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SEPTEMBER 12, 2021

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THE DIFFERENCES IN DRINKING BOTTLED WATER

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S E P T E M B E R 12, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES

THINGS TO DO

FROM THE MAYOR

SENIOR LIVING

4 Help with the journey back to the classroom 5 The costs and considerations for staying hydrated 6 How they hope to help feed those in need 7 Take a drive up PCH 8 One of America’s darkest days — 20 years later 9 Reduce your risk of falling

ENTERTAINMENT 10

RETHINKING RESILIENCE TO WILDFIRE Learn how garden design and maintenance can help protect homes in high-risk fire areas.

10 ‘The Gateway’ — a noir crime thriller

FOOD 11

1 1 Quick, Nutritious Recipes Chicken Cordon Bleu Kebabs Laemmle Theatres • Santa Clarita Signal Chicken, Spinach and Feta Casserole

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GARDENING 15 15 Plenty of gardening jobs to do in September

KIDS & FAMILY

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S E P T E M B E R 12, 2021

N E W S F E AT U R E

Help with the journey back to the classroom not assuming,” Dedhia said. “Oftentimes we assume, ‘They must be going through this,’ but just ask a simple question of ‘how are you feeling today.’ and ‘what do you want.” This balance includes letting the little things slide, and that for some, less is more, Fairall added, noting that finding time for downtime is important in the transition so as to not add any additional stress.

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Senior Staff Writer

hildren who have headed back to the classroom this fall are facing unusual challenges as they return to full-time in-person learning this school year. “This year is definitely different and unique,” said Monica Dedhia, program manager of access, crisis and community engagement at the Child & Family Center. “A big thing to consider is that going back to school — even though it is back in person — the expectation that it’s going to be ‘normal’ as pre-pandemic is not necessarily the case … given that it’s been a year and a half of a lot of uncertainty and loss.” Whether a younger child worried about changes in their friendships or an older one worried about getting into college, students of all ages are facing unprecedented hurdles, as the year of remote learning took an emotional, mental and developmental toll. “Kids have experienced a lot of loss, whether it be personal losses of family members or loved ones, but also losses of experiences or milestones that they may have expected,” Dedhia added. Jeanine Fairall, director of operations at Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley, has a third-grader of her own Mountainview Elementary School, noting that back to school has been “a huge adjustment for the whole family, (and) I think that’s really the No. 1 thing is that it’s not just your child that’s going through a transition, but it’s the whole family.” As students across the SCV return to in-person learning for the first time in a year and a half, parents have many challenges to help their kids tackle. So, here are some tips on how parents can help their kids get into back-to-school mode now that summer is over.

Develop a routine

Making sure that your child has a predictable routine can help kids feel more secure, Dedhia and Fairall agreed. In fact, studies suggest that predictable, repetitive routines are calming and help reduce anxiety.

Take small steps

Jenny Aung, left, is walked home from her first day at Castaic Elementary for the 2021 academic year by her mother, Christine. As kids adjust to getting back to their school and classroom schedule, support from their families is a key component, according to the experts. PHOTO BY BOBBY BLOCK / THE SIGNAL

“Consistency in expectations is just so important for a child to feel secure, so they know what’s going to happen next in the midst of all the chaos,” Fairall said.

with their children daily, whether via conversation or observation, such as looking for changes in sleep patterns, diet or appetite, or increased irritability, isolation or worries.

Preparing them for what’s to come

Set the tone

Dedhia suggests creating a “mental health first aid kit” for your children by preparing them when it comes to facing uncertainty as the pandemic continues. This includes talking to your child about what will happen if a classmate — or they — test positive and then has to quarantine, for example.

