November december issue final

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014

SANTA CLARITA

The Holiday Spirit An Interview with

Vanessa Wilk

SCV Latino Chamber Celebrates DĂ­a De Los Muertos

An Interview with

Dr. Joan Lucid

Our Valley is

Going Digital!

2014

Congratulations to Steve Knight and Scott Wilk on their election victories!

Subscribe at: www.ourvalleygroup.com

SCV Latino Chamber of Commerce

Photos by Gus Castillo

Dia De Los Muertos Festival

By Gus Castillo

A

fter a night that brought the season’s first storm, the new day welcomed the faithful to gather under picturesque clouds onto the manicured hillsides of Eternal Valley Memorial Park. They came to reenact centuries-old ceremonies that welcome the spirits of the departed. In this Aztec festival, Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), death is not feared but rather embraced as it is the awakening from the dream of life.

The smoke of fragrant incense raises from the Copal along with the prayers of the believers. Private altars remember and honor loved ones. Brightly colored papel picado, elaborately cut tissue paper, symbolizes the winds of change that blow alongside the fragility of life.

Sugar skulls, tamales and the occasional Tequila are testimonies of the sweet, the common and the bitterness that make up our existences. This celebration of life has as its flower the cempascĂşhil, or marigold, with its golden hues and sweet aroma. The ever-present Calaveras, or skulls, represent the continuity that death and life share.

Mariachis filled the afternoon with beautiful melodies that recount lost loves and acts of chivalry. Under ominous skies Danzantes, the Aztec Dancers, sacrifice their feet to heal the earth in a beautiful symphony of synchronized worship. More contemporary expressions of Mexican cultural excellence were put forth by Forklorico Dancers, folk artists and food vendors that created a true plaza atmosphere.

To the seeker, a fresh perspective on the deepest of truths and a peace on the eternal may be found. Yet even the most casual of observers can appreciate and enjoy the brilliance, beauty and hope of this special day.

Gus Castillo is a freelance writer and photographer. He can be reached at gcastillo931@gmail.com.

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IN THIS

ISSUE

7 Arts & Entertainment 8

10 Difference Maker:

11

Health & Wellness 12 An Interview with Vanessa Wilk 14 Holiday Spirit 16

La Cocina 20

Beauty 22

Ask Amy SCV 27

The Reunion by Charles L. Freeman, Jr. 28 Our Community

Election Winners

OUR

Dr. Joan Lucid

STAFF

Publisher Editor in Chief Associate Editor Art Design Photography Account Executive Administration Printing Distribution CONTRIBUTORS

Amy Daniels Arif Halaby Bill Miranda Charles L. Freeman, Jr., Dante Acosta, Dr. Evelyn Vega Karen Wainie Ken Striplin

Our Community Difference Makers Letter to My Granddaughter to Be Belleza Back to School!

Health & Wellness Arts & Entertainment La Cocina Jack’s Story Ask Amy The Reunion, by Charles L. Freeman, Jr.

Our Valley Group, LLC Bill Miranda Virginia Miranda ER Graphic Solutions, CEO, Erika Rojas Gus Castillo Patsy Ayala, Setareh Khatibi Patty Canton Valley Printing Julio Del Rio Laurene Weste Laurie Morgan Nola Aronson Patty Canton Robert Reyes Setareh Khatibi, Virginia Miranda Yolie Birds

At Aranda Accounting & Tax Services we have earned the trust and loyalty of clients for more than 20 years.

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Our office is located at 24250 Lyons Ave in Newhall, we are open all year round.

Our Phone number 661-254-1040.

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EDITORIAL

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We would like to introduce our company, Aranda Financial Services /Jackson Hewitt Tax Services.

SPECIAL TO OUR VALLEY MAGAZINE From Council member

Dante Acosta HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS IN SANTA CLARITA November and December are jam-packed with fun and free programs and events geared for residents of all ages!

Join me and the Santa Clarita City Council, plus veterans and volunteers for the annual Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11 at 11 a.m. at the Historic Veterans Plaza in Old Town Newhall. Get a jump on your holiday shopping with unique offerings at the City’s Fine Craft show, November 15 and 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 pm. at Old Orchard Park.

Also on Saturday, November 15, the SCV Education Foundation and the City will host the annual Literacy and Arts Festival at the Old Town Newhall library from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Following the festival on November 15, join the Santa Clarita City Council for “Light up Main Street” at 6:30 p.m. on Main Street as we flip the switch to bring you thousands of holiday lights, two skylines featuring Santa and his reindeer, and a 23-foot fully decorated Christmas tree.

You will definitely want to bring the kids to Old Town Newhall for the Vintage Christmas with Snow and Santa event on December 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Main Street. (visit oldtownnewhall.com for details) The Old Town Newhall Library has a series of fun events for youth including Holiday Tags and Gift Cards on Dec. 9; DIY Dreidel Making for Teens on Dec. 10; Holiday card making on Dec. 12 and Gifts Galore for Teens on Dec. 18.

