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JANUARY 9, 2022

New Diets for 2022

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SOUP TIME

NEW YOU NEW ME

GARDEN LESSONS FOR THE NEW YEAR

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J A N UA RY 9, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES 4 4 Sometimes All You Need is Soup 5 How to Succeed with Your New Diet 6 Arroyo Seco Teacher Honored for Astronomy Lessons 7 New Year, New Me — Hitting the Gym FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8 8 ‘You’ve Got a Friend at City Hall’ SENIOR LIVING 9 9 Maintaining a Healthy Weight ENTERTAINMENT 10 10 Favorite TV Shows from 2021 FOOD 11 11 Morning Favorites Butter Pecan Waffles Banana Walnut Pancakes GARDENING 13 13 Gates: Lessons from Your Garden HOME 14 14 Install Bathroom Tile Like a Pro HEALTH 15 15 New Lung Cancer Treatment Options Lung Cancer Symptoms BOOK REVIEW 16 KIDS & FAMILY 17 17 Donna’s Day: ‘Glam” Cleaning Gloves Junior Whirl PUZZLES 18 OPINION 19 SPORTS

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J A N UA RY 9, 2022

N E W S F E AT U R E

Sometimes All You Need is Soup

From Left: Birria from Birrieria Sabor Michoacan. PHOTO BY VICTOR CORRAL MARTINEZ / THE SIGNAL. Tom Kha with shrimp, Tom Yum and Tom Kha from Mom Can Cook. PHOTOS BY CHRIS TORRES / THE SIGNAL By Victor Corral Martinez Signal Staff Writer

ew foods can transcend continents and cultures the way soup can, and during January, it’s no surprise that it’s national soup month. Soup has many flavors, styles and ingredients, but most have some form of vegetables, meat and broth. Regardless of the ingredients, many can remember when they were sick and ate soup to feel better or warm. Popular soups in California are directly affected by the melting pot of cultures that make up the state; some favorites include albondigas, Menudo, chicken noodle, ramen, pho, tomato bisque, clam chowder and French onion soup. In 2017, Campbell Soup Co. conducted a survey and discovered that more than 95% of surveyed individuals said they enjoy or love soup. It was also discovered that Millennials enjoyed soup the most out of any age group. Additionally, respondents said chicken noodle soup is best for providing comfort when you have a cold, being a remedy for the post-breakup blues or while binge-watching Netflix. The survey identified that Sunday was a popular day for soup consumption to deal with hangovers; more than 20% of Millennials have said they eat soup on Sunday to recover from a hangover.

Regardless of why people consume soup, there is no feeling close to a hot soup to warm your body during winter. Here’s a look at some of the more popular soups in Santa Clarita.

Olive Terrace Bar & Grill

The Bar & Grill has many delicious Mediterranean dishes and offers a great selection of soups. The soup offerings include tomato basil bisque, clam chowder in a sourdough bowl, French onion soup and a seasonal roasted butternut squash soup. Olive Terrace Bar and Grill is located at 28261 Newhall Ranch Road in Santa Clarita, 91355. For more information, call (661) 257-7860 or visit www.oliveterracebarandgrill.com.

Mom Can Cook

The Thai restaurant is a hidden gem. However, the restaurant has persisted for decades in delivering quality food. In addition to their excellent selection of cuisine, they offer a large selection of soups. A popular soup is tom-yum, a hot and sour Thai soup; Mom Can Cook’s version is described by the hot and sour flavors, lemon grass, spices and herbs, tomatoes, mushroom, carrots and cilantro. Mom Can Cook also offers a wonton seaweed soup, which is filled with ground chicken wontons, vegetables in a chicken broth topped with roasted seaweed, roasted garlic and cilantro. Mom Can Cook is located at 18358 1/2 Soledad Canyon Road in Santa

Clarita, 91387. For more information, call (661) 251-8103 or visit www. momcancook.com.

Birrieria Sabor Michoacan

You can have it your way with an array of Mexican dish items at Birrieria Sabor Michoacan with offerings that include menudo, pozole and chicken soup. The star of this restaurant’s soups is definitely the birria; you can have it as a soup in a delicious broth served with freshly made corn tortillas, or as a taco, burrito or on nachos. The restaurant is women-owned and run with flavors and food creations that represent the vibrant and delicious culture of Apatzingán in Michoacan. Birrieria Sabor Michoacan is located at 24233 Creekside Road in Valencia, 91355. For more information, call (661) 365-1891 or visit www.facebook. com/birrieriasabormichoacan.

Aroma Ramen

Ramen is a noodle soup and one of the most famous soups to come out of Japan and usually consists of a wheat noodle, meat, vegetables and a broth. Most people around the world might recognize the soup in the instant ramen form that is synonymous with college students. However, Aroma Ramen makes some of the best ramen in Santa Clarita and has a large selection of options. Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen is one of the most popular in America and is

the go-to for those new to high-quality ramen. Tonkotsu Shoyu Shio has a shoyu broth with soy sauce and miso paste is added to make miso broth. The Tonkotsu steak ramen is another fan favorite with a soy pork broth, steak, seasoned egg, fish cake and onions, and is served with a think noodle. Aroma Ramen is located at 27530 Newhall Ranch Road in Valencia, 91355. For more information, call (661) 888-1593 or visit www.aroma ramen.com.

Corner Bakery Cafe:

The Corner Bakery is one of those storied franchises that began in downtown Chicago originally creating baked goods, but slowly began to expand its menu. The Valencia location offers an array of food options but during the cold weather, they offer chicken orzo, cheddar broccoli, tomato bisque, chicken noodle and loaded baked potato. With the large array of food options, pairing your soup with a sandwich or other side item is offered. Many patrons select a grilled cheese or their tomato mozzarella sandwiches to pair with the tomato bisque or other soups. Corner Bakery Cafe is located at 24290 Valencia Blvd. in Valencia, 91355. For more information, call (661) 259-2813 or visit www.corner bakerycafe.com/location/valencia. 

J A N UA RY 9, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

N E W S F E AT U R E

How to Succeed with a New Diet in the New Year By Caleb Lunetta Signal Senior Staff Writer

ew year means new you for a number of people and that generally comes with finding a new nutritional regimen that both helps you lose the rest of those pesky pounds while also transitioning to a healthier lifestyle. But while local experts do encourage people to take healthy steps towards improvement, they said the trick they encourage for their clients is in taking meaningful steps toward their goals, as opposed to making abrupt life changes. In a panel of more than 25 dietitians and experts in the field of nutrition, U.S. News & World Reports ranked the top diets people would be trying heading into 2022. In their summation, the panelists concluded that the top three diets are as follows: The Mediterranean diet, followed by a tie between the DASH diet and The Flexitarian Diet. While the Mediterranean diet is relatively more well-known — an active lifestyle, weight control and a diet low in red meat, sugar and saturated fat and high in produce, nuts and other healthful foods — the relatively new DASH and Flexitarian diets have also been lauded for their perceived health benefits.

