial holiday trees. If you are

using an artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.

Use care with candles • Candles can be dangerous. If you use candles, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning.

• Never put candles on a tree. Do not go near a holiday tree with open flame-candles, lighters or matches.

General home fire safety

Always have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly, and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help. Remember to practice your home fire escape plan.

Contact Numbers Emergency 911 Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station (661) 255-1121 City of Santa Clarita Emergency Management (661) 286-4093

Keep your natural tree fresh this Christmas

N

atural Christmas tree aficionados love the authenticity such trees provide during the holiday season. Natural trees also provide a unique aroma that can make holiday celebrations feel more homey.

When purchasing natural trees, holiday celebrants, especially those who like to buy their trees in early December, may be concerned about keeping their trees fresh throughout the holiday season. The following tips can help trees last until the final present is unwrapped and the last of the egg nog has been consumed.

• Buy a freshly cut tree. Whenever possible, celebrants should cut their own trees. This ensures that the tree they bring home is fresh, increasing the chances it will remain so throughout the season. If it’s not possible to cut your own tree, the National Fire Protection Association notes that fresh trees should have green needles that do not come off

the water they’ll need to make it through the season when they get home.

COURTESY PHOTO.

when touched. Trees that appear to be dried out or those that shed needles when touched should be avoided.

• Protect trees on the way home.

The Tree Care Industry Association advises consumers to protect their Christmas trees as they transport them home. Wrap the tree in a plastic wrap so it makes it home damage-free. A damaged tree might not make it through the holiday season.

• Cut pre-cut trees before leaving

the lot. Pre-cut trees can make it through the holiday season looking their best, but buyers should request that employees cut as much as two inches off the bottom of the tree before leaving the lot. Once trees are cut, sap begins to seal their base, making it hard for them to absorb water. By requesting that between one and two inches be removed from the bottom of the tree at the time of purchase, buyers are ensuring their trees will be able to absorb

• Place the tree in water the moment you get home. To prevent the base of the tree from drying out, place it in water the moment you get home. Freshly cut trees may initially need the water in their tree stands filled in the morning and then again in the evening. As the season progresses, trees likely won’t need their stands filled more than once per day.

• Place the tree away from heat sources. Placing trees away from heat sources, such as radiators, fireplaces, heating vents and lights, reduces the likelihood that trees will dry out and also reduces the risk of fire.

A few simple strategies can help holiday revelers ensure their Christmas trees make it through the holiday season unscathed.

—Metro Connection

D E C E M B E R 23, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 23

Holiday splendor in Los Angeles

By Debbie Krubsack Staff Writer

S

anta Clarita’s close proximity to Los Angeles offers us an opportunity to venture out of our valley and “over the hill” to discover magnificent light displays, boat parades, celebrity-attended events and ice skating.

Disneyland (The Merriest Place on Earth)

Dates: Until Jan. 6 Information: (714) 781-4565; disneyland.disney.go.com Marching toy soldiers, Mickey and Minnie skating on ice, dancing snowmen and Santa Claus join together for “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” on Main Street USA. Nightly fireworks end in a tranquil snowfall and the park comes alive with decorations of the season, including more than 300,000 lights adorning “It’s a Small World.” Disney’s California Adventure is also decked out for the holidays, and when evening falls, Disney’s famous Electrical Parade

brightens up the parade route with nearly 500,000 colored lights. The hotels offer Yule tide meals and enticing packages to lure visitors to the park for this magnificent celebration.

Holiday on Ice, Pershing Square

Dates: Until Jan. 21 Information: (213) 278-0909; holidayicerinkdowntownla.com Grab the family and jump into this “Christmas Card” scene. A one-hour session on the 50’ x 90’ rink is $6; skate rental, $2.

Griffith Park Holiday Light Festival

Dates: Until Dec. 30, 5-9 p.m.

Information: (800) 438-1297, Griffithparktrainrides.com/content/ holiday-light-festival-train-ride Join thousands of visitors in this mile-long light display highlighting many of L.A.’s famous attractions including the Hollywood Sign, the L.A. Zoo and a tunnel of lights. Walk or drive. Free, but bring a new toy to benefit impoverished children in L.A.

Canals of Naples, Long Beach

Dates: Until Dec. 31 Information: (562) 433-9595; gondolagetawayinc.com Cruise the enchanting canals of Naples in an authentic gondola while viewing the intricately decorated homes along the waterfront.

This attraction begins to book in July for the holidays so reservations are somewhat limited. Stay a night at the romantic Seal Beach Inn for a quiet retreat.

Pasadena area light displays

Dates: Until Jan. 7 Information: (626) 403-1123, dev.christmastreelance.net Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena is said to be the oldest light display of this scale in Southern California.

It covers three blocks of Santa Rosa Avenue between Woodbury Avenue and Altadena Drive.

The Balian House (of Balian Ice Cream fame) in Altadena is decorated every year with thousands of lights.

The front and side yards are covered

K I D S & FA M I LY with holiday decorations. Located on Mendocino Lane.

130th Tournament of Roses Parade, Pasadena

Dates: Jan. 1, 2019, 8 a.m.

Information: (626) 449-4100; Tournamentofroses.com This world­-renowned event draws millions of viewers each year on TV, as well as the masses that line Pasadena to see the 5.5-mile route begin at Ellis Street and runs north on South Orange Grove Boulevard. If you don’t want to sit along the parade route, you can view the floats after the parade. Visit the Web site for detail, or, catch the parade on television from the comfort of your living room. Free.

Looking for more ideas?

Then you’ll love this Web site put out by the Convention & Visitors Bureau. It’ll point you in the right direction for boat parades, light displays, home tours and festivals through the Los Angeles area: LAalmanac. com. 

Sensory-sensitive Santa shares joy with kids

By Brennon Dixson Signal Staff Writer

S

CV Families gathered Monday at the Canyon Country Community Center for the inaugural Sensory-Friendly Milk and Cookies with Santa event.

“The event held was planned specifically for special needs children,” said Julie Calderon, community services supervisor of the Canyon Country Community Center.

“Based on what we’ve heard, there’s a need for sensory-sensitive environments” because a lot of children with special needs have conditions that prevent them from enjoying the stereotypical holiday-themed events, which typically feature bright flashing lights, loud holiday tunes and other festive traditions that might overload somebody with special needs, Calderon said. “We thought it’d be a great idea to hold an event that’d allow (the children) to enjoy their holidays in a quiet, softly lit environment.”

Santa Claus was on hand during the

Santa tells stories to the kids at a sensory-friendly Milk and Cookies with Santa event at the Canyon Country Community Center Monday night. PHOTO BY CORY RUBIN / THE SIGNAL

event to talk with kids in a low voice as he attempted to connect with them at their level — “whatever that may be,” Calderon said. “Different kids have different capacities, so it was important that Santa addressed each child individually.”

“The city has began to notice there are more kids with special needs

participating in our programs and we want to make sure we offer something for everyone,” Calderon said, adding there certainly was.

“It was all about engaging the senses,” whether that be through sound, touch, sight or smell, the supervisor said. “We dimmed the lights to make sure the environment was quiet and

silenced the background music so we didn’t overwhelm some members of the group.”

Students also had the option to participate in a variety of other sensory-sensitive activities, including a quiet zone, which students could use to destress. They also possessed the ability to use noise cancelling headphones, which some students took advantage of, Calderon said.

One activity table featured an ink blotter like the one used in bingo games, but children were instructed to stamp the ink blot on a paper, which simulated painting, Calderon said. “Some kids do well with the sound or feeling the pound of the stamp hitting the table.”

Other activities were more textile- or texture-based, Calderon said, and the visit with Santa was always mellow.

“We were asking families if we should take lights off of the tree every See SENSORY, next page

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D E C E M B E R 23, 2018

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Scented pomander balls add to holiday decor

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

I

nserting whole cloves into a firm apple or citrus fruit to create what is known as a pomander is a lovely traditional craft you might remember doing when you were young. Tis the season to pass this artful fun on to your own kids or grandkids. Easy to make, pomander balls’ rustic beauty and holiday scent make them unique gifts for friends and neighbors that will last long into the new year.