Validate their feelings

Rather than trying to fix or minimize your child’s feelings — as most are instinctually prone to doing to protect their kids — validating those feelings is key. Letting them voice their concerns, listening, then talking about how those worries can be managed and processing those feelings is vital to overcoming them, Dedhia and Fairall said. “Those worries will continue to stay in their thoughts, and it may impact their academic performance, their mental health, their sleep patterns … so rather than trying to avoid those conversations, I would lean into those conversations,” Dedhia added. Parents should be checking in

It’s also important to be a role model for your child, as you are setting the stage with how they address and manage conflict and stress, Dedhia said. “Modeling how to express feelings and how to communicate thoughts will allow and create safety for their child to also have that same freedom of (saying), ‘I’m having a really bad day, this is what I need,’ versus it being presented more as an irritability attitude,” Dedhia added. Parents should also set the tone when their child is acting up, de-escalating the situation and staying calm rather than matching their attitude, Fairall added.

Find the right balance for your child

Whether it be in extracurriculars or day-to-day activities, finding a balance that’s right for your child is important to their socio-emotional health. Additionally, letting them be a part of the conversation and of decisions is helpful in allowing them to accept changes. “I think the biggest thing is just

Creating tangible, small steps to attaining goals is important in setting kids up for success, Dedhia said. So rather than creating long-term goals that can be overwhelming, set your child up for success on realistic and attainable goals in the short term. Dedhia suggests talking about their expectations, supporting them and creating realistic goals with the appropriate tools.

Lean on your resources

Here in the SCV, schools and local organizations — like the Child & Family Center — provide children with a number of resources, such as Wellness Centers, counseling programs and academic assistance. “Early intervention is the best way, so if you see that your child is struggling, reaching out to support systems,” Dedhia said. Talk to your child’s teachers, counselors, mentors, whether it be within sports, extracurriculars or the spiritual world, Dedhia added. These partners can be your child’s “safety net,” Fairall said, adding that the Boys & Girls Club also provides many of these resources for its members, such as academic assistance and social-emotional wellness. Mental Health America created a Back to School toolkit, “Facing Fears, Supporting Students,” which aims to help students, parents and school personnel with their mental health as the 2021 school year begins. For more information, visit mhanational.org/ back-school. The Child & Family Center is located at 21545 Centre Pointe Parkway in Santa Clarita. For more information, visit childfamilycenter.org or call (661) 259-9439. 

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S E P T E M B E R 12, 2021

N E W S F E AT U R E

The costs and considerations for staying hydrated By Caleb Lunetta Signal Senior Staff Writer

hile bottled water is part of a multi-billion-dollar industry, whether it’s worth it or not is really all up to the beholder. According to Masukh Swami, who runs the Newhall Market Side Store at 24621 Arch St. alongside his family, his business will order whole palettes at a time for people wishing to only drink Fiji Water — a popular brand of high-end water bottles that its distributors say comes from an artesian aquifer in Viti Levu — the largest island in the Republic of Fiji. They also Swami also says that the Essentia brand — one that it is “supercharged with ionized alkaline water,” according to its distributor — is another one of their best sellers, along with Dasani — “process of reverse osmosis filtration with a proprietary blend of minerals to create fresh, clean, and premium tasting water,” according to its distributor — and Aquafina. But what do these additives or special processes do? According to the experts, not much, or at least, not much is known in terms of the scientific benefits of choosing tap over bottled.

Bottled Water

Jodi Dalyai, a licensed dietitian at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, said that for brands like Arrowhead or Fiji, or many other big names that have come and gone through the years, there’s no real reason to buy it unless you’re concerned about the health of your neighborhood drinking water. “You can actually get mailed reports from your water company about testing of your water,” said Dalyai, referencing the Santa Clarita Valley specifically. “But I don’t recommend spending money on bottled water.” “It can be convenient, but it’s also kind of a waste of resources as far as the environment goes with plastic bottles,” said Dalyai. “So, you certainly don’t need to buy it for health, unless you know for sure there’s a reason that your water might be contaminated.” In terms of the environmental angle, the Environmental Protection Agency has reported that in 2018 plastics generated roughly 35.7 million tons in municipal waste, which was 12.2% of all municipal solid waste, and 27 million tons of plastic ended up in landfills. And with regard to the health and safety of local water, officials at SCV water say that their primary focus with local H2O that pours out of your tap is the health and safety of their customers. “Before reaching the tap, our water must withstand rigorous rounds of treating, monitoring and testing,” said Kathie Martin, the communications manager for SCV Water. “We conduct more than 20,000 tests each year at various points in our treat-

Ricky Swami, manager of The Side Store Newhall Market, arranges the display various types of bottled water in the refrigerator in Newhall. While the actual health effects of various new waters are still being studied, it’s undeniably a part of a billion-dollar industry. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

ment and distribution system.”