Throughout December, you and your family can enjoy several holiday-oriented events including: Hot Cocoa and a movie on Dec. 6; Breakfast with Santa Dec. 13 &14; Cocoa, Cookies and Caroling on Dec. 19; plus the Arctic Chill Polar Bear Swim on January 1 at 9 a.m. at the Aquatic Center.

Don’t miss a single event! Visit the City’s website at www. santa-clarita.com for complete details. Happy holidays!

Our Community SPECIAL FROM THE CITY MANAGER

KEN STRIPLIN

November 2014 On November 11, the City will be hosting a special Veterans Day Ceremony at the Veterans Historical Plaza in Old Town Newhall, located at 24275 Walnut Street, beginning at 11 a.m.

This free and well-attended event is a partnership between the City of Santa Clarita, the Veterans Historical Committee, the SCV Chapter 91 Blue Star Moms, Blue Star Moms of the Canyons Chapter 82, Prayer Angels for the Military, and the Knights of Columbus. The Ceremony honors Veterans and individuals serving in the military and their families. For more information please call (661) 250-3787, or visit santaclarita.com.

We are very excited to be embarking upon a new project to design and ultimately build a new Canyon Country Community Center. The City Council recently purchased 6.5 acres near the intersection of Soledad Canyon and Sierra Highway where the new Center will be built. Right now, the City is asking residents to tell us what amenities and programs they would like to see in the new Center. Visit santa-clarita.com/CCCC to take a quick survey regarding the future Community Center. You may also want to attend a special Canyon Country Community Center workshop on December 3, 2014 at 7 p.m. at Canyon Country Park, 17615 Soledad Canyon Road.

I also wanted to take this opportunity to remind you to take a look at your emergency kits and evacuation plans. If you don’t have either, this is a great time to make that happen.

The City offers a wide variety of emergency information on our website to help you get started. You can find this information at santa-clarita.com/emergency. As always, your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions are welcome. Please feel free to email me directly at kstriplin@santa-clarita. com.

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

LAURENE WESTE NOVEMBER 2014

J

ust in time for the holidays, the City will be “decking the halls (and streets!) of Old Town Newhall!” The trees along Main Street will be sparkling with twinkle lights, and two skylines over the street will feature Santa and his reindeer plus a festive “Season’s Greetings” message. In front of the Old Town Newhall Library, a 23-foot tall, fully decorated Christmas tree will be erected providing plenty of space for photos. (Special thanks to our partners, PayForward, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital and the Santa Clarita Valley Auto Dealers for their sponsorship). If you want to be there when we “Light up Main Street,” please join us at 6:30 p.m. on November 15, on Main Street, for the start of all the holiday fun in Old Town Newhall. For a complete listing of what’s happening in Old Town Newhall, visit www. oldtownnewhall.com.

On Tuesday, November 18 at 11 a.m., the City and the Small Business Development Center will celebrate the grand opening of Santa Clarita’s first Business Incubator in Old Town Newhall, located at the former library site on 9th Street. A business incubator supports entrepreneurs and start-ups on the verge of significant growth, providing them with the tools they need to succeed.

Our Business Incubator is centrally located in the City’s Arts and Entertainment District and is seeking creativefocused companies.

The Incubator provides office space, management guidance, technical assistance, and can even assist with financing to help get these creative companies off the ground.

The facility will provide four to six entrepreneurs with an opportunity to lease low-

cost office space in the City’s growing arts and entertainment district for up to three years.

More than just an office space, the Small Business Incubator will provide business owners with the essential tools needed to grow a start-up company including support, guidance, consulting services, educational workshops, and networking opportunities.

Entrepreneurs will also benefit from being co-located in a space dedicated to like-minded business professionals who are focused on development and growth in creative and technology industries. For additional information about the Request for Proposal or the Small Business Incubator, please contact Karla Monterrosa with the City’s Economic Development Division at (661) 286-4017.

There are so many great programs and events happening in our City. If you want to receive emails regarding special events, job openings at the city, construction in your neighborhood or other city information, please sign up for these emails on eNotify, just go to santa-clarita.com and click on “Santa Clarita 24-7.” Thank you for your participation in our City. I can be reached at lweste@santa-clarita.com.

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The Arts in My Opinion Laurie Morgan – Visual and Performing Artist

www.lauriemorgan.biz, https://www.facebook.com/Art.by.LaurieMorgan

I

don’t think I have ever been busier than I was in October. I saw The 39 Steps at the Canyon Theatre Guild and couldn’t stop laughing the entire show. The Great Gatsby at the Repertory East Playhouse was a fabulously performed drama.

The fundraiser for the REP, “Voodoo Carnevil”, exceeded my expectations.

I enjoyed the shows and displays at the Indian Pow Wow at Hart Park. And of course the 25th anniversary of the Santa Clarita Artists’ Association’s big gala, the Art Classic held at Hart Hall was a huge success as always.

Taking up the rest of October were more personal events. My rehearsal schedule for Don’t Hug Me, I’m Married filled my evenings and weekends, and two performances were in October (the rest are in November). I am vocal director for the afterschool drama club at Placerita Jr. High. My son closed escrow on a new condo, I went to my niece’s Bat Mitzvah, I attended a

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memorial service for a departed friend, and last but not least we celebrated my father’s 93rd birthday!