For this version using apples, you’ll need to do some shopping for just two ingredients, whole cloves and apples. I economize by buying cloves in bulk at our neighborhood co-op grocery story. You may also find them in jars in the spice section of most markets. Use any size apple you prefer.

This year, I chose cute small snack-size apples rather than larger

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Continued from previous page

time a new one came up,” and the city texted parents ahead of time to allow the group some time to collect their kids, according to the supervisor.

“This helped tremendously because sometimes it can take awhile to gather a child and then calmly bring them to the front of the room.”

Calderon attributed the success of the event to the number of partners who were able to provide assistance.

“The event was very organic,” she said. “We all just wanted to offer something for our families.”

The special needs community is one that doesn’t have a lot offered to them, Calderon said, which is something she has discovered after speaking with participants of the various programs offered by the city.

It’s too soon to tell if the community center will host another one next year Calderon said, mentioning that she wants to put out a survey to gauge public feedback.

ones, which makes creating a lovely clove-studded apple easier for kids to complete in one sitting.

Here’s the stuff for one pomander ball covered with cloves:

holes around and around the apple and filling them with cloves until you reach the base.

For a gift

• Gift box to fit finished pomander ball and one sheet of tissue paper (for gift-giving)

Decorate the clove-studded apple by criss-crossing colorful ribbon around it vertically once or twice and topping it with a loop to hang in a windowsill or on a wreath. For a nice presentation, set in small gift box with tissue paper. When the recipient lifts the lid, the delicious, spicy scent will permeate the air.

Here’s the fun

Citrus balls

• Fresh, firm apple • Whole cloves • Narrow festive ribbon • Toothpick or bamboo skewer

To cover the entire apple with cloves, use the toothpick or bamboo skewer and poke several evenly spaced small holes making a circular pattern through the apple skin, beginning near the top stem. Insert cloves one by one into these holes, like a “dot to dot” activity. (Leave space between the cloves, as the apple will shrink in size.) Continue making

“I can say that pretty much every family walked out saying, ‘This is fun,’” Calderon said. “This is the first event we’ve done of this kind during the holiday. I saw a lot of new faces who I don’t usually see and they just loved it. They were so appreciative and so patient and so grateful for us putting it on.”

Calderon said the center hosts family events on a monthly basis, so she believes a similar event could be added to the program in the future.

“Both community centers in the city have awesome programming for all children of all abilities,” Calderon said before encouraging residents to join the center’s year-round programs or use the winter, summer or afterschool services. “We an can be inclusive community for all families in Santa Clarita.”  Santa reads a letter from a young boy at a sensory-friendly Milk and Cookies with Santa event at the Canyon Country Community Center Monday night.

PHOTO BY CORY RUBIN / THE SIGNAL

Using a similar technique, poke holes into the rind of citrus fruit, such as oranges, lemons and limes.

Instead of covering fruit entirely with cloves, use as many as you would like to create swirls, shapes or alphabet letters. If you have visitors coming to your holiday dinner, make a place card by forming the initial of their name, add a bow on top and place the

fruit on the center of each plate.  Donna Erickson’s award-winning series “Donna’s Day” is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit www.donnasday.com and link to the NEW Donna’s Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.”

D E C E M B E R 23, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 25

The best Christmas stories ever

By Laurisa White Reyes Signal Contributing Writer

an experience he will never forget.

he best job I ever had was during my first year of college when I worked for a little shop in Montrose called “Once Upon A Time.”

The shop smelled of fresh paper and lavender and offered the most wonderful assortment of children’s literature available anywhere.

The shop had the uncanny habit of drawing, not just children but wideeyed adults through its doors. Grown women in particular floated spellbound through the aisles as though they were the Darling children arriving in Neverland for the first time.

As a bookseller, I always enjoyed selecting just the right title for a customer who might be looking for that special gift for a grandchild or to add to her own collection. Each day, I spent a few quiet moments between customers perusing the newest titles on the shelves.

I still recall the first time I picked up a book by my now favorite children’s author and illustrator, Chris Van Allsburg. The book was “The Flight of the Zephyr,” about a boy in a flying ship.

I was mesmerized by the realistic sketches and the dreamlike story. Not long after that, “The Polar Express” pushed Allsburg to the top of everyone’s want list.

After it won the Caldecott Medal, we couldn’t keep enough copies in stock to satisfy the demands of our Christmas shoppers.

Many years have passed since I last stepped through those magical doors into “Once Upon A Time,” but my love of books has only grown.

The Christmas season is particularly sentimental as I pull down my cherished books about the most beloved holiday of the year. Here is a list some of the best Christmas stories ever written and some of the most requested holiday books of all time.

by Max Lucado

T

“The Polar Express”

by Chris Van Allsburg

A young boy waits for the sound of Santa’s sleigh bells on Christmas Eve, but awakens instead to the sound of a train whistle. What follows is a memorable trip to the North Pole and

“The Crippled Lamb” A tender tale of a crippled lamb who is left behind while his flock goes grazing in a distant field. During the night, a young couple visit his stable and he helps keep their new little baby warm.

“The Snowman”

by Raymond Briggs

A boy wakes one morning to find that the snowman he built the day before has come to life. He takes the snowman on a tour of his home and then enjoys a day outdoors in the snowman’s world. There is no text, but this story is brilliantly told through delightful pictures.

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas”

by Dr. Suess

As the Whos in Whoville prepare for Christmas, the Grinch schemes how to stop Christmas from coming.

What he learns is that Christmas is more than gifts and decorations.

Christmas is in the heart.

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touching story has delighted kids of all ages for many years.

And, of course, there always are the following classic favorites.

“A Christmas Carol”

by Charles Dickens

The wonderful tale of a bitter Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by three ghosts that take him through Christmas past, present and future.

“The Gift of the Magi”

by O. Henry

A husband and wife struggle to

find the perfect gift for each other.

In doing so, they learn about the true meaning of love through sacrifice.

“‘Twas The Night Before Christmas”

by Clement Clarke Moore

The classic book read in millions of households on Christmas Eve. This poem is actually titled A visit from St. Nicolas. 

“The Small One”

by Alex Walsh

Print version of the classic Christmas animated film about a boy and his beloved donkey, Small One. The boy is forced to sell his friend and searches for the perfect master. He finally finds him in a gentle man who needs Small One to carry his pregnant wife to Bethlehem.

“The Littlest Angel”

by Eric Carle

A farmer dreams of snow and imagines his animals, named One, Two, Three, Four and Five, covered in white. He awakens to find the world covered in real snow, not dream snow. He dons a familiar suit and accompanies his animals to decorate the tree. Children love pushing the button at the end to hear the Christmas jingle.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”

by Barbara Robinson

A family of rough and rowdy kids learn what Christmas is all about when they are cast in the local Christmas pageant. This humorous yet

Most downloaded holiday songs Music is integral to many celebrations during the holiday season.

Whether you’re planning an office party, hosting friends and family at home or simply looking to get in the holiday spirit, you might want to explore this list of the most downloaded Christmas/holiday songs on iTunes.

• All I Want For Christmas Is You — Mariah Carey • Mary, Did You Know? — Pentatonix • Christmas/Sarajevo 12/24 (Instrumental) — Trans-Siberian Orchestra • Mistletoe — Justin Bieber • Christmas Canon — Trans-Siberian Orchestra • Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree — Brenda Lee • Believe — Josh Groban • Last Christmas (Single Version) — Wham!

• Jingle Bell Rock — Bobby Helms • It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year — Andy Williams • Hallelujah — Pentatonix • Wizards in Winter (Instrumental) — Trans-Siberian Orchestra • Winter Song — Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson • Hallelujah — Lindsey Stirling • Last Christmas — Taylor Swift • Feliz Navidad — Jose Feliciano • Santa Tell Me — Ariana Grande

• A Holly Jolly Christmas — Burl Ives • The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You) — Nat “King” Cole • Hard Candy Christmas — Dolly Parton 

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

26 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

D E C E M B E R 23, 2018

The true meaning of Christmas

By Perry Smith Sunday Signal Editor

W

hether you and your family focus on the religious or the secular aspects of Christmas, it’s renowned as a chance to spend time with your loved ones.