Cost analysis vs. health benefits

The personal finances are a factor that should be taken into account, as well as the health benefits of water, the local experts have said. And it seems to be a logical one in favor of drinking tap water. Tap water here in the SCV costs roughly $.003 a gallon, according to Martin. One gallon of Fiji water, based on its per-liter price, comes to about $69. “So, $1 would get you more than 300 gallons,” said Martin. “This doesn’t include fixed charges, but still clearly the more economical source.” A large reason people may make the association between health and their water is the taste, and that’s based on the distinction between the taste of water — whether it is hard or soft — according to the experts. “Bottled water can also be hard or soft. Sometimes, if someone doesn’t like the taste of hard water, just drinking it cold can make it more pleasing,” said Martin. “‘Hard’ water refers to naturally occurring minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. These are present in our groundwater, picked up as it filters through sand and gravel, but pose no adverse health effects. “In fact, the minerals are the same type that can be found in dietary supplements,” Martin added. For waters such as Essentia, that come bottled and sold direct to you in stores, the scientific

community is still trying to decide if there are any health benefits. “I think the problem is there’s a lot of platitudes, but they’re unproven,” said Dalyai. “So, again, it’s not harmful. There are possible benefits, but when you do the rigorous studies involved in any type of feeling … when it comes to consumption, whether it’s food or beverages, they’re really, really challenging. “There’s just not a lot of research to show there’s necessarily any benefits for anyone drinking, say, alkaline water,” Dalyai added. “There’s a lot of people who say they feel like they get benefits from it, but as far as understanding like your acid base balance in the body, your lungs and your kidneys function to help keep your body at a certain pH, and whether drinking water can affect that is kind of debatable.” Dalyai said while it really comes down to finances, environmental factors and people having different tastes from others, hard vs. soft, it is important to understand that you need water to replenish your body in a healthy way. And we only get 20% of the water we need daily from our food. “We lose water: When we’re sweating, we lose water, when we’re talking, and our body requires replenishing water every day because of that and urination,” said Dalyai. So, we all need water when needed.” 

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S E P T E M B E R 12, 2021

N E W S F E AT U R E

How they hope to help feed those in need By Emily Alvarenga Signal Senior Staff Writer

hat looks like an oversized birdhouse sitting in front of Santa Clarita United Methodist Church is much more than meets the eye. When three Girl Scouts in Troop No. 7102 saw the need for food and toiletries amid the pandemic, they decided to create a Little Free Pantry for their Silver Award project. Similar to the Little Free Libraries seen around town, the idea for the Little Free Pantry is simple: Anyone can build one, anyone can add food and personal hygiene products and anyone can take what they need. Now, the girls hope to spread community awareness of the pantry and encourage donations. “We came up with the idea after meeting with homeless service organizations and learning about the challenges facing homeless people in our community,” said team member Olivia Gump, 14. “We learned that during the pandemic, a lot more people in our community became food insecure,” added team member Lauren McPhee, 13. “We thought that creating a Little Food Pantry was a great way to make a difference for people who need help.” The girls got to work building the pantry on weekends with the help of Gump’s father. “Olivia’s dad is a construction worker, so she was able to help us build it and showed us how to use the power tools, which was a great learning experience,” added team member Samantha Verlaque, 14. This was Gump’s favorite part, she said, as the girls got to work together and hang out while doing so, adding, “We got closer during it.” The Girl Scouts installed the pantry on Aug. 6, stocked full of dry goods they’d collected from their neighbors and friends in a food drive. Since then, McPhee, who attends the church, said she’s heard positive things of the pantry, with her mother even finding a post about the pantry on a local Facebook group. “We’ve been coming back every week to check, and so far, people have