November won’t be any slower. Catch the new shows opening at the REP, CTG and PAC. Browse the Fine Crafts Show at Old Orchard Park and the Rose Show and Art Exhibit at Hart Park. There is always plenty to do right here in Our Valley. But in case you might have the notion to see one of my performances in NoHo, I wouldn’t stop you. After all, I am an actress, I like an audience. And what could be better than a group of friends from my hood?

Hopefully soon I will be performing back in Our Valley.

Here is the info: Los Angeles World Premiere Production of DON’T HUG ME, WE’RE MARRIED at The Group Rep at the Lonny Chapman Theatre, 10900 Burbank Boulevard, North Hollywood 91601.

My performance dates: November 8, 8pm

November 9, 2pm November 14 and 15, 8pm Reservations can be made by calling 818.763.5990

For Your Viewing Pleasure: Canyon Theatre Guild 24242 Main St. Newhall Nov. 28 – Dec. 21, 2014: Miracle on 34th Street.

661.799.2702 www.canyontheatre.org Repertory East Playhouse 24266 Main St. Newhall Nov. 14 – Dec 13, 2014: Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Suicide Club 661.288.0000 www.repeastplayhouse.org Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91355

Various Performances and Events www3.canyons.edu/Offices/PIO/ CanyonsPAC/ The Gallery of SCAA They have lost their wonderful home on Town Center Drive and are looking for another one. But the SCAA will still put on temporary exhibits throughout SCV www.santaclaritaartists.org OutWest Western Boutique and Cultural Center 22508 6th Street, Newhall (661) 255-7087 www.outwestmktg.com/events/livemusic.cfm

Hearing Aid Purchase:

What to Consider

By Nola Aronson, M.A., CCC-A

H

earing aids are part of your

aid starts with finding the right audiologist

daily life and should be

who will listen to your needs and make sure

comfortable, work well, meet

you have the proper device, fitted properly.

your specific needs, and offer

4. Make an Informed Decision — When

good value. All of those intangibles do not

you buy a hearing aid, what are you buying?

often add up to the lowest price on the

Good audiologists include follow-up visits

market, so here are a few tips to help you

in the price of a device to ensure it performs

buy the right device:

correctly. Routine service, adjustments, and a warranty should also be included. It’s no

1. Do Your Homework — Research hearing

surprise that patients who buy hearing aids

aids and technology. What situations affect

from skilled audiologists report the highest

your hearing the most and what are various

satisfaction rates.

devices’ strengths and weaknesses?

5. Get the Most Out of Your Investment 2. Check Your Insurance Coverage —

— Here’s a secret…hearing aids don’t work

More and more carriers are offering hearing

unless you wear them! Increase your return

care coverage. Find out what coverage you

on investment by wearing your hearing aid

have and investigate financing options and

regularly — let your device do its job and

organizations that support those suffering

reap the benefits!

Nola Aronson’s Advanced Audiology (www.scvadvancedaudiology.com) was established in September 2010.

Before then, Aronson successfully grew two other local practices and has helped hearing impaired patients since 1987. Advanced Audiology is the SCV’s largest diagnostic hearing center and its leader of advanced technology and invisible solutions. Aronson can be reached at (661) 253-3277.

hearing loss.

Nola Aronson’s Advanced Audiology 3. Find Your Audiologist — Good

(www.scvadvancedaudiology.com, 661-

audiologists develop lasting, professional

253-3277) is the SCV’s largest diagnostic

they

hearing center and a leader in the use

understand long-term needs and recognize

of advanced technology and invisible

condition changes. Finding the right hearing

solutions.

relationships

with

patients

so

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Election Winners!

A

funny thing happened on the way to the post election parties. Steve Knight soundly beat the favored Tony Strickland, Proposition S (kill the billboards and small business opportunities in favor of big business and big money) suffered a humiliating defeat and Scott Wilk evaporated his opponent, whoever he was.

Scott & Vanessa Wilk

By Bill Miranda

Lesson to Tony Strickland: when they say all elections are local … believe it. Tony, a great guy and a solid contender who we expect to see again, got lots of money and endorsements from powerful people … outside Santa Clarita. Steve Knight got a lot less money, but his endorsements were from … you guessed it … Santa Clarita. Can you say every member of our City Council? In Santa Clarita Tony ventured mostly alone while Steve had his not so secret weapon, his beautiful and energetic wife, Lily. Whether it was kicking her heels at the SCV Latino Chamber of Commerce Gala or speaking Spanish to hundreds of Dia De Los Muertos attendees, Lily complemented her husband Steve to a tee. Congratulations to Steve and Lily!

Lesson to City Council and to the SCV Chamber of Commerce: when the SCV Latino Chamber of Commerce carefully reviews the pros and cons of a proposition (S in this case) and determines that it does not support small businesses … believe us. How on earth could a chamber of commerce endorse an ANTI-SMALL BUSINESS proposition still escapes us. Kinda we can understand (not really) why the city endorsed

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Steve Knight and Lily

You just gotta love elections. The candidates rant, their followers chant and the voters … well, the voters get the final word.