With the holiday at our doorstep, just like during Thanksgiving, it’s a great opportunity to celebrate and appreciate what we’re grateful for — time with family, the generosity of our loved ones and the memories we create each year.

About 10 years ago, one group of friends from Castaic wanted to celebrate together and help those less fortunate, so they created Greetings with Gratitude, which has a Facebook group and and collects for several months ahead of the holiday.

“We start collecting donations of money, warm clothing, toiletries, toys and we spend our Christmas morning going down to Skid Row to hand those out to those less fortunate,” said Serena S. “(The spirit of giving) was in our family through our grandfather,” said Neal Roemer, one of the organizing volunteers. “Our first year we did it was 2008. We went down and made sandwiches and passed those out.... It’s kind of expanded to what it is today, as far as figuring out what they need the most.”

After spending about two hours handing out backpacks filled with toiletries they’ve collected for the last few months, the group gathers at Casa La Golondrina on Olvera Street. The group started with a few friends and family members, and now numbers several dozen people. (For more information, visit Facebook.com/greetingswithgratitude.)

We also asked members of the community about their favorite memories were surrounding Christmas day: Toni S. Just like in the famous holiday movie “A Christmas Story,” we order Chinese food for takeout on Christmas eve as a family. Then everyone is allowed to open one gift; then we all go together to look at the lights.

Caleb L. So my family does pajamas on Christmas eve.

We get to open “one present each,” but the ones we’re handed by my mom are always matching sweatpants. And then surprise, surprise every year, this total coincidence of us “all choosing sweatpants” leads to a family picture.

Then Christmas Day, we wake up at 8 a.m. (my Dad has already been up for an hour making breakfast), and we sit down and open

COURTESY PHOTOS

“sock gifts,” which are usually socks, gum, $5 gift cards, and whatever crazy thing my mom found for $3 on Amazon that no one has ever, in their lives, asked for — ever.

Last year, we got a container of TUMS that we could put on a keychain.

Then we eat breakfast, do the dishes (when I was a kid, this part would KILL me) and then we’d get to the “big stuff.”

We do the same order every year, no joke — but it’s awesome.

Brendie H. This is my favorite Christmas tradition, hands down.

It’s absolutely the highlight of the entire holiday season. I didn’t grow up with any Christmas traditions, so creating our own has been exciting and rewarding.

My boys are currently 5, 3 and 2 , respectively, so presents and “holiday magic” are what they love (as they should).

We do work hard to downplay “stuff ” and emphasize the gift of family time, the birth of our Savior and opportunities to serve others. But gifts, plastic treasures and tearing wrapping paper is their focus. We have to deliberately slow them down and purposefully interject wisdom and truth into their little minds — which is why we do “Christmas letters from Dad” on Christmas morning.

My husband writes a letter to each of his

sons detailing ways he’s proud of them and shares how he prays for them. It’s in his handwriting, and we keep each letter in a binder with the holiday decorations.

Truthfully, they don’t care about these letters right now. But when they are grown and we are gone … I have a feeling they will love these letters more than any toy they received decades earlier. Even with the lights, presents and distractions, they straighten up and listen when it’s their turn. (Well maybe not the 2-year-old, yet, but he’s getting there.)

I wanted the letters handwritten because so much is typed and impersonal these days.

A handwritten letter is simply more precious than an email.

Watching their little eyes beam as they hear their father speak about them is truly magical.

My husband shares specific memories, challenges and areas he’s observed in their life. It’s truly one of the sweetest moments of the year.

Let’s be honest — it’s really a gift for me from my husband at this point. He admits it’s not something that comes natural, but he enjoys reading the letters Christmas morning.

So if you’re looking for a holiday tradition, consider a Christmas letter!

(There’s a letter template available for moms and dads at BrendieHeter.com.) 

D E C E M B E R 23, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 27

H O L I D AY

NORAD offers eyes, ears for Santa trackers New digital tracking

By Perry Smith Sunday Signal Editor

M

any people don’t know this, but NORAD actually has a dual purpose.

“The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is a United States and Canada binational organization charged with the mission of aerospace warning, aerospace control and maritime warning in the defense of North America,” reads the first explanation on the international agency’s website.

But there’s more: “We also track Santa Claus every Dec. 24 through our NORAD Tracks Santa program,” the site continues.

The tradition started in 1955, and NORAD now uses its satellites, high-powered radar, jet fighters and “special Santa cameras” to track Santa Claus as he makes his journey around the world.

“Our constellation of defense satellites use infrared radar to keep pinpoint accuracy on the heat signature on Rudolf ’s nose,” explains a video on the NORAD site. “Ground base radar sites relay updates.”

Santa’s history

As the legend goes, it all began with an innocuous misprint.

A Colorado Springs-based Sears Roebuck & Co. ad misprinted the telephone number for children to call Santa.

Instead of reaching Santa, the phone number put kids through to the CONAD Commander-in-Chief ’s operations “hotline.”

The Director of Operations at the

Col. Harry Shoup, Director of Operations at CONAD, is credited to be the one who started the santa tracker tradition.

COURTESY PHOTO

New York Air National Guardsmen Master Sgt. Shane Reid, front, and Tech. Sgt. Brady King, both of the 224th Air Defense Squadron, train for upcoming Santa tracking operations at the Eastern Air Defense Sector in Rome. A headquarters unit of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), EADS supports the NORAD Tracks Santa operation every year. PHOTO BY CAPT. JASON COLE, 224TH AIR DEFENSE SQUADRON

time, Colonel Harry Shoup, had his staff check the radar for indications of Santa making his way south from the North Pole. Children who called were given updates on his location, and a tradition was born.

Canada and the United States officially created the air defense agency known as NORAD in 1958, and it’s been a tradition to track Santa ever since. The site is now used by millions of people across the globe each year to track Santa.

“In addition to our day-to-day mission of defending North America, we are proud to carry on the tradition of tracking Santa as he travels along his yuletide flight,” said Gen. Terrence O’Shaughnessy, commander NORAD and U.S. Northern Command. “The same radars, satellites and interceptors employed on December 24 are used year-round to protect Canada and the United States.”

The 63rd iteration of NORAD Tracks Santa started Dec. 1, with a revamped website, social media channels, “Santa Cam” streaming video and a call center that will be operating around the clock on Dec. 24. More than 1,400 volunteers are expected to join NORAD on Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs to help track Santa’s journey.

Featuring Santa’s North Pole Village, the NORAD website, NORADsanta.org, includes a holiday

countdown, games, activities, information regarding NORAD’s mission of Homeland Defense, and more.

Starting at 11 p.m. on Dec. 23, website visitors can watch Santa make his last-minute flight preparations. The “Santa Cams” will then stream videos on the website as St. Nick makes his annual trip around the world.

Starting at 3 a.m. on Dec. 24, Santa enthusiasts, and those just curious on his whereabouts, can speak with a live operator to inquire as to a more precise location for Santa. The toll-free number to call is 1-877-Hi-NORAD (1-877446-6723) or by sending an email to noradtrackssanta@outlook.com.

Additionally, now Alexa is in the mix, and any time on Dec. 24, Amazon Alexa users can ask for Santa’s location through the NORAD Tracks Santa skill for Amazon Alexa, and OnStar subscribers can press the OnStar button in their vehicles to locate Santa. Bing and Cortana users can also find Santa’s location on Dec. 24. 

28 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 29

lom in 1931 to redesign Santa Claus.

Sundblom chose the official colors of Coca-Cola, red and white.

• The first printed reference to Christmas trees appeared in Germany in 1531.

• Artificial Christmas trees have outsold real ones since 1991.

• Candy canes began as straight white sticks of sugar candy used to decorate Christmas trees. A choirmas- ter at Cologne Cathedral decided have the ends bent to depict a shepherd’s crook, and he would pass them out to the children to keep them quiet during services. It wasn’t until about the 20th century that candy canes acquired their red stripes.

• A traditional Christmas dinner in early England was the head of a pig prepared with mustard.

• The Santa Claus suit was developed when the Coca-Cola Company hired American artist Haddon Sundb-

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• In America in 1822, the postmaster of Washington, D.C., complained that he had to add 16 mailmen at Christmas to deal with cards alone. He wanted the number of cards a person could send limited by law. “I don’t know what we’ll do if this keeps on,” he wrote.