Dash Diet

According to the National Library of Medicine, a national government medical library based out of Maryland, the DASH diet emphasizes vegetables, fruits and whole grains and includes fat-free or low-fat dairy products, fish, poultry, beans, nuts and vegetable oils. It limits foods that are high in saturated fat, including fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, sugar-sweetened beverages and sweets and tropical oils such as coconut, palm kernel and palm oils.

Flexitarian Diet

The Flexitarian Diet, according to the Cleveland Clinic, involves “essentially a flexible alternative to being a vegetarian. So, you’re still focusing on fruits, veggies, whole grains, legumes and nuts, but you occasionally still enjoy meat.” However, despite these diets leading to healthier lifestyles for many people, local Santa Clarita Valley experts are urging people to not burn themselves out.

Go Slow

“To me right now, at this time of year, changing one or two things in their week could probably make such a huge difference,” said Michelle Schirra, a Santa Clarita Valley clinical nutritionist and nutritional coach. “If they’ll just shift a couple of things, No. 1 wean themselves off of sugar if they’re waking up in the morning to have something sweet for breakfast.”

The Mediterranean, DASH and Flexitarian diets are considered by nutrition experts to be the top three.

The Mediterranean diet is relatively more well-known and focuses on an active lifestyle, weight control and a diet low in red meat, sugar and saturated fat and high in produce, nuts and other healthful foods

“I think people go all or nothing to try to swing and go completely off their sugar and everything they’ve been having, and then they can’t, they can’t maintain it,” Schirra added. Schirra said all people are built differently, and that her mantra, and well as the mantra of others, should be to do things in moderation. “Everyone is made up differently, and some people can be stricter than others,” said Jodi Dalyai, a licensed dietitian at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. “Some people want to go on keto or whatever. However, for the most part my mantra is always moderation. “Most people want to be extreme and be all or nothing,” Dalyai added. “And usually January, February, March are good months for people to swing, join the gym, hire a new trainer, go on a diet and then they burn out.”

Healthy Lifestyle

She said going too extreme may cause someone to fall back on their goals, and she attempts to avoid the word “dieting” as opposed to the phrase “healthy lifestyle.” “We know dieting and the language of a shortterm change or fix doesn’t lead to successful longterm weight loss,” said Dalyai. “You want to look

at lifestyle changes that you’re ready and willing to make.” “Eating more vegetables if someone has a low vegetable intake, cutting out sugar-sweetened beverages, increasing water intake,” said Dalyai, listing some examples of changes people could make. “Maybe moving more towards plant-based eating, cutting out excess animal food intake, reducing processed food intake, doing less eating out, more cooking at home.” Dalyai also heavily emphasized that two factors people often overlook are stress and sleep management. “Whether people need to engage in stress management, like mindfulness and breathing, or they really need to focus on getting more than five or six hours of sleep a night because that can really influence their health,” Dalyai added. But both professionals returned to the point that people need to not fall into the pitfall of thinking there will be an immediate change once hopping on the scale. “What makes you happy, just moderation with that,” said Schirra. “If you like pasta, then just eat a small little portion of it … don’t eat a big bowl of it. You have to find that happy medium.” 

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J A N UA RY 9, 2022

N E W S F E AT U R E

Reaching for the Stars

Arroyo Seco’s Hirst Honored for Excellence in Teaching Astronomy By Jose Herrera Signal Staff Writer

he Astronomical Society of the Pacific has presented Christine Hirst, an astronomy teacher at Arroyo Seco Junior High School, with the Thomas J. Brennan Award for exceptional achievement in teaching astronomy. “I cried. I’m never nominated for things because I always have my nose buried in getting things to my students,” Hirst said. “I’m pulled in so many directions because I have so many roles that I don’t have time to do what it takes to win awards.” Hirst said she got a call from the director of the ASP, and she originally thought she had done something wrong at a recent conference. However, it was good news. “It was so incredible because so much about teaching is accepting that we’re lifelong learners, too,” Hirst said. “Every student that I have thinks that I impact them, but they impact me.” The ASP’s mission is to promote public science interest, engagement and literacy through astronomy and related fields. The ASP recognizes achievements and awards individuals in astronomy research, technology, education and public outreach. Hirst’s enthusiasm and passion for astronomy have led her to be a role model to students in the classroom, mentor colleagues and become an astronomy ambassador in the community and abroad, according to a news release announcing her award. Hirst taught at West Ranch High School for 14 years then moved to teach at Arroyo Seco Junior High School. As a teacher, she developed a handson high-altitude ballooning project where students design experiments to be carried into the stratosphere and launch from West Ranch’s outdoor stage. “Christine is the type of professional who can impress upon students a love for learning,” said Dave Caldwell, spokesman for the William S. Hart Union High School District. “Her passionate drive to discover sets her apart for our students.” Hirst said now’s the time where educators need to capitalize on those experiences of wonder when students, K-12, look at the moon or stars and feel an urge of inquiry. “We’re facing a huge shift in education, and we need to be able to find things that kids can connect to and relate to,” Hirst said. “(Experiments) make (science) real. It makes it less abstract.” When students only read about science, but they’re not doing it, that’s a disserve to them, she added.

Hirst holds her Thomas J. Brennan Award for exceptional achievement in teaching astronomy from the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. PHOTO COURTESY CHRISTINE HIRST

“

Bernhardt’s enthusiasm and passion for all things astronomy has led her to be a role model to students in the classroom, mentor to her fellow colleagues and astronomy ambassador in the community and abroad. Her dedication and enthusiasm have no doubt created future educators, researchers, and lifelong astronomers.” — ASP