Prop S ($$$$), but the SCV Chamber of Commerce? Really?

Lesson to Sacramento: while you currently own the Governor’s Mansion don’t get too comfortable. Scott Wilk isn’t exactly measuring the drapes yet, but we are. Scott has done an incredible job in Sacramento and is considered a prominent leader in the legislature. He knows how to work both sides of the aisle and make things happen. And he too has a not so secret weapon, his beautiful and incredibly talented wife, Vanessa. Look out Sacramento … Got Wilk?!

Congratulations to Scott and Vanessa!

Difference Makers

“I believe there is success in every child. I maintain a high expectation level and want parents and children to do the same.”

Dr. Joan Lucid, Superintendent of the Saugus Union School District

T

he Saugus Union School District oversees 15 schools grades K through 6 representing 10,000 students and 7,000 families. Their schools have received a number of national awards for outstanding academic performance.

The district focuses on Extraordinary Excellence in Education and it achieves it in no small part due to the outstanding leadership of its Superintendent, Dr. Joan Lucid.

Born of an Irish mother and Czechoslovakian/German father, Joan grew up the third of six children and the oldest girl. She was born in St. Paul, Minnesota and her family moved to Burbank when she was six years old. Her father was an electrician by day and a musician by night, playing his trumpet and accordion with a Mariachi band. So very early in life Joan was introduced to and grew up in the Latino culture among Latinos.

By the time she graduated from Poly High School Joan knew she wanted to be a teacher. Her father however, coming from “old country thinking,” did not want her going to college. “I loved my father, but he was an old fashion sort of man who wanted his girls to find husbands and have children. I, on the other hand, wanted to go to college and become a teacher. It was not an easy sale, but in the end I won out and attended Los Angeles Valley College (now CSUN) majoring in Spanish.”

“I did get married. I met a wonderful man, Bill, who I fell in love with, and after only three weeks agreed to marry!” Joan smiled as she said that. She became a teacher and taught first graders in a parochial school in Sun Valley for ten years before moving to Santa Clarita’s Skyblue Mesa Elementary School. “I went from teaching 55 kids in a class to teaching only 30 kids in a class and felt I was really fortunate.”

Since coming to Santa Clarita Joan has taught at Skyblue, Highlands and Cedar, and in 1997 became Assistant Superintendent of Schools for the district. In 2011 she was named Superintendent. “We are doing more with kids today than ever before. We teach academics of course, but we also take an active role in teaching life skills. We are doing more with technology to get information not only to students, but to parents. Parental involvement is a key to our success.

Community involvement is another. People move to Santa Clarita in large part because of our schools. We are active in getting both those groups involved.”

“I believe there is success in every child. I maintain a high expectation level and want parents and children to do the same. Parents and community leaders are always encouraged to attend our Open Houses and to keep information flowing in both directions. My job is incredibly fulfilling because I love the kids, and as I walk into classroom after classroom and listen to them, I feel a tremendous humbling sense of gratitude to be a small part of it.”

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By Dr. Evelyn Vega-Douglas

The Centers for Disease Control recently came out with a fact sheet on Ebola and pets. Here is a brief summary of that report.

Ebola virus is spread through direct contact of broken skin or mucous membranes with blood or any body fluid from an infected individual.

The natural host of Ebola virus is yet to be identified; however it is believed by scientist that the first human to become infected was from contact with either an infected fruit bat or primate such as an ape or monkey. Fruit bats in Africa are considered to be natural reservoirs for the Ebola virus. Thus far, Primates and humans are the only mammals that have shown to be able to transmit the disease.

There is still a lot to learn about this deadly virus. Unfortunately there is only one study in the literature on Ebola and dogs. It found evidence that dogs and cats can become infected with the Ebola virus from eating infected animals or body fluids from infected individuals.

Yet once they are infected, the virus stays inactive in their body and does not cause disease nor exhibit any symptoms. Even in parts of Africa where there have been Ebola outbreaks, there have been no reports of dogs or cats becoming sick with the disease.

So can a dog or cat transmit this disease to humans? At this time, there have been no reports of that.

As of now, only primates such as apes and monkeys have been identified as a potential source of

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Succeeding

with Inspiration

By Karen Wainie, Love Your Life Wellness SixFiguresuccessFromHome.com

S Ebola infection. They can spread the disease to other primates and humans. Monkeys should not be allowed to have contact with anyone who may have Ebola.

Healthy monkeys already living in the United States and without exposure to a person infected with Ebola are not at risk for spreading Ebola.

The question on every pet owner’s mind is, what will happen to my pet in an event there is an Ebola outbreak? Will they suffer the same fate as Excalibur, the dog that was euthanized by Spanish officials because he was considered a public health threat? First of all, our pets here in the United States do not have to scavenge for their food and eat remains of infected carcasses. Second most pets here are confined to an individual’s home or property. The chances of a family pet acquiring the disease and possibly spreading it is low.

So, in a situation where there is a dog or cat in the home of an Ebola patient, as of now the CDC recommends public health officials to evaluate the animal’s risk of exposure. If it is determined that the pet had exposure, then public health officials should recommend that the pet be monitored for a period of 21 days such as they are doing with the dog belonging to the infected nurse in Dallas.