• An average household in America will mail out 28 Christmas cards each year and get 28 cards in return.

• According to a survey, 7 out of 10 dogs get Christmas gifts from their doting owners.

• In 1836, Alabama was the first state to declare Christmas a legal holiday.

• In 1907, Oklahoma became the last state to declare Christmas a legal holiday.

• In 1947, Toys for Tots started making the holidays a little happier for children by organizing its first Christmas toy drive for needy youngsters. ­© 2018 King Features Synd., Inc.

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D E C E M B E R 23, 2018

Family memories with bolognese sauce

By Perry Smith Sunday Signal Editor

W

hile Maria Gutzeit was growing up, one of ones she looked forward to was pasta with bolognese sauce made by her mother, Ledlie Gutzeit.

“My mom made this in my dinner rotation growing up for us as kids,” said Gutzeit, who’s currently vice

president of the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency’s governing board. “It was always a favorite of mine.”

One of the reasons the meal is particularly special to Gutzeit is because one of the last meal’s she had with her mom.

“There was a brief moment at Christmas time, when she was out of the care facility and she said, ‘I’d love to have a normal dinner and a glass

LEFT: Maria Gutzeit adds basil to “Mom’s spaghetti and meat sauce”.

PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

of wine — wink, wink,’” Gutzeit recalled. “It was nice to have a ‘normal’ meal with her; we sort of went full circle. It was one of the last meals I cooked with her.”

However, for Maria, the memories live on in part through the recipe, which she now makes for her family.

“You hear about parents and working people, ‘We don’t have time to cook,’” Gutzeit said, citing the oft-

heard dilemma. “This is a great thing to make a giant pot of, and then you can freeze it — and you can make spaghetti, we take it with us camping.”

One of the tips she shared from the recipe, when it comes time to freeze the sauce, is to seal it in a 1-quart sized plastic bags, as that’s “about two servings of sauce, and it’s really easy to defrost.” 

1-1/3 to 1-1/2 pounds 85 percent to 95 percent lean ground beef

1-1/2 to 2 cups EACH coarsely chopped celery and onion (I like organic celery for flavor) 2 small or 1 large (40 oz.) jar your favorite marinara sauce (Trader Joe’s Tomato-Basil or Victoria from Costco) 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes with juice (organic has good flavor) 1 teaspoon each dried basil and oregano 1 cup water if too thick 1/4 cup dry red wine (zinfandel or merlot) if desired

Brown meat in a large pot, stirring to crumble. Add chopped celery and onion and a splash of water to steam/stir until tender. Add remaining ingredients up to wine. Simmer for 20 minutes- 1 hour. Add wine in last 10 minutes. Serve over spaghetti or fettuccine with fresh parmesan.

RIGHT: Maria Gutzeit dishes up fettuccine noodles as she creates her “mom’s spaghetti and meat sauce”.

LEFT: Maria Gutzeit puts “mom’s spaghetti and meat sauce” into a freezer bag for later.

Maria Gutzeit adds sauce to fettuccine noodles as she creates her “mom’s spaghetti and meat sauce”.

D E C E M B E R 23, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 31

By Michelle Sathe Signal Staff Writer

O

n the second Sunday of every month, Newhall’s American Legion Hall transforms into a rollicking blues club.

Armed with guitars and harmonicas, local musicians and members of the Santa Clarita Valley Blues Society take to the stage for impromptu jams, covering classics with a style all their own.

First up is a sextet comprised of Mr. Blues on harmonica, Surfer Joe and Richard Gordon on guitar, Wendy Hirsch on bass, the singularly monikered Alana on drums, and Ben Govia on congas.

After a brief consultation, they quickly launch into “Little Sister,” followed by “Le Freak,” and closing with the soulful “Have You Ever Loved a Woman?” sounding tight for never having played together before.

That’s because these “society” members all have a singular passion: playing and preserving the music they love.

“The blues is my thing,” said Joe Ramieri, aka Surfer Joe, of Saugus. “I love the feeling, I love the structure. It all comes from the heart.”

There’s a $5 cover to attend the jam, which starts at 5 p.m. with a host band. Recently, it was Wumbloozoo, a quartet and the house band for December’s “holiday” jam, which

collects Toys for Tots donations.

The jam starts at 5:45 p.m. and is open to anyone who wants to play. Musicians sign up on a list and are then put together in random groups of three to five.

All proceeds support the nonprofit SCV Blues Society, which puts on the event, as well as several others throughout the year.

Memberships are $20 for individuals and $30 for families (but are not required to attend the jam).

The society uses all funds raised to maintain their website, do outreach, and send local member musicians to the International Blues Challenge held annually in Memphis, Tenn.

Last year’s SCV Blues Society entrant, Artur Menezes, won the Albert King Guitar Award at the event; while this year’s winner, the Celco Selim Band, will represent at the 2019 competition.

“Our goal is to keep American-based blues music alive and to promote it to the younger generations and whoever wants to hear it,” said vice president Chuck Strong, a songwriter who also plays the drums.

Judging from the audience, many of whom get up and dance throughout the evening, there are quite a few people that still want to hear the blues.

As for young people, guitarist Luke Thompson, 17, drove all the way from Simi Valley with his

THINGS TO DO

Locals jam the blues in Newhall

family to participate in the jam, his second with the SCV Blues Society and fifth overall.

While he’s only been playing for four years, Thompson easily keeps up with seasoned musicians several to many decades older.

“The more you do it, the more confident you get,” he said. “I jam whenever I get the chance.”

Thompson cites influences ranging from Stevie Ray Vaughn to BB King and said he wants to carry on the blues tradition for his generation and beyond.

“There’s so much history behind the blues.

It would be sad for all this blood, sweat, and tears go to waste,” he said.

Back on stage, guitarists Jay Dean and Danny Costello, bass player Rocco Guarino, and drummer/SCV Blues Society president Steve Brittain are rocking the house with revved up versions of “Going to Louisiana” and “Rock Me All Night Long,” finishing off the set with a rousing rendition of James Brown’s “I Feel Good.”

Chuck Strong looked on with admiration as each group played on.

“There’s only 12 notes in music, but the style and feel, the roots of the blues comes from the soul,” he said. “We all feel it. It’s just the blues.”  Catch The Santa Clarita Valley Blues Society Jam the second Sunday of every month at American Legion Hall, 24527 Spruce Street, Newhall. For more information, call (661) 210-7220 or visit www.scvblues.com.

Left: At 17, Luke Thompson was the youngest musician to join the jam.

Middle: Wumbloozo plays at the Santa Clarita Valley Blues Society Jam at the American Legion Post in Newhall. Right: Michael Richard of Wumbloozo plays at the Santa Clarita Valley Blues Society Jam at the American Legion Post in Newhall. PHOTOS BY MICHELLE SATHE / THE SIGNAL

32 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

D E C E M B E R 23, 2018

How to make your own pasta

By Perry Smith Signal Managing Editor

I

nspired by a ravioli pie and created to support of home cooking and a local nonprofit, Scott Ervin, co-founder of feedSCV, once again turned the kitchen into his classroom, this time to teach pasta.

For the past several years, the professional accountant and avid bread baker, who, along with his buddy Todd Wilson, created the SCV’s Speakeasy Bakery as a joke among friends for all the loaves of bread being shared, has been teaching bread-baking classes. (The idea behind the nonprofit has always been a group of friends who get together to encourage creative recipes, culinary education and healthy eating, all in the name of spreading resources and information about nutrition, and perhaps a few tasty desserts.)

“I’ve been posting pictures of my homemade pasta, and a couple of people in (the Santa Clarita Foodies group on Facebook) said, ‘Hey you should teach a pasta class.’”

So when SCV resident Wendy Wolfe won a bread-baking class at last year’s SCV FoodieFest, she asked if she could have a pasta-making class instead, and Ervin, who said he’s enjoyed using the family pasta recipe for years, was happy to oblige.

“I’ve been making my grandmother’s gnocchi and ravioli for years,” Ervin said, but more recently began to learn how to use hand tools to shape and cut the actual raviolis themselves.