“Part of doing experiments with students is allowing them to fail and see the process through that, because as an education system, we don’t promote failure, we promote one way and it’s to

succeed all the time,” Hirst said. “But that’s not life.” Students examined their process and revisited that if they failed, and that is where the learning lies, Hirst added. In 2019, before COVID-19, she and her students hosted the district’s first-ever Student Space Symposium. NASA judges came and students presented research to them. Hirst recalled one of her students who said “the coolest thing about the high-altitude balloon (one of their experiments) is that the teacher doesn’t know the answer.” “We’re doing these things without a predetermined outcome,” Hirst said about that day. “It’s not just like mixing A and B to get C. I didn’t have the answer, either, and it was up to the students to pull it off.” Yael Brynjegard-Bialik, a junior at University California Santa Barbara, is a former student at West Ranch who Hirst inspired to pursue a science, technology, engineering and mathematics major. “She (Hirst) really cared about us,” Brynjegard-Bialik said. “She cared her students engaged and, not only just like learning material, getting involved with the material. Most of her curriculum involved real world, real projects.” Brynjegard-Bialik said she nominated Hirst for the Thomas J. Brennan Award because of the impact Hirst had on her life. “She wasn’t just a teacher to me, she was a mentor,” she said. “That’s someone who cares and is invested in my future. I’m so lucky to have that connection with her. The least I can do is nominate her for an award she well deserves, and I know it’s not just me who feels that way.” Hirst said she loves teaching, and one day she may return to the Hart district, but for now, she took a year off to work in Washington, D.C., as an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow. She is also working as a member of the newly formed National Astronomy Education Committee through the International Astronomical Union. Hirst will help design and facilitate a program to integrate earth and environmental concepts into Next Generation Science Standards for schools in the United States. “It all started with my students and being able to open them to new and unique experiences that weren’t just textbooks,” Hirst said. “It’s truly reaching for the stars.” 

J A N UA RY 9, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

N E W S F E AT U R E

Left: Kaia FIT Owner Heather Flebbe leads a CrossFit class at Kaia FIT in Santa Clarita. Right: Clients work out at GoTribe Fitness in Santa Clarita. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

New Year, New Me — Gym Goals for 2022 By Emily Alvarenga Signal Senior Staff Writer

s we head into another new year, many will be lacing up those sneakers to work on one of their New Year’s resolutions: hitting the gym. In fact, studies suggest that regular physical exercise is a tool to help the immune system in its fight against viruses like COVID-19 and benefit your overall well-being. “It is critical to maintain your physical fitness in order to improve your immunity for COVID or for any virus that we may encounter in the future,” Kaia FIT owner Heather Flebbe said in a previous Signal interview. “It’s critical to your mental health, your physical health, your immune system … I attribute that to our healthy immune system by being physically active.” With 2022 underway, some are looking to be a bit healthier, while others are looking at other fitness goals, and these days there are various gyms for any aspiration. In the Santa Clarita Valley, there are a plethora of options, including women-specific, boot camp types and others focused on personal trainers, to fit everyone’s wants and needs.

Hardcore Fitness Boot Camp

A fitness gym that began as an outdoor boot camp, Hardcore Fitness is a gym that combines group training classes, nutrition and community.

Founder Larry Nolan began personal training at 16 and soon realized he wanted to change the typical fitness model and create a new kind of gym focused on its clients. Because not everyone has the same fitness aspirations, Nolan’s goal was to create a training program that would work for anyone. He’s since designed patent-pending equipment to allow everyone to get their best workout. One such piece of equipment is able to do more than 300 exercises, allowing them to figure out what each person needs, then placing them where they will get the most success, according to Nolan. Hardcore Fitness Santa Clarita is located at 20715 Centre Pointe Parkway, Unit B, in Santa Clarita. To learn more about Hardcore Fitness, visit hardcorefit nessbootcamp.com or call (800) 910-2486.

GoTribe Fitness

Similarly, GoTribe Fitness co-founders Jacob Hoffman and Chris Hodges started the gym to move away from the typical corporate gym model, with the goal of caring about clients and their results. Since creating GoTribe in 2014, they’ve been working on their own unique fitness data-tracking app and software, which helps their clients maximize accountability, according to Hoffman. GoTribe’s workouts are designed to fit each client’s specific goal, Hoffman said, noting that programs are designed by an expert and classes are split into “lifters and burners,” meaning those who

want to gain strength and those who want to lose weight, respectively. In addition to fitness classes, the gym also offers nutritional coaching and stress management. GoTribe Fitness is located at 23340 Cinema Drive, No. 5, in Santa Clarita. To learn more about GoTribe Fitness, visit gotribefit.com or call (661) 347-4610.

Kaia FIT

When Heather Flebbe finally accomplished her goal of opening her own gym after having been in the fitness industry for nearly three decades as an exercise physiologist, she said she knew she wanted to create a space where she could reach women specifically. Kaia FIT offers group fitness classes specifically with women in mind, as well as nutrition programs, boot camps and specialty workout classes, such as cross-training, yoga-pilates, barre and kickboxing, among others. Flebbe said the gym offers women a supportive environment, as they work toward their fitness goals surrounded by like-minded women. Flebbe said she hopes to share what the power of fitness does for each client’s mind, confidence and energy for life, and the gym allows her to do just that for her clients. Kaia FIT Santa Clarita is located at 26635 Valley Center Drive, Suite 106, in Santa Clarita. To learn more about Kaia FIT, visit kaiafit.com/locations/ santa-clarita or call (661) 609-0582. 

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J A N UA RY 9, 2022

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

‘You’ve Got a Friend at City Hall’ Relaunched By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

s we start the new year, I want to remind Santa Clarita residents that “You’ve Got a Friend at City Hall.” The high-quality of life we all enjoy in our community is due to many factors, one of which is the amazing team that works at City Hall and other City facilities to provide customer service, programming, events and more. This year, we are relaunching the “You’ve Got a Friend at City Hall” campaign to remind residents that City staff are available and accessible to help you find the information and resources you need. Did you know there are more than 400 fulltime City of Santa Clarita employees who work in 20 specific divisions in six different departments? They each

have a very specialized job that provides a resource, program, service or project that benefits you — our residents! If you haven’t already, you will undoubtedly notice the movie-posterstyle images at City facilities and online featuring City Hall staff. This month, you will be introduced to the Technology Services division. This team is responsible for updating the City website, creating user-friendly applications, using geographic data to create maps, adding events to the Community Calendar and actively looking at new ways to streamline the way the City provides services to residents and local businesses. Technology is always changing, and they’re always looking to make it easier to live, work and play in Santa Clarita. Want to learn more? Feel free to give Technology Services a call at (661) 286-4070 or email webmaster@ santa-clarita.com. Next month, you will meet your

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friends at the Santa Clarita Public Library. February is National Library Lover’s Month – the entire month is dedicated to the people who love whole buildings devoted to the reading, housing, organizing, categorizing, finding, studying and otherwise loving books. During this month, you will meet the people and personalities behind our Libraries and find out about all the services offered — from books about travel to getting your passport; there is a whole world to discover. The goal of the “You’ve Got a Friend at City Hall” campaign is to

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remind our residents that City staff are accessible and ready to help you! Please visit our website at santaclarita.com to find contact information for the department or division you want to reach. Another great way to get in touch with City staff is through the Resident Service Center. Getting your questions answered, your issue resolved and the help you need is just a click away at santa-clarita.com/RSC. Some of the most viewed topics on RSC include jobs in Santa Clarita, bulky item pick-up, public records requests, parking violations, illegal dumping and local schools. Our employees are accessible and ready to help you. Make sure to follow the City of Santa Clarita on social media to meet your friends at City Hall.