The CDC is working with the American Veterinary Medical Association to look at this issue further and develop guidance for the U.S. pet population. For more up to date information, you can visit www.cdc.gov.

haring my life challenges to others has proven to be very inspirational in helping others find inspiration in their own lives.

My name is Karen Wainie and I am a 45 year old mother of 2 children, Marcus 24 & Brent 14 After being married at a young age of 18, I found myself enduring a death of my first child & being the sole provider of my 6 month old baby at 20 years old.

After financial struggles of being a single mom, I was fortunate enough to be hired with Los Angeles Sheriffs Department, as a Deputy Sheriff.

A work injury after 10 years on the department forced an early retirement.

I was also diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. The news came after the birth of my second son with my new husband.

This became my biggest struggle to overcome in my life. I endured much darker days with my fibromyalgia then I had with grieving of my sons death.

After 7 years of working very hard,I succeeded with healing from Fibromyalgia.

I was finally well enough to open my own Personal Training business.

This business was very successful ,very quickly, and I was thrilled to be able to work from my home studio.

Fitness and better health has always been apart of my health. In fact I started competing in track and field at the age of 6 years old, and learned at a young age of setting goals & the value of achieving them.

With my training business I felt very fulfilled with being able to help others improve their lives and change their lifestyles to impact positive differences in weight loss and their mindset.

My training business has lead me to another level of health and

Karen Wainie

Health & Wellness

Ebola and Pets

direction that allows me to impact people & their families to achieve, I feel, ultimate healthy conditions and completing their wellness circle.

I now have a very successful wellness business that that helps others create healthy margins in their lives, from health & wellness to emotional vitality & financial security.

By sharing my story of overcoming so many challenges in my life, I have been successful in helping others find their true inspiration in their lives and bring dreams to reality.

Finding your true inspiration is the fuel that will keep you motived & is paramount in helping you reach your goals!

So, I’d like to challenge others on asking a question to themselves.

Do you feel like you can improve your life, or your not feeling satisfied with where you are at physically and/or financially?

If your answer is YES, I’d like to invite you to hearing more about my story and business that proves to be very inspiring and could bring a new thought process into your mind!

YOUR story matters, Let’s create a new chapter!

John Douglas and Dr. Evelyn Vega-Douglas

“Let your yes be yes and your no be no.�

This is a core value held strongly Vanessa Safoyan Wilk.

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V

anessa was born to Alice and Henry Safoyan and grew up with her two brothers in and around Boston, MA. “My father was an Armenian who was born in Russia, grew up in Iran and came to the United States as a young man. He met my American born mother, got married and they started a family. My memories growing up are so very pleasant. Almost everything revolved around family, food and fun,” said Vanessa.

She graduated from Weston High School then entered Endicott College in Beverly, MA as a communications major. It was an all women college nestled beautifully along the Massachusetts coast. But her father suffered from Asthma to the point where he had to move the family to a dry climate, Palm Desert, CA. “One of my fondest family memories was the five of us driving cross country in our old Ford station wagon,” Vanessa said with a smile. “We had so many experiences along the way!”

It wasn’t long before Scott got wind that Vanessa was in Los Angeles and he called her for a date. She said yes. They fell in love, got married and had two wonderful children, Scott Jr. and Alison Grace. They moved into a house in Palmdale and then to one in Santa Clarita. Vanessa became a stay at home mom. Well, sort of. She jumped in feet first into PTA and other school activities. She quickly got a reputation for being a well organized, passionate and “get it done” leader. All this while raising her two kids, being an active church member and being the strong woman behind her husband’s blossoming career.

As her kids got older she got even busier. She became Club Director of Belcaro Valencia, an active adult community (55 and older) in Valencia. She joined Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita and quickly earned her way up to 2013 – 2014 President. “I am very proud of the GO (girls only) program we started in Val Verde. It was a way of listening to the girls, understanding their needs and helping them.”

Vanessa Safoyan Wilk

By Bill Miranda

In Palm Desert, her father knew he had to entice Vanessa to stay so he bought a dress shop for her to run. It was appropriately called, Vanessa’s. She ran the shop for four years and learned a great deal about people and running a business. It was then that she went to work for a tall handsome man trying to get community approval for the company he represented to build a luxury hotel nearby. “I had to meet with Scott twice a week to report my activities. He was a consummate professional, but I don’t know if it was me or my little red VW car that usually put a smile on his face. When the hotel was approved, Scott left for LA where he went to work for California State Senator, Ed Davis.

Totally unrelated, I moved awhile later to Los Angeles to work for a clothing company.”

In 2012 Vanessa battled hard for her husband in his campaign for the California State Assembly. It was a “no holds barred” campaign, but Vanessa does not shy away from battles. Fiercely loyal to her husband and believing he was the right person for the job, Vanessa helped to shock political pundits when Scott won the election. And just this month, with Vanessa’s help, Scott was easily reelected to a second term.

What advice does Vanessa have for young women? “Follow your dreams! Don’t forget to cross your T’s and dot your I’s. Oh, yes, and don’t forget to let your yes be yes and your no be no.”