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Scott Ervin, co-founder of feedSCV shared his family’s recipe during a recent pasta-making class. PHOTOS BY WENDY WOLFE / THE SIGNAL

Nana’s Ravioli Dough

3 cups all purpose flour (imported from Italy, if possible) 2 large eggs, beaten 3/4 to 1 cup water 1 tbsp olive oil

“I watched a bunch of videos, and it turns out it’s not really that hard, and if you have an affinity for it …,” Ervin said. 

• Combine all ingredients in mixing bowl, mix with Danish whisk or large fork • When mostly combined, dump onto smooth stable surface • Knead vigorously for 15-20 minutes until dough is velvety smooth • Coat with flour and cover with mixing bowl and let rest for 30 minutes Filling (Makes enough for 2 batches of dough recipe) 1/2 pound sausage or meat substitute 1 bunch spinach 1/2 bunch chard 1/3 loaf stale French bread 1 medium onion 3 cloves garlic 1 handful parsley 3 stems fresh oregano 3 stems fresh thyme 3 stems tarragon 4 leaves sage 3/4 cup parmesan

• Sauté meat until browned, drain, let cool.

• Sauté spinach and chard in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, squeeze out and set aside • Soak bread in water, squeeze out

and set aside • Process onions and herbs, sauté in olive oil and season with salt and pepper • Combine meat, spinach and chard, bread, and onion/herb mixture in processor, process lightly to spreadable Assembling Ravioli • Roll out pasta dough, flouring so it won’t stick to counter • Spread filling thinly over half of dough • Fold side without filling over filling • Use ravioli pin to form raviolis pressing down hard enough to seal edges • Cut with ravioli cutter • Transfer raviolis to floured pan lined with paper towels • Cook immediately or refrigerate for same day cooking • Or freeze and store in freezer bag Tips & Tricks “Mise en place” filling ingredients first, then make dough, while dough is resting, make filling. Filling shouldn’t be too warm when ready to make ravioli.

If you don’t have a large enough surface, and the first few times out, it’s best to divide dough and filling into two batches.

D E C E M B E R 23, 2018

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wth rate Faith above sta te avera ge Coupons Home Improvement Hya tt joins Carter’s Hotel pla Business News ns event proc to donate fight SCV’s ee child’s ba ds to tr ttle again It’s the Law Column Sanfilippo syndromest to the g ibute reats Concer ts set to retuin the Pa rk serie Right Here Right Now rn to Ce s nt ral Pa rk Color Comics

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

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Concerts in the Park series set to return to Central Park

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By Brennon Dixson Louis Ga Signal Staff Writer of Canyo rasi n Count ry After hearing about Carter Sarkar, his fight with Sanfilippo syndrome and the recent million-dollar movement to fund his clinical trial, the Hyatt Regency Valencia has announced that it will donate every dollar from its upcoming fireworks viewing event to the young boy from Castaic.

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

Children who are diagnosed with Sanfilippo syndrome will likely

6

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By Danielle Korzhenyak For The Signal

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

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

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

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

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

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July 7

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

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

See CONCERTS, A8

See CARTER, A6

0 2 1 $ . . . . .

R A E Y ONE 0 6 $ . . . . .

S H T N O SIX M INDEX

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

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

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

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

Good morning to Signal subscriber Louis Garasi of Canyon Country

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34 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

D E C E M B E R 23, 2018

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The subtle art of worrying

By Mary Petersen Signal Staff Writer

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FOR THE

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SENIORS

ecades ago I stopped making New Year’s resolutions for obvious reasons.

My story is probably like yours. I generally start with aspirational motivation to transform my life in some way. I invest lots of energy, monitor my behavior, and try to arm wrestle myself into surrendering to the resolution. But eventually I succumb to the fatigue of day to day living and the resolution becomes a distant memory.

Certainly, the older we get, the more jaded we become with making resolutions to improve our lives. It’s just easier to leave things the way they are. I resolve to be more patient when my husband insists on folding bath towels the wrong way, but it’s just easier to nag him. The familiar old patterns are hard to break—his towel-folding technique and my predictable response. But this year I might make an exception to my moratorium on New Year’s resolutions and try to break a worrisome pattern.

That is, I worry, and I’m weary of the energy it takes to worry.

Worriers, are you with me? Does worry run through you like a lowgrade electrical current? Is there an endless stream of mind chatter urging you to consider the disastrous things

that might occur in the course of daily living?

For me, it’s not disastrous in the sense that tsunamis are. It’s more like a swarm of bees, potentially ominous and unpredictable. What if my pension fund goes belly up? What if I miss my Signal Sunday deadline? Are my memory lapses the first sign of dementia?

There is interesting research on worry and anxiety related to brain function. In the old days (like 200,000 years ago), Neanderthals’ stress was immediate and physical. A wild animal is chasing me and I need to run, or I’m hungry and need to forage for food. When I resolve the problem, like running to safety or finding a tender morsel, my anxiety is resolved and composure is restored. Fast forward to the present, the same fear portion of the brain (amygdala) that triggered our Stone Age ancestors to flee the danger of a saber toothed tiger still functions, but today’s stresses are different, like dealing with traffic jams or unpaid bills. This fight or flight response can’t distinguish between a real physical threat and a perceived threat, such as job security or a pet’s health.

Because the physiological response bypasses the rational mind when it is activated, we perceive everything as a possible threat to our survival. This initiates a chain of chemical, respiratory, and other bodily reactions that put us in a state of high alert. We see the See WORRYING, next page

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D E C E M B E R 23, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 35

SENIORS

How to create more time to relax

F

inding time to relax is an elusive goal for many people.

Busy professionals with responsibilities at work and around the house may feel like there’s no way to find a minute or two to exhale.

Fitting relaxation time into a typical day can have a profound impact on a person’s overall health. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, relaxation techniques can help manage a variety of health conditions, including insomnia and anxiety associated with illnesses or medical procedures.

Men and women having trouble creating more time to relax each day can try the following techniques.

• Turn off your devices. Technology has simplified life in many ways, but the amount of time many people spend on their mobile devices may be robbing them of time to relax. Data from Flurry Analytics found that, in 2016, U.S. consumers spent five hours

WORRYING

Continued from previous page

world through a lens of fear leading to sustained toxic stress which doctors warn us can create health problems, anxiety and depression. Who knew worrying was so scientific?

But if you’re worrying about worrying too much, take heart. Kate Sweeny, researcher and psychology professor at U.C. Riverside, says, “Despite its negative reputation, not all worry is destructive or even futile.”

For example, if I worry about skin cancer, I am more likely to slather on sunscreen, which has a health benefit.

If I’m worried about car accidents, I’m more likely to wear seatbelts or not drink and drive. Worry can also insulate us from disappointment in the event that something falls apart.

If I have worried that it would rain on the day of our country club garden wedding, and it does, I don’t feel blindsided and I can better cope with the disappointment. Worrying about something keeps it at the front of our minds and pushes us to action. The unpleasant feeling of worry motivates us to find ways to reduce our worry.

per day on their mobile devices.

• People scrambling to find time to relax may benefit by designating at least one hour per day as a device-free hour when they do not check updates on their smartphones, tablets and other devices. Use that hour to unwind and avoid potential sources of stress, such as work.

• Alter your commute. While few might associate mass transportation with relaxation, commuting to work via train or bus can be more relaxing than sitting behind the wheel in a rush hour traffic jam. Use the time on a train or bus to read a book, take a nap or do something else that’s relaxing, such as watching a movie or television show on a tablet.

• Use all available vacation time. A 2017 study from the job site Glassdoor found that the average U.S. employee who receives paid time off had only taken 54 percent of that time off in the previous 12 months.

The catch is that the benefits are correlated with moderate amounts of worrying. In the right amount, worry can serve as a cue that a situation requires action and can help us make judgements and decisions.

Moderate amounts of worry, for example, can motivate people to perform better at school and the workplace if they are concerned about grades or promotion. Kate Sweeny says that “Worrying in the right amount is better than not worrying at all.”