Ken Striplin can be reached at kstriplin@santa-clarita.com. The views expressed in his column are those of the City and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal. 

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J A N UA RY 9, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

SENIORLIVING

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

alorie-counting and watching one’s weight is often seen as a young person’s game. But even aging men and women should recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy weight. Older adults may experience weight gain or unintentional weight loss. Understanding how to address each in healthy ways is important.

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Weight Loss Tips

More than two-thirds of Americans, including adults age 65 and older, are overweight and obese, according to U.S. News & World Report. A combination of factors can contribute to weight gain in older adults, including a slower metabolism and a tendency to be more sedentary with age. Empty nesters also may be less likely to cook their own meals, relying on convenience foods — some of which may be high in fat and/or calories. Sustained healthy weight at any age is linked to improved heart health, mental health benefits like increased self-confidence, healthy joints, and much more. These tips can help aging individuals maintain healthy weights. ¥ Incorporate strength or resistance training into your weekly routine. Hormone production slows down as the body ages, and that may result in a loss of muscle mass. Lifting weights or engaging in resistance training with elastic bands or body weight can restore muscle tone and speed up metabolism. Adults should aim for strength training twice a week. Monitor sugar and starch intake Many older adults have elevated blood sugar levels due to insulin resistance. When cells become resistant to insulin, glucose doesn’t get used up and remains in the blood. Eventually this can lead to pre-diabetes, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Many people with these conditions have a hard time losing weight. Avoiding added sugars and extra carbohydrates could help. Practice portion control A 60-year-old can’t eat the same way he or she did at age 30 or 40. Nutritionists say that, with every decade that passes, people generally need about 100 fewer calories a day to maintain their weights.

Cutting calories slowly and steadily helps people maintain healthy weights, especially when they couple this with exercise.

Avoiding malnutrition-related weight loss

Malnutrition is a common component in unintentional weight loss in aging populations. Reduction in senses of small and taste, smaller appetites and lack of desire to make meals can contribute to malnutrition and weight loss. Underlying health problems also may lead to unwanted and unhealthy weight loss. Tracking weight loss and getting sufficient nutrients is vital to aging adults’ overall health. A 2014 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that having a body mass index at the lower end of the recommended age for adults increased risk for mortality more so than being overweight. Individuals whose BMI is less than 23 could be putting themselves in jeopardy. Older adults need to adjust their routines as they age in order to maintain healthy weights. Such adjustments can reduce seniors’ risk for disease and improve their quality of life. Can‘t eat the same way he or she did at age 30 or 40. Nutritionists say that, with every decade that passes, people generally need about 100 fewer calories a day to maintain their weights. Cutting calories slowly and steadily helps people maintain healthy weights, especially when they couple this with exercise. (MC) 

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J A N UA RY 9, 2022

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

Roeper’s Favorite TV Shows from a Field of More Than 1,900 By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

f you sometimes get the feeling it would be impossible to watch all the original series on broadcast TV, cable and streaming services, you would be correct. The numbers are staggering. According to Variety, there were 1,923 series on various platforms in 2021, shattering the record of 1,628 set in 2019. This is why I can’t really say my Top 10 list represents the “best” series of 2021; as much as I tried to soak up as many offerings as possible, by sheer force of the clock and the calendar, I couldn’t see everything. So, let’s just call this my 10 favorite new TV series of 2021, and by “series” I mean everything from a limited run of a dramatic show to the first season of a series that will continue on — or a documentary of more than one episode. We start with a couple of unofficial mayors and a president in peril. 10. “Mare of Easttown” (HBO Max) If you’ve had your pinot noir glassful of all those ritzy, richie-rich melodramas such as “Big Little Lies” and “The Affair” and “The Undoing,” Kate Winslet’s world-weary former high school basketball star and police detective can give you a tour of Easttown, a small, working-class town in Pennsylvania where they have just as many sensational crimes, dirty deeds and passionate affairs as their wealthier counterparts on either coast. 9. “Impeachment: American Crime Story” (FX) Five years after Sarah Paulson’s Emmy-winning turn as prosecutor Marcia Clark in “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story,” Paulson turns in an even more impressive performance as self-designated and cringe-inducing whistleblower Linda Tripp, whose betrayal of Monica Lewinsky (Beanie Feldstein, doing superb work) ignites the impeachment case against then-President Clinton (a nearly unrecognizable Clive Owen). Juicy, juicy stuff. 8. “Mayor of Kingstown” (Paramount+) Jeremy Renner’s Mike McLusky is like a spiritual cousin to Wins-

let’s Mare Sheehan in that neither is the actual mayor of their respective hardscrabble communities, but both bear the weight of the world on their shoulders as they navigate the often-blurred lines between law enforcement and breaking the rules for the greater good. This is a gritty, rough-hewn, authentic slice of blue-collar Michigan life from co-creator Taylor Sheridan of “Yellowstone” fame. 7. “Blindspotting” (Starz) The 2018 feature film “Blindspotting” was a work of blazing creativity, and this Starz original comedy/ drama/musical series is a worthy follow-up, as it picks up the story of Ashley (Jasmine Cephas Jones), six months after Miles (Rafael Casal), her longtime boyfriend and the father of her son, has been handed a harsh prison sentence. Filled with eye-popping visuals, strong performances and unique storytelling devices, “Blindspotting” is bold and original television. 6. “The Sex Lives of College Girls” (HBO Max) Yes, there’s quite a bit of sex in this raw, raunchy, funny and frank HBO Max original series, but this is really about the LIVES of college girls, i.e., Bela (Amrit Kaur), Whitney (Alyah Chanelle Scott), Leighton (Renee Rapp) and Kimberly (Pauline Chalamet), the obligatory Four Diverse Strangers who instantly become entangled in each other’s lives in their freshman year at a top-tier private school in Vermont. “The Sex Lives of College Girls” features some of the best acting and writing in any series this year. It takes about 10 minutes of the pilot episode for us to feel invested in these young women, and we’re rooting for them to figure things