Top: Girl Scouts from Troop 7102, from left, Samantha Verlaque, Lauren McPhee and Olivia Gump recently created a Little Free Pantry near the Santa Clarita United Methodist Church as part of a Silver Award Project to share non-perishable food items to help those without enough to eat. Right: Lauren McPhee adds a canned good to a Little Free Pantry. PHOTOS BY BOBBY BLOCK / THE SIGNAL

been donating and taking a lot,” she added. They hope that individuals as well as other local youth groups, clubs, or schools will continue to donate to the pantry so that it can be an ongoing benefit to the community. “It would be an amazing service project for a scout or youth group — they could adopt it for several months or a year, and assign troop members to check and restock it on a weekly basis,” Verlaque said, adding that she hopes the pantry can bring the community together to help others in need in their local community. The pantry accepts donations of non-perishable foods and items of personal hygiene, including deodorant, soap, toothpaste and paper goods. Donors are discouraged from leaving sharp items (such as razors), chemicals, previously worn clothing or anything illegal. For more information, visit littlefreepantryscv.wixsite.com/ lfpscv.

Other ways to donate

Through the pandemic, local orga-

nizations, such as Rally Round SCV and SCV Neighbors in Need among others, have been finding ways to collect food and other needed supplies for those in need with food drives and collection events. At the SCV Food Pantry, a nonprofit dedicated to alleviating hunger throughout the SCV, Director James Espinoza said the need has drastically increased, and the pantry is still seeing the effects of the pandemic in the community. Just last Saturday, the pantry served 53 households, compared to the average of nearly three dozen households the pantry was serving pre-pandemic, Espinoza added. The pantry is always in need of donations, especially as the pandemic has canceled a number of the pantry’s largest fundraising events, such as the National Association of Letter Carriers’ annual food drive.

“We are definitely always in need,” Espinoza said, adding that items in highest need are dry goods and canned goods. Additionally, the pantry is searching for volunteer drivers to pick up goods donated by local grocery stores, Espinoza added. One hundred percent of all food donations go directly to clients in need, while the pantry also accepts monetary donations. Donations can be dropped off at the SCV Food Pantry, located at 24133 Railroad Ave. in Newhall, from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday. During non-operational hours, food donations may be made using the night drop box located at the rear of the pantry in the alley between 4th and 5th Street. For more information on how to help the Food Pantry, visit scvfoodpantry.org or call (661) 255-5001. 

S E P T E M B E R 12, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

t’s the waning days of summer. But, there is still plenty of time to rent a convertible and spend the day cruising along one of Southern California’s most iconic roadways, the Pacific Coast Highway. PCH, also known as State Route 1, is designated as an All-American Road because of its beautiful scenery and national significance. In 1991, the National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads programs began through an Act of Congress to “recognize, protect and promote America’s most outstanding roads.” The best National Scenic Byways are designated All-American Roads when they have met “the same criteria as a National Scenic Byway, but pos-

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

PHOTO CREDIT VISIT CALIFORNIA

Take a drive up Pacific Coast Highway

THINGSTODO

sess multiple intrinsic qualities that are of national significance and the byway must be considered a destination and reason for travel unto itself.” PCH first opened in the Big Sur region in the 1930s. Portions of roadway were added throughout the years until 1964, when it was officially designated as SR 1. The drive from Santa Monica Pier to Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara is just under 100 miles from start to finish with a Google maps driving time of about two hours, however, with the usual traffic and stops along the way, it can easily be an enjoyable full-day trip.