So I guess I’ll try what the professionals tell me— practice getting out of my dinosaur brain so that I can think clearly and quiet the chatter. I’ll use humor to ease worry because fear loses power in the face of laughter.

My skills will be tested by formidable worries like whether my daughter will ever get married and when my grandson will start sleeping through the night. I’ll learn to dance with worry, but I’ll take the lead in this tango. I won’t stop worrying entirely because, after all, almost everything I worry about never comes to pass.  Mary Petersen is a retired COC English instructor and 30 year SCV resident.

• So it seems that many people not only need to find time to relax, but also need to commit to using the relaxation time they have already earned. Professionals should make an effort to use all of their available paid time off each year. Taking that time off may even prove beneficial to professionals’ careers, as a 2016 report from Project: Time Off found that workers who took 11 or more vacation days were more likely to have received a raise or bonus in the previous three years than their counterparts who took 10 or fewer days off.

• Stop working during vacation.

The Glassdoor report also found that many workers who are taking time off are still working while on vacation. In fact, two in three employees reported working while on vacation, while more than one in four indicated they were expected to know what was going on in the office while they were away, and even

COURTESY PHOTO

chip in if needed. Men and women who need more time to relax can resolve to leave the office behind when beginning their vacations, informing both their bosses and subordinates that they will not be reachable while away.

Finding time to relax can benefit short- and long-term health and is not as hard as many people may think.  —Metro Connection

36 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

D E C E M B E R 23, 2018

PROFILE

From the Crossroads, with gratitude

By Austin Dave Signal Staff Writer

D

onning a green T-shirt, Pastor Todd Smith paused for a few seconds.

The Valencia man was carefully choosing his next words, grappling over syllables as his next remarks didn’t equate to the average announcement.

Smith’s voice punctuated the silence.

“I get to introduce to you right here, right now on stage, our very first student attending The Masters University who moved into his dorm yesterday, and is going to be standing here in just 2 seconds,” the energetic pastor bellowed.

“I get to introduce to our family, Davies Kalange, from Zambia, Africa,” Smith said.

The congregation rose from their seats to applaud as the young man walked across the stage under a brilliant blanket of emerald green light from the flood lamps above.

Smith quickly embraced the boy as more people took to their feet.

“How awesome is this?” Smith’s booming voice questioned over the loudspeakers.

The moment was two years in the making, a journey commencing when the church set out to find 10 orphans and fund their education.

Smith said the program, called TEN or Touch Eternity Now, started in January 2016. The overarching component of the initiative is to fully support ten orphaned international students in obtaining a bachelor’s degree from The Master’s University.

“We began networking with orphan

The Master’s University student Davies Kalange SITS in his dorm room where he displays the colors of Zambia. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

organizations and agencies in March of this year in an attempt to locate viable candidates that might know the Lord,” said Kim Miles, a church elder tasked with leading the direction of TEN. The church contacted Lifesong for Orphans in Gridley, Ill. The Crossroads staff found it challenging to locate a qualified individual to participate in the initiative. After a monthslong exercise of patience, breakthrough arrived — the church narrowed a short list to one candidate — Davies Kalange, a young man from Africa.

Hailing from a small tribe in Zam-

bia, Kalange experienced a rough childhood as an orphan with the death of his father and his mother’s abandonment, Smith explained.

“My father died from tuberculosis when I was young,” Kalange said. “I thought if I was there in that moment as a doctor, I might have saved him.

Growing up, I always had that guilt on my mind.”

From that point, he was passed along to an uncle and then to an aunt, both unable to care for him. In 2009, he entered an orphanage called Bushfire. Two years later, Lifesong for Orphans, an organization with a boarding school program, took Kalange in and taught him English and other necessary skills to prosper, Miles said.

Kalange decided to take on the medical field and become a doctor, but the introduction of religion changed the notion the young man held.

“The moment I discovered that death is in the hands of God, I realized that it’s not really up to me to save somebody and only God can,” Kalange said.

He changed his studies from one area to another, floating from astronomy before biochemistry tugged at his heart.

At the time, Kalange fostered aspirations of becoming a biochemist to help research and eradicate deadly diseases decimating his home.

“Studying molecular biology and organic chemistry was really wonderful,” Kalange said. “God still wants me to help people through this area of science.”

For nearly a year, Smith, Miles and the staff worked with the United States Embassy in Zambia to get a visa and clear Kalange’s path to America.

“I thought for a moment how cool it would be that Crossroads changes the entire country of Zambia because of this young man and because of God’s faithfulness to this body,” Smith said.

But the journey was not without hurdles. Kalange had to test for English fluency and clear acceptance requirements for The Master’s University, and obtain a student visa.

“I got denied for my first visa,” Kalange said. He continued to study and made the 6-hour trip back to the U.S. Embassy in Lusaka, Zambia’s capital and largest city.

A photo captured the moment Kalange fell to his knees as the embassy granted his student visa.

“It was really so epic,” he said. “I thanked God.” See DAVIES, next page

The Master’s University student Davies Kalange from Zambia displays his original artwork in his dorm room.

D E C E M B E R 23, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 37

PROFILE

Empowering Vibes turn setbacks into setups

By Michele Lutes Signal Staff Writer

A

love for the arts started at a young age for Santa Clarita resident and single mother Andrea Vibe, and she hopes to empower hearts of others, as one of six honorees for the 2019 Single Mothers Outreach Empowering HeArts Gala.

“Being an honoree inspires me to continue to be a positive role model and help others work through their challenges gracefully,” Vibe said. “Integrity is honesty. Doing the right thing, especially when I encounter challenges.”

Vibe grew up in Southern California watching her father do what

he loved as a professional musician.

Following in her father’s footsteps, she became a professional singer at 12 years old.

“I toured nearly 40 countries and have been to all 50 United States,” she said.

She now shares her love for music with others for almost 25 years through her business, Vibe Performing Arts.

“I love sharing it with others,” she said. “I believe in my purpose to help others build confidence and shine.”

Confidence she continues to build in her students and in others. Vibe is an author of two books “Sing with Confidence” and “Sing with Confidence for Kids.”

Her love for arts and love to help

DAVIES

Continued from previous page

“Kim (Miles) chased it day in and day out through emails, calls and conversations,” Smith said.

Everything came together at the last minute.

“We needed him to be here no later than a Saturday in August,” Smith said.

A mere two days before the deadline, Kalange was granted his visa.

What came next was an abundance of culture shock for an African man who had never been out of his country, let alone his village.

“To go to the U.S. embassy was a brand new trip for him and he had never been on an airplane before,” Smith said.

The 37-hour trip from Zambia to Los Angeles involved four connecting flights to reach the southern California.

“In terms of emotions, I was really scared,” Kalange said of the flight. “I never imagined how it would look like to be in an airplane and be up in the air flying.”

He struggled the adjust to the pressurized cabin, but some passengers on board the plane gave the young man a tip — chew gum.

PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

Kalange’s plane landed at LAX a few hours before he was expected to be at orientation event at The Master’s University in Newhall.

“God is never early, never late and always on time,” Smith said.

The following morning, the church’s 12th anniversary, Smith remembers best. Davies Kalange was introduced to the congregation.

“It was emotional,” Smith said.

“People were literally crying, not tears of sadness but tears of joy.

“They saw this young man who landed on American soil and with an opportunity to flourish. With Davies, the trajectory of Zambia, Africa has changed,” Smith said. “Let’s go change the world.” 

Caption. COURTESY PHOTO?

others build confidence inspired her to write the books, she said.

Vibe also has been a professor at College of the Canyons for 20 years, continuing to share her love of the arts with students.

Being community minded, she and her son Scotty, 14, were introduced Single Mothers Outreach two years ago.

In 2016, Vibe and her son Scotty danced in Dancing With Our Stars for the organization to a remix “I Hope You Dance” and “UpTown Funk.”

“My son and I danced for dancing with our stars for single mothers outreach to raise money for them. It was glorious,” she said. “I am a single mother, and I want to help other single mothers go through the setbacks I went through.”

Vibe looks at setbacks as a set up, she said. “It’s not a setback, it’s a setup for a comeback.”

Today her son plays as a freshman on the Valencia Baseball Team, Vibe said. “Many moms relate to having a boy and wanting to be the main woman in his life.”