out — but of course we know they’ll NEVER figure everything out, because, well, we remember what idiots we were (or should I say I was) as 18-year-old freshmen. 5. “Midnight Mass” (Netflix) And now for something completely darker. Writer-director Mike Flanagan delivered a deeply disturbing, grotesquely twisted, spiritually bent Netflix original limited series about the increasingly strange and perhaps even supernatural goings-on at a remote outpost called Crockett Island. Hamish Linklater is a standout as Father Paul, a charismatic and handsome young priest who looks like he stepped out of “The Exorcist,” and is either going to be a saintly hero or the devil in disguise — or some of both. 4. “Hacks” (HBO Max) My favorite TV duo of 2021: Jean Smart as Deborah Vance, a decidedly Joan Rivers-like comedian who has enjoyed a long and successful residence in Las Vegas, and Hannah Einbinder as Ava, a charming but sometimes insufferably smug millennial comic who is hired to blow the dust free from Deborah’s old routines and infuse them with some hipster edge. This potentially hokey premise is mined for pure comedic gold, thanks to the crisp and layered writing and the magnificent chemistry between the iconic old pro Smart and relative newcomer Einbinder. 3. “Yellowjackets” (Showtime) Showrunners Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson (“Narcos”) have pulled off one the most impressive feats of the TV year, nimbly toggling back and forth between 1996 and present day to tell the story of a group of teenage soccer players who are stranded when their plane crash-lands in a remote,

mysterious place where strange things start happening. Jasmin Savoy Brown, Sophie Nelisse, Sophie Thatcher and Sammi Hanratty are outstanding as the teen girls — and Melanie Lynskey, Christina Ricci, Juliette Lewis and Tawny Cypress are equally brilliant as the adult versions of these characters. 2. “1883” (Paramount+) In addition to the aforementioned “Mayor of Kingstown” and the feature film “Those Who Wish Me Dead” (No. 6 on my list of the best movies of the year), Taylor Sheridan was the driving force behind this “Yellowstone” prequel. This is a raw, rough, rowdy ride with strong work by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill as James and Margaret Dutton, who both experienced unspeakable horrors in the Civil War and some 20 years later are embarking on another perilous journey as they accompany Sam Elliott’s Shea Brennan and a wagon train of European immigrants on a monthslong trek from Texas to the great Northwest. The best TV Western in 30 years. 1. “The Beatles: Get Back” (Disney+) One of the great things about Peter Jackson’s magnificent, three-part, nearly eight-hour documentary series about the Beatles and the making of “Let It Be” was that it inspired passionate discourse from generations of fans on Twitter and other social media platforms. Was this a self-indulgent, slow-paced, digitized vanity project, or an instant classic of a rock documentary pulling back the curtain to show us the greatest band of all time in all its messy, complicated, exhilarating, magical glory? Answer: You bet. 

J A N UA RY 9, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

FOOD

ith the weather cooling, it’s the perfect opportunity to spend some time in the kitchen to try out fun recipes and create special moments with family and friends. Pancakes and waffles provide deliciously easy ways to make mornings memorable at the breakfast table with those you love. Regardless of what you have going on during the day, a warm stack of pancakes or waffles can bring everyone to the table. Putting together a delicious, crowd-pleasing stack doesn’t have to be a big to-do with recipes like Butter Pecan Waffles and Banana Walnut Pancakes. You can make breakfast the highlight of your family’s day with just a handful of ingredients in each recipe that offer a warm, comforting twist to a breakfast time favorite. These pancake and waffle creations are delicious and easy enough to become go-tos for nearly any occasion. One of the keys to delicious pancakes and waffles is the mix you use. Consider an option like Pearl Milling Company, which has offered delicious taste and light and fluffy texture for more than 130 years. Its pancake mix varieties are easy, convenient, delicious options for memorable breakfasts. Topped with its rich and delicious syrup, its taste and quality can be passed down to future generations. For more memory-making breakfast time ideas, visit pearlmillingcompany.com.

Butter Pecan Waffles

Yield: about 6 waffles (4 inches each)

Browned Butter:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/2 cup chopped pecans 1 cup Pearl Milling Company Original Pancake & Waffle Mix 3/4 cup milk, plus additional if necessary, divided 1 egg Pearl Milling Company Syrup, for topping toasted pecans, for topping (optional)

Banana Walnut Pancakes

To make browned butter: In small skillet over low heat, place butter. Increase heat to medium-low, stirring butter with heat-proof spatula. Cook and stir until butter reaches desired brown color. Remove from heat and stir in pecans. Place pancake mix in large bowl. Add 3/4 cup milk, egg and browned butter. Stir until large clumps of batter disappear. If batter seems too thick, add additional milk 1 tablespoon at a time to reach desired thickness. Let batter stand 4-5 minutes before cooking. Pour batter into lightly greased waffle iron. Bake until steam stops or as directed by waffle iron instructions. Top with syrup and toasted pecans, if desired.

Banana Walnut Pancakes

Yield: about 20 pancakes 2 cups Pearl Milling Company Original Pancake Mix 1 1/2 cups milk 2 eggs 2 tablespoons oil

2 bananas, mashed

Homemade Whipped Cream: 1 cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons sugar

Toppings:

1 banana, sliced, for topping 2 jars (5 ounces each) walnuts in syrup 24 ounces Pearl Milling Company Syrup Place skillet over medium heat. In large bowl, stir pancake mix, milk, eggs, oil and mashed bananas. Spread 1/4 cup pancake batter on skillet. When pancake begins to bubble, use spatula to flip. Cook until golden brown on each side. Repeat with remaining batter. To make whipped cream: In small bowl, whip heavy cream and sugar until thickened. Top pancakes with homemade whipped cream, banana slices, walnuts and syrup. (Family Features). 

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

Come Party with the Kings — Kottonmouth Kings

versatile American hip-hop group based out of Orange County, California, the Kottonmouth Kings emerged in 1996 with an eclectic — and cannabis-centric — sound that integrated punk, psychedelic rock, reggae and hardcore rap. The group first attracted mainstream attention in 1997 with the track “Suburban Life,” which appeared on the soundtrack to the horror-comedy film Scream 2 and became a mod-

ern rock radio hit. They continued to brashly beat the rap-rock drum over the next two decades, maintaining a fierce independent streak and issuing a slew of high-charting albums like Koast II Koast (2006), Long Live the Kings (2010) and Kingdom Come (2018). The self-described “psychedelic hip-hop punk rock” outfit, comprised of former Humble Gods frontman Brad Daddy X, rappers

Saint Vicious and D-Loc, DJ Bobby B and “visual assassin” Pakelika, has continued to draw commercial and critical praise with their subsequent hits. You can see Kottonmouth Kings live at The Canyon Santa Clarita on Jan. 21. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. For more information, visit www.wheremusicmeets thesoul.com. 