Santa Monica Pier

200 Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica, 90401 This bustling wooden wharf offers eateries, shops, a high-tech arcade, roller coaster, giant ferris wheel, the famous 1922 Charles I.D. Looff merry-go-round and views of the bay and the mountains. The pier, built in 1909, is a National Historic Landmark. It might be tempting to just spend the entire day in Santa Monica. There is surf, sand, people watching at Muscle Beach and plenty of temptations and distractions, but resist that urge. A short walk along the beach, maybe a snack or two, on the pier, then it’s time to hit the highway.

Malibu

After you leave Santa Monica, head north along PCH — past Palisades Park and Will Rogers State Beach. Beaches along the Malibu coast include Surfrider, Zuma, Malibu, Topanga, Point Dume, County Line and Dan Blocker. Malibu is one of the most iconic cities in Southern California. The 21mile strip of beach is home to movie stars and moguls.

Gladstones Restaurant

17300 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades, 90272 Founded in 1972, Gladstones is loAt Paradise Cove, you sit so close to the water that sometimes waves will wash up and you need to raise your feet. PHOTO COURTESY DJ WEST

cated at the corner of PCH and Sunset Boulevard. It offers historic beachside dining. Stroll the beach below, before or after dining.

The Malibu Pier

23000 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, 90265 A Southern California icon in an area once called the Riviera of America. The historic landmark is located in the heart of California’s surf culture.

Paradise Cove

28128 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, 90265 The films “Beach Blanket Bingo,” “Gidget” and the television shows “Sea Hunt,” “Malibu Run” and “The Rockford Files” all filmed here. The Paradise Cove Beach Café serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

El Matador State Beach

32350 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, 90265 Breathtaking views, sea stacks and bluff side picnic tables. Explore north to caves and arches in the rocks. The largest cave faces the ocean at the bottom of a huge flat rock connected to the base of the bluff.

Leo Carrillo State Park

35000 West Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, 90265 Leo Carrillo State Park has 1.5 miles of beach for swimming, surfing, See PCH, page 16

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S E P T E M B E R 12, 2021

F R O M T H E M AY O R

One of America’s darkest days — 20 years later By Bill Miranda Santa Clarita City Mayor

t is hard to believe that 20 years have passed since we watched the deadliest attack on America unfold right in front of our eyes. Nearly 3,000 lives were lost when four planes were hijacked on September 11, 2001. Two planes were flown into the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan, one was flown into the Pentagon and passengers overtook the terrorists in the cockpit of United flight 93, causing it to crash in Pennsylvania instead of reaching its intended target in Washington, D.C. We all remember where we were and what we were doing that fateful Tuesday morning when the world changed forever. Eating breakfast before heading off to school. Watching the local news for the daily traffic and weather reports. In the car listening to the radio on the way to work. No matter what you were doing, I know

you froze in place and time stood still when you heard the news. The Santa Clarita Valley community did what it has always done in times of tragedy, which is come together to support our friends, neighbors and fellow Americans. Our residents are firefighters, police officers and members of the military. They are also mothers, fathers and siblings. We all saw our own faces in those who were lost on September 11, and we knew we must lend our support in any way possible. In Santa Clarita, neighbors came together on September 21, 2001, at City Hall for a rally to remember and appreciate the victims, rescuers and heroes of 9/11. At the event, hundreds of residents, non-profit organizations and local businesses raised more than $23,000 to support the victims’ families. Many more donated blood and supplies for those in need. A year later, the City held a “Day of Remembrance” at Eternal Valley, honoring law enforcement, firefighters and other emergency personnel. In addition to a memorial service, a plaque was dedicated for first responders to honor their sacrifice. As the years have gone by,

we continue commemorate the 9/11 terrorist attacks, not only to remember those who were killed but to also strengthen our resolve as a nation. This year, please take time to say a prayer for the victims of the attacks and their families, as well as the men and women of the military, law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency workers and first responders who continue to put their lives on the line daily to defend our country and protect our freedoms. For those in your family who were not yet born or who may have been too young to feel the impact of that day, take time to teach the history and its effects on our lives today. And remember – we will forever be one nation under God, indivisible. God bless America. Mayor Bill Miranda is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council and can be reached at bmiranda@santa-clarita.com. The views expressed in his column are those of the City and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal. 