Artist Chloe DeJong, will be presenting an art piece to share Andrea’s story at the 2019 Single Mothers Outreach Empowering HeArts Gala.

“I’ve seen some of her work, and I am absolutely honored,”

Vibe said. “She wants to incorporate my son in the artwork. Her work looks fantastic.”

Watching others flourish in the arts is something Vibe loves, she said. And seeing DeJong’s work is no different.

Vibe also has a love for raising her son and a love for God, she said. “I live my life for Him. I live each day enjoying every second. I think that we’re all crazy busy, but it’s important to enjoy and focus on the good things.”

“Everyday there are at least 10 thinks that don’t go the way you expect them to go, and it’s how we react to these 10 things,” Vibe said.

“I wish and hope to role model that to my son.” 

INFORMATION MEETING

Monday Jan. 14th 6:30pm

Thursday Jan. 24th 8:30am

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

38 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

HOOPS

Continued from page 15

League, Kawakami’s physicality and imposing will is what makes him so dangerous for Valencia.

“What doesn’t he do? He could post you, he can beat you off the dribble.

He’s making plays on both ends of the floor it’s hard to get him off, he’s doing so many good things for you can’t take him out,” said Valencia head coach Bill Bedgood.

D E C E M B E R 23, 2018

West Ranch — Alex Grant (Sr.) According to West Ranch head coach Ron Manalastas, senior Alex Grant is the leader of an up-and-coming Wildcats team. Grant isn’t the biggest player on the court, but has enough strength to battle down low in the paint. He’ll look to carry West Ranch to a league crown.

“He’s great, he’s good for the team, he is one of our biggest hustle guys, he’s one of our most diverse players and I love playing with him,” said Grant’s teammate Deaken Stangl.

Golden Valley — Kenan Quila and

Joshua Martin (Srs.) Kenan Quila has already shown that he can take the “big shot,” hitting a game winner in Golden Valley’s first game of the season. Teaming up with backcourt mate Joshua Martin, the senior duo will be heavily relied upon this season for the Grizzlies.

“We challenged them to be the best backcourt in the league, and I told them you got to get out there everyday and show it. Nobody is going to believe it but the guys in here,” said Golden Valley head coach Larry Keys. “We’re going to lean on them for leadership,

to make plays, for focus and the guys believe in them so we’re going to hop on their shoulders most games.”

Canyon — Willie Yomba (Sr.) A senior leader on Canyon’s team, Willie Yomba is the younger brother of Yvan Yomba who graduated from Canyon in 2017. Standing at six feet two inches, Yomba can battle in the paint as well as hit the outside shot.

He’s got good handles for a player his size and can just as easily bring the ball down the court as post up against an opposing defender. 

D E C E M B E R 23, 2018

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 39

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

A look at ‘Beale Street’, ‘Roma’, ‘A Quiet Place’

By Dianne White Crawford Signal Contributing Writer

“Mary Queen of Scots”

(Limited Release) (SAG Nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role-Margot Robbie) Saoirse Ronan stars as Mary and Margot Robbie as Queen Elizabeth I (daughter of King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn).

The two were cousins (not sisters), and the film examines many aspects of this era: the struggle for the throne between the two, the unusual circumstances that found two women in power, the behind-the-scenes maneuvering by men in an effort to wrestle power from the women, the importance of marriage and heirs, the conflicts between Catholics and Protestants, and the bizarre arrangement that caused Mary to spend nearly half her life in custody.

The screenplay from Beau Willimon (creator, producer and head writer of “House of Cards”) is based on the John Guy book “Queen of Scots: The True Life of Mary Stuart”.

This matters because Mr. Guy theorizes that the two sovereigns actually met in real life, something very much doubted by historians.

Either way, it makes for an interesting (if not a bit hokey) segment in the film, as Elizabeth and Mary wander through billowing curtains in a clandestine spot. The costumes from Oscar winner Alexandra Byrne are so beautiful, they are nearly a character themselves.

“If Beale Street Could Talk” (Limited Release) (Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture, Drama; Best Supporting actress-Regina King; Best Screenplay) Two years after sending shockwaves through the film world with “Moonlight,” which went on to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards, Barry Jenkins is back with “If Beale Street Could Talk.”

Needless to say, the film is excellent and is everything one could hope a follow-up to “Moonlight” would be. The film follows a young African-American couple in Harlem before and during when the man is wrongfully accused of sexual assault.

While such difficult subject matter could feel slightly tone-deaf to some in the era of #MeToo, viewers should rest assured that Jenkins handles the material with a delicate and incredibly thoughtful sense of sensitivity.

Like “Moonlight,” the film’s aesthetic qualities feel almost lyrical in tone, which is a beautiful sight to behold.

The score is also superb, as well, managing to be both quietly rousing and emotionally stirring.

The acting is strong and quietly powerful from beginning to end, and the amount of thoughtful character development that Jenkins deploys throughout the story’s narrative is commendable.

The same can be said to the film’s frequent use of narration. In many other films, this could have come off as annoying, but the film uses this tactic to great ends here by primarily using it to enhance the audience’s emotional connection to the characters. Such a connection further builds up the powerful nature of the film’s narrative, which makes a powerful and deeply tragic statement on the nature of racism without ever resorting to feeling heavy-handed. I will note that the film does take some time to get going and has a few minor redundancies in its beginning scenes. But otherwise, this film is superb and on par with “Moonlight” in quality. Baldwin’s words are not just honored in this film, but they are cherished.

“Roma”

(Limited Release) (Streaming on Netflix) (Golden Globe Nominations for Best Director of a Motion Picture-Alfonso Cuaron; Best Screenplay & Best Foreign Language Motion Picture) Over the brief 134-minute run-

time, we grow into this family in a patient and natural way as we live and breathe their day-to-day lives in 1970s Mexico City.

The film is essentially a sequence of episodes, big or small and the impact on this family, affecting characters in different ways, and told primarily through the perspective of the housemaid, Cleo (Yalitzo Aparicio).

We experience hardships, love, anger, tragedy, bliss, and even the smallest of human emotions, such as childhood naiveté. And like children, we once again embrace the details of life, from collecting hail from the ground by hand as it falls from the sky to sharing a hug as last night’s rain can be heard still trickling down the gutters.

Written, directed, produced, filmed, and edited by Alfonso Cuaron, this is as much a personal work as it is a testament to an artist’s vision and talent. It is a historically-grounded film that comes alive by significantly reaching every corner of each frame, with camerawork so intentional that it fills our hearts with a mother’s pain, a story that ranges from lighthearted to cathartic, and a brilliant pattern of recurring, familiarizing setting elements that appreciates and brings into light the reality of everyday life.

DVD Recommendation:

“A Quiet Place”

(2018) (Golden Globe Nomination for Best Original Score in a Motion Picture-Marco Beltrami) (SAG Nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor-Emily Blunt) Let’s cut to the chase: This story is somewhat incomplete in its tell-

COURTESY PHOTOS.

ing and does leave many plot holes behind. Discrepancies in the movie not only hurt the coherence of the script, but also the believability of the suspense elements.

For instance... What is an acceptable level of sound to stay safe in the very same environment changes constantly throughout the movie? In one scene they are not even whispering but communicating through sign language even if they do not know something is nearby, and in another scene they are talking when the danger is very close.

Somehow, an uncountable number of misfortunes follow one another in a very short span of time, just to keep the atmosphere suspenseful. One bad thing happens and is dealt with, another misfortune pops up and is again dealt with, and... Well, this “out of luck” trend just does not stop and without reason, too. There is not a natural flow to the story. The whole movie feels like a very artificial and misguided effort to build suspense.

All in all, the story just does not make sense. How the first victim is lost to the threat can only be described in even the most normal of circumstances as absolutely horrible parenting. And to make it even worse, the parents decide to make yet another disastrous and “most untimely” mistake in such a threat-filled environment.

To sum it up, because you may actually manage to watch this to the very end wondering what I have been fortunate to share these movies with Julie, Marjanne Rachel and Terrie.