J A N UA RY 9, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

GARDENING

Lessons from Your Garden for the New Year By Jane Gates Signal Staff Writer

ome of us have made new year resolutions we hope will change our lives. Some have made less formidable promises to ourselves. Others have decided to ignore the calendar as much as possible or just sit back and see what fate will bring. I suspect my garden is in the third category and has paid as little attention to the human labeling of time as did my dogs to their dinner time after Daylight Savings Time rolled in. For most other living creatures on this planet, time is not something to measure or categorize. But we humans tend to circumscribe our whole lives by years, months, minutes and sometimes even seconds. I guess it’s a control thing. And maybe that’s one of the reasons I value my garden so much. It is a wise teacher. It teaches me that time will continue on no matter what I do or what beliefs I cling to — political, religious, economic or anything else. Seeds will sprout, leaf out and flower; fruit will drop seeds and die as newly formed seedlings sprout again. I will make splendid plans and the weather or the wildlife will ignore them. And I will continue ageing no matter how well I eat and exercise until the day I stop altogether. So I have a choice. I can choose to feel badly about my short, egocentric period on this earth, or I can celebrate what a magnificent gift it is to be here and experience being a unique part of the awesome living tapestry of life. Considering how bleak the first choice is and how much fun the latter one is, why not go for the joyful one? After all, the truth of the matter is that I can spend every day learning new things and passing them on.

Plant the corms of an oriental lily now to bugle in the springtime with color and heady perfume!

Visit a whole different environment watching fish in the water-world of your own pond.

This makes me feel even more a part of the complex dance of life. I can make someone smile, rescue a worm stranded on the sidewalk, pat a pooch and give a plant a happy home. These are lessons my garden has shown me in so many ways. I don’t have to be rich, famous or admired to do something that makes a difference. I just need to participate in experiencing and honoring the magical life on this awesome planet! So, now that I realize I have everything I need to be happy and relevant in the coming new year, I’m gonna arm myself with shovel, fork and trowel, and I’m gonna go out there and do some good. I can help people plan their gardens to feed their souls while doing my best to help balance our human use of soil, water and air with the harmony needed to care for the planet. I can plant California natives where they will create homes and food for the local fauna. I can make a special area for amending soil so I can grow fresh healthy food and pretty flowers for cutting without using excessive water. I can enjoy every day in the gentle air, the soft winter sun, the stimulating seasonal rains, and be thankful for having the daily reminder in my garden of what is truly important about being alive. And you can do the same. Okay, now that I’m done with my proselytizing, here are some things we can all do at this time of year to feel fulfilled in the garden: • Plan to redesign your garden for more fun and productive beauty. Draw it out rough-sketched on paper, computer or formally measured and mapped so you can catch mistakes before they become expensive.

• Soil can be prepped for the spring. Amendments can be added where more organics are needed or soil needs to be aerated. • Winter is the perfect time to fix or change irrigation systems. • To keep weed germination down in open areas you will not get around to planting for a while try covering the soil with black plastic. It heats up in the sun and effectively kills many weeds germinating beneath. Just pull it off when you are ready to plant. • Plant low-water lawns, trees and shrubs during winter months. • Most of your pruning can be done at this time of year as well. • Keep hoeing and pulling weeds as they sprout. • Sprinkle wildflower seeds to bring riotous color to open areas. • Plant drought-tolerant plants and low ground-covers to save water and defend from wildfires. There are boundless opportunities to work with your landscape in January. You can use inclement days for shopping and designing. You can also just enjoy wandering through your landscape and watch the shows nature is presenting everywhere you look. So, I wish you all a Happy New Year and lots of fun, healing and healthful gardening. It’s never too late to start learning all the lessons the garden has to teach. Just step outside, look, listen and learn! For more information about gardening in the Santa Clarita Valley, visit Jane Gates on YouTube at https://youtube.com/user/Janieg8s. 

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J A N UA RY 9, 2022

HOME

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pdating the flooring can help infuse new life into tired, outdated bathrooms. For an upscale, polished look that doesn’t have to break the bank, consider installing tile flooring. Before you get started, you’ll want to make some decisions about the look and feel of your flooring:

Ceramic or stone?

Weigh factors such as porosity, how slippery the surface may be when wet and how well it retains heat or cold. Ultimately, your decision hinges on the needs and uses of your family.

Complement or contrast?

Define the overall style you want as well as the colors and tones that will help best achieve your vision.

Big or small?

Generally, the larger the tile, the fewer grout lines, and too many grout lines in a smaller space can create the illusion of clutter. However, smaller tiles can eliminate the need to make multiple awkward cuts, and small tiles are perfect for creating accent patterns or introducing a splash of color. When you’ve got your overall look and materials selected, keep these steps in mind as you begin laying the flooring: 1. Prepare your subfloor. Use a level to check for uneven spots; you need an even surface to prevent cracks in the tile or grout as well as rough spots that could pose tripping hazards. Use patching and leveling material to create a consistent surface. Apply a thin layer of mortar then attach your cement backer board with screws. Cover joints with cement board tape, apply another thin layer of mortar, smooth and allow to dry.

2. To ensure square placement, draw reference lines on the subfloor using a level and carpenter square. Tile should start in the middle of the room and move out toward the walls, so make your initial reference lines as close to the center as possible. Mark additional reference lines as space allows, such as 2-foot-by-2-foot squares. 3. Do a test run with your chosen tile by laying it out on the floor. There are color variations in most tile patterns, so you’ll want to verify each tile blends well with the next. 4. Mix tile mortar and use the thin side of a trowel to apply mortar at a 45-degree angle. Use the combed side to spread evenly and return excess mortar to the bucket. Remember to apply mortar in small areas, working as you go, so it doesn’t dry before you’re ready to lay the tile. 5. When laying tile, use your reference lines as guides. Press and wiggle tile slightly for the best adherence. 6. Use spacers to create even lines between one tile and the next, removing excess mortar with a damp sponge or rag. 7. As you complete a section of tile, use a level and mallet to verify the tiles are sitting evenly. 8. Let mortar dry 24 hours before grouting. 9. Remove spacers then apply grout to joints, removing excess as you go. 10. Allow grout to dry per the manufacturer’s instructions then go back over tile with a damp sponge to set grout lines and clean grout residue. 11. Once grout has cured — usually at least a couple weeks — apply sealer to protect it. Find more ideas and tips for updating your bathroom at eLivingtoday. com. (Family Features) 

J A N UA RY 9, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

New Lung Cancer Treatment Options

or those with lung cancer, understanding treatment options, including what type of surgery might be best for your situation, is important. Fortunately, the past decade has brought many advances in lung surgery. For example, Robotic thoracic surgery (RAS) is a minimally invasive surgery technique used in thoracic procedures, including some lung cancer cases. This technique can be used to remove diseased lung tissue and surrounding lymph nodes. To learn more about how robotic technology is typically used during lung surgery, the American Lung Association spoke with Dr. Doug Adams, a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon at TriHealth in Cincinnati. He laid out the general steps he follows with his patients. However, each institution may operate differently. Talk with your surgeon about what to expect.