S E P T E M B E R 12, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

SENIORLIVING

Reduce your risk of falling by taking these simple steps

fall can result in unwanted outcomes, including injury, loss of independence, and a decreased ability to do the things that are most important to you or a loved one. Each year, 3 million older adults are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries. Even falls that don’t lead to injury can provoke a fear of falling that causes you to avoid the activities that keep you healthy, strong, and ultimately less likely to fall. While falls are dangerous, the good news is that experts say they’re largely preventable. “While many factors can contribute to our chances of falling as we get older, falling is not a normal part of aging,” says physical therapist and American Physical Therapy Association spokesperson Greg Hartley, PT, DPT. “Working with a physical therapist can empower you or a loved one to regain balance and strength.” The American Physical Therapy Association offers the following tips to help you reduce your risk of falling: Get moving For older adults, physical activity reduces the risk of falling and fall-related injuries. Stay active to maintain the strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance needed to prevent falls. From swimming to yoga to walking, take part in a variety of physical activities that you enjoy. Talk to your physical therapist to determine which activities are safe for you. Know your risks A physical therapist can help you assess your risk factors and develop a plan to address them so you can remain independent. Tell your doctor or physical therapist if you have any dizziness, loss of balance, or trouble seeing. Be sure to tell them whether you fell in the last year. Check your medications Many drugs can cause dizziness, loss of balance, blurry vision, and more. If you have any of these symptoms, review your medications with your pharmacist or doctor. Assess your home’s safety Assess your home to fix or remove anything that could cause trips or slips, such as throw rugs, clutter, poor lighting, and

It’s time to take a serious look in the mirror. How many times will it take before you admit that you have a hearing problem? wobbly furniture or handrails. It’s also a good idea to install a secure grab bar in the shower and next to the toilet for sturdy support on slippery floors. If you can’t make these safety improvements yourself, ask a friend or family member to help. Check with your doctor, physical therapist, or area agency on aging for local programs that offer home safety assessments. Work with a physical therapist Physical therapy (with exercise) focused on balance, stability, and the ability to perform common tasks is recommended and can prevent falls, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Physical therapists are able to help you avoid a fall in the first place, as they are movement experts who can work with you to assess your fall risk factors and develop a plan to address them. They will advise you on making your home safer, educate you about medical risk factors linked to falls, and design a safe balance training program specific to you. To learn more about the hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement that a physical therapist can provide, visit ChoosePT. com, where you can contact a physical therapist directly for an evaluation. To find a physical therapist in your area, visit ChoosePT.com/Finda PT. With the right resources and support, you can reduce your risk of a fall and maintain your quality of life. (SPT) 

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S E P T E M B E R 12, 2021

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

‘The Gateway’ — a noir crime thriller with quirky twists, turns By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘The Gateway’

 (out of four)

Lionsgate presents a film directed by Michele Civetta and written by Civetta, Alex Felix Bendana and Andrew Levitas. Rated R.

arker is a former prizefighter who drives an old but reliable car, drinks too much, broods too much and is constantly getting into dangerous scrapes — but underneath that gruff exterior is a guy who will knock you into tomorrow if you’re a threat to a woman or a child. At the end of the day, you can count on Parker. So, what do you figure Parker does for a living? Is he a private detective? A cop? An assassin? Nah. Parker is a social worker. That’s a new one, but in the hands of director and co-writer Michele Civetta, and thanks to a gritty and raw tough-guy performance by the invaluable Shea Whigham (“Boardwalk Empire,” “True Detective”) and a fantastic supporting cast, the noir crime thriller “The Gateway” is an entertaining B-movie with some quirky twists and turns, starting with the fact Parker’s day job is looking after single moms and impoverished families. Set in the rougher neighborhoods of St. Louis, “The Gateway” opens with Whigham’s Parker making his rounds for social services. Parker also spends a lot of time looking after a blackjack dealer named Dahlia (Olivia Munn), who is prone to all-night partying, which causes her daughter Ashley (Taegen Burns) to call Parker for a ride to school. Little wonder Parker spends his nights in a tavern run by his old pal (Mark Boone Junior), getting sloshed and waxing philosophical about life. Things go from messy to bloody when Dahlia’s husband, Mike (Zach Avery), gets released from prison and immediately starts abusing Dahlia and getting mixed up in some violent and deadly activities involving a local crime boss played by the ubiquitous Frank Grillo, massive amounts of drugs and some seriously dangerous cartel people. Mike threatens Parker and tells him to stay out of