It’s always better with a friend — until next week.­ 

40 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

D E C E M B E R 23, 2018

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

Tower of Power coming to Canyon Santa Clarita

By Stephen K. Peeples Signal Staff Writer

I

f you’re still trying to figure out what is hip, rhythm and blues icons Tower of Power with the Tower of Power Horns will clue you in fast when they play the Canyon Santa Clarita on Saturday night.

The 10-piece multi-ethnic band’s horn-driven rock ’n’ soul and funky stop-on-a-dime syncopated snap put Oakland, Calif., on the musical map 50 years ago.

TOP took their sound across San Francisco Bay to Bill Graham’s Fillmore West, then into the studio and onto stages worldwide with workouts like “What is Hip?” and “Down to the Nightclub” and immortal soul ballads like “You’re Still a Young Man” and “So Very Hard to Go.” Over the decades the five-member Tower of Power Horns have also been first-call for sessions, recording hundreds of albums and tracks with

artists from John Lee Hooker and Otis Redding to Carlos Santana and The Grateful Dead, from Heart and Toto to Aerosmith and Poison.

Today, fronted by co-founders and chief writers Emilio Castillo and Stephen “Doc” Krupka, also horn section leaders on second tenor sax and baritone sax, respectively, and powered by fellow co-founder and funk pioneer David Garibaldi on drums, Tower of Power is celebrating their half-century on record and onstage.

TOP’s also backing an all-new album, “On the Soul Side of Town,” co-produced by Castillo with Joe Vannelli (Gino’s brother and producer) that stands with their best-known hits.

Now, that is hipper than hip.

Joining Castillo, Krupka and Garibaldi at the Canyon Santa Clarita Saturday night will be bandmates Jerry Cortez (guitar), Marc van Wageningen (bass), Roger Smith (organ) and Marcus Scott (lead vocals), with Adolpho Acosta and Sal Cracchiolo (trumpet) and Tom

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Politzer (lead tenor sax, flute) rounding out the TOP Horns.

“Tower of Power’s known for its large, high-energy show,” Castillo said, calling between gigs. “Marcus is a great singer.

When he performs, the audience is totally into it. He wears them out. There’s a lot of audience participation, a lot of dancing. You should leave out of breath and sweating.”

In the new year, TOP will take their East Bay grease to Australia and Europe, and play London’s Royal Albert Hall for the first time. A 50th anniversary DVD is also in production for release in 2019.

Even in his wildest dreams as a young man back on the streets of Oakland, Castillo didn’t see a 50-year career traveling the world ahead of him.

He recalls an interviewer asking about his musical dreams back then.

“I told him, ‘My favorite (Oakland) band was The Spiders, and they got a gig in Sacramento,” Castillo said. “I thought, ‘Man, if I

Classifieds

COURTESY PHOTO

could just get to Sacramento!’”  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 TicketMaster.com. For more info, visit WheremusicmeetstheSoul.com. Santa Clarita journalist and Grammy nominee Stephen K. Peeples has covered the SCV music scene since 2004. Contact him via stephenkpeeples.com.

(661) 287-5569

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Our regular business hours are Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. We offer a competitive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance as well as paid holidays and vacation. If you meet the above qualifications and are ready for the challenge, please include and email to Jobs@ signalscv.com.

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Administrative Clerk

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Editor/Paginator 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

The Santa Clarita Valley Signal, an award-winning media company, is currently seeking candidates for a full-time Administrative Clerk to work in our legal ads and accounts receivable departments.

Qualified candidates should be comfortable spending a large portion of their day on the computer, entering orders, posting payments, sending out quotes, and researching and resolving payment discrepancies. Additional duties include general office/clerical support, greeting walk-in customers and answering

Account Manager Looking for Multimedia Account Managers. The Santa Clarita Valley Signal is expanding its multimedia sales team! We are looking for energetic, personable, driven team players to provide unique advertising solutions to businesses in the SCV and beyond! The successful candidate will be able to assess advertisers specific needs and build lasting relationships with targeted advertising campaigns. Other requirements include excellent verbal communication, computer, and organizational skills, as well as the ability to meet tight deadlines and sales goals. Compensation package includes base + commissions; medical, dental, vision and life insurance. If interested, please email your cover letter and resume to jobs@signalscv. com

D E C E M B E R 23, 2018

Give your mind a workout with these brainy exercises!

BRAINGAMES

Relax

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 41

42 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

CROSSWORD TIME

D E C E M B E R 23, 2018

THE VILLAGE IDIOT

Paper or plastic?

By Jim Mullen Signal Contributing Writer

A

fter a string of cash-register robberies, the Crown and Anchor, a pub in south London, decided to stop taking cash altogether. The burglaries have stopped, but now the only way to pay for a pint and a pasty at the Crown is on credit.

Since most of their customers used credit cards anyway, it wasn’t a tough decision to make. The real surprise was how simple it made other things.

Counting the till at closing time?

What till? Taking cash to the bank?

What cash? What robberies?

The Europeans seem to be way ahead of us on the cash-free train.

This year, England had 4,700 fewer ATMs than the year before. It seems no one needs to use cash as often as they used to. Swedish home-furnishings giant IKEA went cashless at one store, after learning that only 1.2 percent of their sales there were in cash. The few people it did inconvenience were offered free lunch in the store as compensation, but IKEA still wouldn’t take their inconvenient paper money.

Amazon, the biggest store in the world, never wasted its time taking cash. It is now experimenting with Amazon Go stores where you show a card to get in, shop and walk out — no self-serve cash registers, no clerks, no annoying “Can I help you?”

The latest version of this experiment (in Seattle, for Amazon employees only) is the size of an airport kiosk and is geared for the graband-go lunch crowd. It’s the kind of shop you’d find in the lobby of any modern skyscraper or airport, full of sodas, salads and sides.

Sometimes the idea of no cash is very scary — what if my credit is no good? How will I buy things? But

it’s a false choice. If no one will give me credit, who on Earth would give me cash? Besides, when I’m tapping my foot behind someone writing a check, or waiting for them to dig out exact change, I long for the day when the Gas and Go Away won’t take anyone’s cash or checks.

Every time an ATM charges me $3.95 for my own money, I wonder why I don’t use my credit card more often. I’m being scammed by my own bank! Thanks, guys!

If I went to a teller at the bank and cashed a check, it would be a free transaction. The tellers get paid, and I hope they get benefits; that’s the transaction that should cost money, not the one at the ATM. The machine isn’t going to get a pension or need health insurance or join a union, so why is it so expensive? The profit, silly.

But really, what do you need cash for? It’s a burden. Literally. Who doesn’t have a container somewhere in the house for loose change? Which is a pain to get rid of — it has to be wrapped for the bank to accept it, or dumped in the automatic machine at the grocery store, which takes 10 percent of your money just for counting it.

Another thing that’s lessening the need for cash is Square, a little device that lets even the smallest shop accept credit card payments. Even vendors at flea markets and trade shows can attach a card reader to their smartphones and accept cards now. It will even calculate a tip for you.

If you’re one of those people who still like to pay with cash, don’t worry — it won’t go away. But you may find you pay a price for using cash.

Cash doesn’t give you “2 percent cash back” on your purchases, the way some credit cards do. Well, the cards aren’t giving anyone “cash” back, they give them credit, but the larger question is: How can credit card companies do that? It’s because they make so much money on the interest from people who don’t pay off their cards each month that they can afford to give you, the noncash consumer, some of their spare change.

Worse things could happen.

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

GIVE THE GIFT OF EDUCATION THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

FUNDING 87 MORE FIRST-YEAR PROMISE STUDENTS IN 2018

‘FIRST-YEAR PROMISE WILL HELP ME GET AN AA IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE.’ -ITZIELY BELTRAN

The College of the Canyons Foundation is funding 500 First-Year Promise students. This #GivingTuesday we kicked off our goal to fund the final 87 students by the end of the year. Will you help support these students?

We know from experience how critical a positive first-year experience is for incoming students. Every $1,000 raised will be matched dollar-for-dollar and will provide one qualified student free tuition, guidance, and the support needed to ensure success in their first year at College of the Canyons. To learn more, donate and track our progress visit www.FirstYearPromise.com

The Mercedes-Benz of Valencia Winter Event.

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