Before Surgery

Before the procedure, you’ll get information about how to prepare. When you arrive at the hospital, you may go into a room where your information is confirmed, you meet with the anesthesiologist, and lines are

to place each port. The instruments and camera are attached to the robot and docked into the ports, offering real-time control of the robot. Each surgery has basically the same steps, but every body is different. Once the connection is established, the surgeon reviews your anatomy and adjusts the surgical plan accordingly.

Removing Lung Tissue Newer treatment options should give hope to lung cancer patients. (MC)

started in your body. Lines are tubes usually inserted into the hands that allow the surgery team to monitor vital signs and deliver pain medication. Next, you’ll be wheeled into the operating room, sedated and placed on your side. You’ll be completely asleep during the procedure. While sleeping, the anesthesiologist places a tube into your airway to collapse the lung not being operated on. This gives the surgeon more space to operate. The lung is reinflated before you wake up.

Getting the Robot Ready

The surgeon finds the right spots on your body for the robot ports, which are like docking stations for the robot. A small incision is made

Lung Cancer Symptoms

possibly swollen or enlarged lymph nodes in the chest. While these symptoms may be lung cancer, they may also indicate another condition. It is important to see a doctor at the first sign of anything abnormal so the cause can be identified and the condition promptly treated. (MC) 

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hough so many lives are lost to lung cancer, early diagnosis can improve patients’ chances for survival. While most lung cancers do not produce symptoms until they have spread, recognizing potential symptoms can mean getting diagnosed at an earlier stage, when treatment is more likely to be effective. The following symptoms may be indicative of lung cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, the CDC and The Mayo Clinic. • Coughing that does not go away and/or gets worse. • Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, laughing or coughing. • Coughing up blood, even a small amount. • Hoarseness of the voice. • Unexplainable weight loss. • Feeling tired all of the time. • Wheezing and shortness of breath. • Repeated bouts of pneumonia or

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Your surgeon sits at the console next to you and controls the robotic instruments. First, the small three-dimensional, high-definition camera is placed through one of the ports to provide an inside view of the chest cavity. Then, robotic instruments are placed through the other ports between the ribs. The surgeon removes lung tissue through one incision. The magnified view and wristed instruments allow for precise, controlled movements without having to make larger incisions to open the chest or spread the ribs. Sometimes the anesthesiologist

H E A LT H

will inject a liquid called ICG into the lung, which helps the surgeon see more clearly. If you have cancer, your surgeon may also remove lymph nodes. Often lung cancer will spread to surrounding lymph nodes that imaging doesn’t catch. Removed lymph nodes are examined by the pathology department to help the cancer team determine the lung cancer stage, and next steps.

Post-Surgery

After surgery, a small chest tube is inserted and the ports removed. You’re moved to recovery where staff can monitor fluid and air leaks in your chest. When there is no more fluid or air leaks, it usually means you’ve healed enough to go home, along with post-surgical instructions. Facing lung surgery? Talk to your doctor about your options, including robotic assisted surgery. Support for this educational initiative is provided by Intuitive. (SPT) 

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J A N UA RY 9, 2022

BOOKREVIEW

BookTrib’s Bites

An Inspiring Story, A Murder Mystery, Courageous Living ‘The Mask’

‘The Killing Carol’

“The Mask” is an unconventional fairytale about an ugly and misshapen boy who has been abandoned to the forest by his parents when old enough to care for himself. His existence is lonely and sometimes painful, particularly when he encounters bullies from the village who abuse and torment him. His only comfort is sculpting, and he is able to sell some creations to a few villagers who can tolerate his presence. One day, he makes an astounding discovery. It is a talking mask! It promises him a new life in a world of beauty that he never thought possible. The promise, however, comes with a price. But will the promise be worth the price? “The Mask” earned a star from a Kirkus review and a lightning bolt from BookLife.

“On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me the reason your husband had to die.” Anna Greenan found the cryptic lyric shoved against her front door. Each day of Christmas brings Anna a new stanza with a new clue. Will this mysterious Christmas carol lead Anna to uncover her husband’s murderer or will these notes lead to her demise? In her debut murder mystery, Jennifer Bee takes readers on an unforgettable journey full of unrelenting suspense and unexpected surprises. The book, the first in the Anna Greenan Mystery Series, makes the perfect holiday gift for the mystery lover in your family.

By Jennifer Bee

By Clayton Marshall Adams

‘New Beginnings: From Behind the Iron Curtain to America’ By Antonina Duridanova

Burning with the desire to share the value of freedom, Antonina takes you from her plight in communist Bulgaria to the free shores of America. Following unfortunate events in a totalitarian regime in Bulgaria, Antonina flees to the Western world. She pro-

vides true observat ions of life in a communist society: her family’s lands and cattle being confiscated by the agricultural labor cooperatives; censorship of the press and other works from the West; religion being prohibited; and any deviation from the norm leading to detention in a labor camp. Antonina describes how she could taste, smell, feel and touch freedom as she gets off the plane in New York, ready to embark on new adventures.

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J A N UA RY 9, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 7

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Make Cheap and Sweet ‘Glam’ Cleaning Gloves

5. Ease the pleated cuff wrong side out over the right side of the glove and pin in place.

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

t’s easy and fun to dress up drab latex rubber gloves with perky cuffs. Add rickrack, bows or sparkling brooches for extra bling, and your household cleaning chores won’t seem so humdrum. Your kids can help with the fabric choice, measuring and cutting. Once you get going, make several pairs. They’re fun to tuck in a basket of items for a shower or housewarming gift for a new family on the block. A whimsical homemade gift from you and your kids!

Here’s the stuff you’ll need: One pair of rubber gloves with cuffs in the quality and color you prefer, available at grocery and discount stores for a few dollars. 1/4 yard of oilcloth or water-resistant stiff fabric that is at least 36 inches wide Measuring tape, marker, scissors and straight pins. Sewing machine and thread. A glue-gun to attach decorative add-ons such as ribbon, bows, rickrack and buttons if you wish. Or pin on a brooch. You also may decide to cut the edges with pinking shears.

Here’s the Fun

Directions for one glove: 1. Trim off the edge of the glove and make the cuff shorter for a comfortable fit. 2. Cut fabric 4-inches wide by at least

Tip I placed the 4-inch-long seam above the thumb side of the glove.