15

Embracing the Holiday Spirit

W

BY PATRICIA CANTON

ith all the twinkling lights, and the delicious smells, the Santa Clarita Valley Holiday Spirit is everywhere. There is a certain magic in the air, there is no denying the lights are spectacular —they add an extra touch of elegance to an already magnificent city—but it is not just their beauty that makes them so special, it’s the smiles from the people that are enjoying them.

I don’t have a favorite part of the holidays, but, instead I’ll say why I love each part, so here it goes. I love the fact that we can remember all the blessings we have received during the year. I enjoy the warmth of the house with my children’s laughter from the moment the sun rises over their winter break. I love how much thought and love we put in our gift giving, and decorating the Christmas tree as a family, but secretly fixing it here and there.

Cooking, oh yes, let’s not forget this part; it is quite different preparing meals from the everyday life. During this season, I actually find myself cooking more than normal, from the turkey, to our traditional holiday hot fruit punch, called “ponche”, cookies that we make together, and yes the tamales which we also enjoy. But I would say the best part is after all that decorating, cooking, and yes

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cleaning….I get to sit down with a beautiful decorated table, surrounded by my most favorite people in the world, my family.

On the other hand, the sight of city workers and planners taking the time to hang lights to embellish our city further is heartwarming.

Seeing the beautiful decorations snaps me out of my usual routine and encourages me to appreciate the beautiful city around me.

There is a certain magic during this season, people are nicer than usual, but I don’t underestimate the power of materialism that comes along with it. We just need to take a deep breath and let go of the stress that it may cause, and internalize the real meaning of the holidays so we get to enjoy this special magic.

The holidays are about gathering with family and friends, simply appreciating the beauty of the Christmas decorations, and optimistically seeing the chill of the air as an enhancement of the seasonal cheer. No matter what you do, there are endless ways to enjoy the holiday spirit, even if it’s just stepping back and appreciating the smiles of your loved ones.

The family of Our Valley Santa Clarita wishes you and your family a very heartfelt happy and safe holiday season.

We are blessed to be a part of our community. Thank you for reading us!

17

La Cocina

By Patricia Canton

Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Prep time: 15 min Total time: 6 hour 10 min Makes: 12 servings What You Need 3 pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened 1/2 cup sugar, divided 1 cup dulce de leche (sweetened milk caramel) 1/2 cup BREAKSTONE’S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream

3 eggs 1 cup honey-flavored multi-grain cereal flakes with oat clusters 1/2 cup thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping Make It Heat oven to 350ÂşF. Beat cream cheese and 1/4 cup sugar in large bowl with mixer until well blended. Add dulce de leche and sour cream; mix well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each just until blended. Pour into 9-inch springform pan sprayed with cooking spray.

Bake 50 to 55 min. or until center is almost set.

Run knife around rim of pan to loosen cake; cool before removing rim. Refrigerate 4 hours.

Meanwhile, cook remaining sugar in medium saucepan on medium heat 4 min. or until melted and golden brown. Remove from heat. Stir in cereal; spread into thin layer in shallow pan.

Cool.

Top cheesecake with COOL WHIP and cereal mixture just before serving.

Congratulations to Kokolita and Martha Aguilera on celebrating 3 years in business!

27530 Newhall Ranch Rd, Valencia, CA 91355 Phone: (661) 257-9338

Guilt Free

Pumpkin Pie

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By Setareh Khatibi

or most of us, suffering from “food coma” has become a Thanksgiving tradition. According to Wikipedia “a common myth holds that turkey is especially high in tryptophan, resulting in sleepiness after it is consumed, as may occur at the traditional meal of the North American holiday of Thanksgiving. However, the tryptophan content of turkey is comparable to chicken, beef, and other meats and DOES NOT result in higher blood tryptophan levels than other common foods.”

What may be really happening is that the blood flow is now directed to the gut to provide proper digestion. Since the blood flow is now not predominantly flowing through the brain as it normally does, this can be the cause of the sleepiness we feel after our meal. On top of losing energy due to it being focused on digestion, we are filling up on the most difficult food to digest ... meat. Knowing this, it is clear that plant based whole foods will be the easiest to digest preventing the food coma we all have become accustomed to expect.

This year let’s try filling up on more plant based options to allow us to enjoy more quality family time. Here is an option for your feast!

Guilt free Pumpkin Pie! Tools: • A High Speed Blender • A Food Processor (S blade) • Pie pan • Crust Ingredients- Pitted Medjool Dates • Pecans Place evenly in food processor and pulse until you have a dough like texture. Take the crust and press to the bottom of pan shaping it into the crust thickness that you want Pie Ingredients: • 3 Fully ripe and soft Persimmons • 2 cups Cubed Sugar Pie • 1 cup Pitted Dates • Pinch Cinnamon • 1/3inch of Ginger Blend and pour on top of crust. Enjoy as is or place in the freezer for 2 hours to get a firmer pumpkin pie base.

More can be found on youtube.com under “Net Zero tv”, and “Eat Naked.”