18-inches long. If you prefer fuller ruffles, make it longer.

of it, I created the pleats one by one as I sewed.

3. Let your child mark 2-inch intervals along the edge and then make small knife pleats at each mark. Pin and sew the pleats in place with stitches running close to the edge. Remove pins. Note: Once I got the hang

4. Bring the 4-inch edges of the fabric right sides together, pin and sew a 1/4-inch seam to create a circular, pleated fabric ready to attach to the glove.

If the pleated cuff is too large, add another pleat. Remove pins as you sew 1/2-inch from the edge. Turn cuff over the seam and fluff the pleats. Repeat with second glove. For extra pizzazz, use your imagination and items in your craft box to decorate the gloves with add-ons. A glue gun works quickly. 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 Donna’s Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.”  © 2021 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

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SOLUTIONS

PUZZLES

J A N UA RY 9, 2022

CROSSWORD TIME

J A N UA RY 9, 2022

Opinion

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 1 9

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

READERLETTERS

Falsehoods on Vaccination Gary Horton’s latest screed on vaccination (Jan. 5) starts with a falsehood, and proceeds with a tone that would have been better presented if he had done it in all caps. The falsehood is that the largest group of unvaccinated are Republicans. I have looked for substantiation of the claim, and have found none. The largest group of non-vaccinated are those between 18 and 64, the portion of the population least threatened by COVID-19. We also know that Blacks and Hispanics are vaccinated at lower rates than whites. It is hard to imagine that among these demographic groups the preponderance of the unvaccinated are Republicans. We older folk (more likely to be Republicans and disproportionately affected by COVID-19) are 82% vaccinated (65-74) and 78% (75-plus). Given that approximately 75% or more of the COVID-19 deaths have occurred among people 65 or older, and the recovery rate of those under 65 is in excess of 99%, perhaps those younger folks who are resisting getting vaccinated have a point, especially given what is occurring with the vaccinated. As we now know, the vaccines do not prevent infection or transmission. At best they reduce serious illness and death. Since it appears that young healthy people who contract COVID-19 very rarely get seriously ill or die, then what exactly is the benefit of these vaccines to them, and so why should they take the risk? And we should acknowledge that there is at least some risk. Mr. Horton seems to say they need to take the vaccine to protect the rest of us from COVID. This seems something the unvaccinated should consider, but it has issues as well. I am substantially older than 64, and vaccinated and boosted. I did so to protect myself as best I could because of the potential of having a serious and possibly deadly experience should I contract COVID. What we have discovered, however, is that COVID and especially the Omicron variant is very transmissible and the vaccines/boosters do not insulate us from infection. The vaccines also do not prevent the vaccinated from spreading COVID to either the vaccinated or the unvaccinated. Just look at the difficulties the sports leagues are having with COVID infection, with populations that are essentially 100% vaccinated. If Mr. Horton wants to convince the unvaccinated, he would be better served by addressing the facts and not “yelling” at them and assuming they are rubes who do not know what’s good for them. He might also come to the realization that we are not going to eradicate COVID, just as we have not eradicated the flu. Once he makes that change in his thinking, he might become really radicalized and start to push for more therapeutic treatments to reduce the severity and death rate among those who contract COVID. Wouldn’t that be a step in the right direction, even for the vaccinated? Stephen Maseda Valencia Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone; Anonymous letters aren’t printed; email: letters@signalscv.com.

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

Life Lessons from COVID-19 By David Hegg

rom my seat in the arena of church ministry, I’ve had a pretty good view of the whole COVID adventure that has been, and still is, playing out on the field of our lives. As the virus has touched our church family and the greater SCV family, we’ve all realized just how hard it has been to find information we can rely on. Regulations, information, predictions and even factual compilations of cases, hospitalizations and deaths have all become suspect as mutually contradictory news reports have deepened the confusion. But one thing is all too apparent. When we dig down through all the opinions, recommendations and reports, we find one thing that is incontrovertible, and it is this: Overall health is extremely important. What we’ve all seen is how comorbidities can greatly increase one’s chances of suffering grave consequences from a virus that in most other cases is not life-threatening. Simply put, daily attention to maintaining good physical health that includes proper nutrition, consistent hygiene, regular exercise and recurrent medical attention as warranted is the most effective way to escape the ravages of the various viral culprits that swirl around us every day. What we learn from COVID about the tremendous advantages that come with overall good health we should apply to our lives in terms of maintaining good overall ethical foundations, wise discernment and integrous living. Here’s my point. When COVID hits, those whose health is compromised most often fare far worse than those in good health. The same is true in life. When adversity hits, when circumstances disappoint, and when discouragement and despair squeeze your gut, you had better have a solid ethical foundation that won’t crumble under the weight of the situation. In my line of work, I often sit with those who have been broadsided by tragedy. The loss of a job, a shocking diagnosis, the death of a child, or any number of similar tragic life events can send those with no ethical foundation into a period of alternating anger, despair, grief and self-loathing. I’ve watched otherwise successful people melt down in the face of situations that, while horrible, have been managed by many before them who understood that it is not what happens to us but how we respond that really matters.

Now, I am not in any way denying the power of adversity to unsettle even the strongest among us. What I am saying is that those who have no ethical ballast, no perspective on the meaning and purpose of life, and who have lived in the shallows of personal happiness and selfish desires will, upon being run over by adversity, too often remain miserable and ineffective, wallowing in self-pity while playing the blame game. They are no good to themselves and a considerable pain to the rest of us. So, what’s the answer? Just as good physical health requires consistent maintenance, so also a strong ethical system requires a purposeful pursuit of truth, knowledge and wisdom. I challenge you to test your ethical system by answering the four fundamental questions of life. Who am I? Where did I come from? Why am I here? Where am I going? For example, here are my answers: Who am I? I am a follower of Jesus Christ, God the Son Incarnate. Where did I come from? Like every other human being, I was created by God as his image bearer, and thus, I have value and dignity that is to be lived out wisely. Why am I here? I exist to find my identity in who God has made me, finding my life purpose living to glorify my Creator. Where am I going? This life is just a prelude to the next. I believe that physical death will not end my being, but that, because of faith in Jesus Christ, I will spend eternity with my Creator, and with all those who have entrusted their eternal well-being to him. Yes, I know. Those are my answers. Yours may be quite different. But here’s the deal. Those answers allow me to deal with suffering as that which God may be using in my life for good. They allow me to know what is right and true and useful in living this life, not for self, but for others. They also guard me against things that look good but are actually harmful. Here’s my final question. What are your answers? Here’s to a New Year filled with the ability to respond well to whatever comes our way. After all, we’re in this together. Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays. 

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