BEAUTY

Yolie’s Hair tip For all hair types: Use an old school remedy with eggs.

Use egg whites only for oily hair, the yolk will moisturize dry damaged hair.

Yolie Birds

Use ½ cup of egg mixture on your hair type apply on clean damp hair from scalp to ends leave on 20-30 min. make sure you rinse well with cool water then shampoo. I would do this once a month.

I recommend seven shampoo & conditioner For your hair type.

Yolie

Cuts, Color, Styling and Treatments

Phone: (818) 618 -1930 Email: yoliesandterisstudio@gmail.com

Yolie & Teri’s Studio

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Lily & Steve Knight

Carolyn & Dante Acosta

BEAUTIFUL COUPLES

Clothes by Sidecca – Valencia 24201 Valencia Blvd #24201, Valencia, CA 91355 Phone: (661) 259-3753

Clothes by Sidecca – Valencia 24201 Valencia Blvd #24201, Valencia, CA 91355 Phone: (661) 259-3753

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or many years, individuals have had access to a retirement account even if their employer doesn’t offer one. Most people know of a 401k or even a 403b (TSA). These two are part of the employer sponsored retirement plans that allow a worker to defer income taxation until their later years. This was done because it was originally thought you would be in a lower income tax bracket when you retire.

It is not as simple as that now.

Since the tax code has changed dramatically from its original intent and even more so from the time the IRA was originally proposed, the Traditional IRA (or T-IRA as it is now called), is still being used today. However, a relative new comer, the Roth IRA, is becoming more and more popular.

The Roth IRA was named after a senator that sponsored the idea that if Americans had an opportunity to put money in an account that is post tax, then the US Government would collect taxes

on those dollars much sooner.

The trade off for the depositor is that those original dollars, and all the interest it earns, is never subject to income tax again. Since the IRS is not waiting for these dollars to be taxed, there is no required mandatory distribution (RMD). That means at age 70 1/2, you are not forced to start taking distributions and these dollars are not part of your RMD. This helps provide a level of predictability to income received AFTER age 70 1/2.

The withdrawals from your Roth IRA also don’t cause your social security payments to be subject to income tax. Check with your CPA or tax preparer on your specific situation.

The Roth IRA allows many people to pay tax in a lower tax bracket and pass on those same tax benefits to their beneficiaries. For some people the limits in contribution to a Roth IRA are reduced or eliminated because of the income they earn. A strategy that some use to still receive all the benefits of a Roth is to make a contribution to a non-deductible T-IRA, which can then be immediately converted to

a Roth IRA. You may have to pay tax on the interest earned, but if it sits in a non-deductible IRA in a savings account at a bank or credit union, chances are you will have earned little to no interest.

Therefore, no taxes!!

Under current law, your Roth IRA and the Roth IRA conversion dollars are not subject to income tax. Remember, check with your tax preparer or CPA about your specific tax consequences. One of your financial goals when you retire should include receiving various sources of income. Also consider the way in which that income is taxed.

Taxable income and taxfree income can help balance out the amount of money you owe to the government each year and improve your lifestyle that you have worked hard to achieve.

Arif Halaby

What’s the difference between a Roth IRA and a Traditional IRA?

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Ask

Amy SCV Dear Amy, With the holidays approaching, what are good holiday activities in Santa Clarita to enjoy as a family?

Holiday Bored Dear Grinch, Wake up, sunshine! No need to wonder if there is enough to keep you and your family smiling – there are lots of activities in and around the SCV throughout the holidays and many resources to check in with to keep up to date. First, don’t forget to look at the city calendar, which you can access at www.santa-clarita.com. You can already see a ton of activities starting RIGHT NOW, from fun athletic pursuits to cultural activities and charity events. In fact, there are so many events planned you will have to pick and choose! KHTS (www. yourhometownstation.com) will send you events going on each weekend if you sign up for their email blasts, as will SCTV (scvtv.com) – or check their websites; The Magazine of Santa Clarita and The Signal also have ongoing local calendars to keep you up to date and our many religious organizations will be having plenty of holiday celebrations around town. Take a look inside these pages – our own Our Valley magazine covers lots of super fun events around “our valley!” Both the SCV Chamber and the Latino Chamber can point you in the right direction, as well. We are a wonderfully diverse valley but it doesn’t matter which party you attend, we all love some schmaltzy holiday music!

Make sure you leave enough time to check out the holiday lights; we have SCV neighborhoods that can compete with the best of ‘em!

Straight Tawk: Pour some hot chocolate into that venti cup of yours and get outside – don’t be a shmoo; happy holidays to you!

Dear Amy, We want to know more about you. Is it true you’re an adventurer?

Wondering Dear Wondering, Boobie! Clearly, you work for my editor! Someone must have whispered something to you in secret, I guess! This Brooklyn-born girl’s mother still wonders what must have gone wrong that she raised a bit of a risk taker and someone who willingly sleeps on the ground. I climb mountains,

I cross ranges, I wear crampons. I snowshoe, I cross country, I downhill. I’ve seen grizzlies and snakes and scorpions and Ibex. I’ve stood on the top of mountains, crossed the rivers and valleys, climbed rock faces with heavy packs and no ropes; I’ve crossed glaciers with ice axes. I try to live life to the fullest and have a very long bucket list for which every year I have the remarkable opportunity to check a few off with friends who share the same passion. Hey, what’s the point of living if you don’t skid sideways through it? Nature is my happy place, second only to being with my children and when they are both together, this is one happy mama! But remember, my little liebshun, all that fun means nothing if you don’t get to share that good fortune with others. I wake up every day and am grateful for every good thing in my life, even when things sometimes don’t feel that “great.”

Straight Tawk: Enjoy your life in whatever ways are important to you, but always try to give a little back through the many, many philanthropic organizations we have here in the SCV. It feels so good to be a mensch. I promise.

Dear Amy, My parents keep telling me how their high schools years were the best years of their lives. I’m not seeing it with me. What am I doing wrong?

Confused Dear Confused, Honey, you have very lucky parents, indeed! High School can be a remarkable experience but also

a very difficult and emotional one. As a teenager you are dealing with some pretty big stuff during these four years and the pressure of your classes on top of it all – WOW! I think it’s pretty amazing what you kids accomplish in high schools these days. I will tell you this, though….I bet that what made your parents’ experience so wonderful in high school was being involved. Clubs, organizations, sports…when you are tied to the school in some way other than just going to class you tend to feel more a “part” of it. From the school newspaper to the yearbook, the softball team to student government, the Pokemon Club to the band – all of it “makes” the experience; to be a part of it and included in that, to meet new friends who have that same joy and passion, it all allows us to feel like an important part of the whole and builds pride in our school. These wonderful high schools in our valley are like individual cities with abundant opportunity to be included. And if you can’t find what you really want? Be a leader and START IT! Maybe working a job you love will be “it” for you or even better, volunteering for a cause you feel strongly about – those things will also help make these four years some of the best in your life, too!

Straight Tawk: Make high school what you want it to be - but forge your own path, baby!

Everyone is different and as long as you are healthy in body and mind and happy (and a good kid for your parents, of course), you’ll enjoy your time as you look forward to next steps, whatever they may be!

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PART 4

The Reunion . Freeman, Jr A novel by Charles L

Recap: Music industry executive Lorenzo “Chocks” Taylor has just been surprised at his 20year high school reunion by his former girlfriend, Tina Davis. Their break-up, years before, had been acrimonious and bitter and there remains unfinished business between them.

The tent was crowded with people as the party was in full swing. Charles Reid and his wife Chris were there, dressed to the nines as usual. Alvin Brooks, fat and bald, was there as well as were the aforementioned Marvin Harris and Eddie Jackson who had a crowd three-deep around him. Lorenzo was talking to DeWitt Stewart and his wife Jacqueline when Rudy came up and whispered in his ear, “There’s someone waiting in the living room to see you.”

“Who?” Rudy smiled. “Go into the living room and see for yourself.”

Lorenzo excused himself, turned and headed into the house and as he walked into the living room, he saw a woman looking at the family pictures displayed on the mantel above the fireplace. She turned when she heard Lorenzo walk into the room, their eyes met and they stared at each other. It was the same woman who’d arrived in the black Cadillac.

“Hello Lorenzo.”

Lorenzo was frozen in place. Tina Davis was the absolute last person he expected to see when

he walked into the room.

“Tina? What are you doing here? Rudy didn’t tell me that you were coming this weekend.”

“I told him not to say anything. I wanted to surprise you.”

Lorenzo shook his head. “This is the best surprise I’ve had in a long time.” He looked her up and down. “Damn, you look good!”

“Why thank you Lorenzo,” Tina laughed. “You don’t look too bad yourself.”

They hugged and kissed each other on the cheek before they sat down next to each other on a sofa. Unbeknownst to them, Rudy peeked into the room from the doorway, saw them sitting together, turned and walked away with a big smile on his face. He’d done his part; the rest was up to them.

“So, Rudy tells me that you’ve become quite a big shot in the music business over the last few years.”

Lorenzo smiled before he responded. “Well, I’m a vice president at Wilshire Records.”

“Don’t be so modest. I’ve Googled you and everything I’ve read says you’re one of the top people in your field. Rudy even says you should be a judge on one of those singing shows.”

“Sometimes Rudy talks too much.” Lorenzo paused. “Or in this case, not enough.”

“He’s very proud of you,” Tina said. “You’re like a brother to him.”

Lorenzo nodded. “He’s the best friend I’ve ever

C

harles L. Freeman, Jr is a Los Angeles based writer with over twenty-five years of multi-faceted experience in the entertainment industry. He is the owner of the Mariposa Entertainment Group in Los Angeles and the author and publisher of

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had. But, that’s enough about me. Why didn’t you want me to know you were going to be here tonight?”

Before Tina could answer, Lorenzo’s cell phone vibrated. He looked at it, saw the name Josh Evans, then excused himself and walked out into the entryway.

the romantic novel, The Reunion, which is available in paperback and Kindle on amazon.com and in paperback on barnesandnoble.com. Respond to him via charleslfreemanjr@yahoo.com and follow him on Twitter @charleslfreemn.