PHOTO COURTESY IMDB

his family’s business, but Parker can’t help himself, he’s going to be there when Dahlia and Ashley need him. In the meantime, we have all manner of subplots, including Parker hooking up with a regular at the bar (Taryn Manning) and the introduction into the story of Parker’s estranged father (the great Bruce Dern), who was an abusive husband and parent but would like to make amends with his son in his waning years. Oh, and Parker gets fired from his job after punching out a co-worker. The screenplay is dense with crackling dialogue, and the performances are uniformly excellent, with Shea Whigham leading the way in a badass antihero performance.

‘Shang-Chi and the Legend Of The Ten Rings’



Disney presents a film directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and written by Cretton, David Callaham and Andrew Lanham. Rated PG-13.

azzle dazzle — with a ton of heart and a generous sprinkling of warm humor. That’s “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” right there. You might not know a whole lot about the Marvel Universe character of Shang-Chi, who has a relatively obscure and somewhat complicated history, as he was the son of the fictional Dr. Fu Manchu. No expertise required, because “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,”

while firmly planted in the Marvel Universe, works perfectly fine as a stand-alone origin story. Director Destin Daniel Cretton (“Just Mercy”) has fashioned a visually popping fable with a wonderful Asian-led cast, a screenplay brimming with sharp and funny dialogue, and some pretty cool fight sequences. Shang-Chi’s father has been reworked and renamed, and is played by Tony Leung, one of the finest actors in the world. Leung’s Xu Wenwu is a legendary and, to some eyes, mythical warlord who for centuries has maintained possession of the 10 rings — glowing bracelets he wears that make him immortal, invincible and capable of great feats of power. Entire armies don’t stand a chance against Wenwu, who has grown increasingly arrogant and ruthless over a period of 1,000 years. This all changes when Wenwu discovers a magical land called Ta Lo and meets its beautiful and peaceful guardian, Li (Fala Chen). Over the objections of the citizens of Ta Lo, who want nothing to do with this bloodthirsty warlord and fear he’ll ruin their idyllic outpost, Li marries Wenwu, and he takes Li from Ta Lo so they can start a new life, with Wenwu vowing to retire from the warlording business to become a loving and tender husband and father. THAT all changes when Wenwu’s past comes back to haunt him and Li is brutally murdered. Wenwu returns to his life of crime and violence, all the while teaching his young son, Shang-Chi (played by Jayden Zhang as a boy and Arnold Sun as a teen), how to become a killing machine. Cut to present-day San Francisco, with Simu Liu (“Kim’s Convenience”) now playing the 30ish Shang-Chi, who has renounced his father’s evil ways and has cut off all ties with the family, even renaming himself Shaun, as he leads a normal and borderline dull life as a parking valet who likes to spend his nights having a few drinks and singing karaoke with his best friend, Katy — and it’s pure gold to have Awkwafina playing Katy. Shaun and Katy are happily underachieving their way through life when a band of thugs attacks Shaun on the bus, leading to the best battle-on-the-

bus hand-to-hand combat sequence since “Nobody” from earlier this year. Turns out Shaun has some mad fighting skills, and now he’s fighting mad at his father for sending these goons after him and in particular, the green pendant his mother gave him as a child. Shaun reveals his true identity to Katy and the next thing you know, they’re off to Macau, where Shaun/ Shang-Chi seeks out his long-lost sister, Xialing (Meng’er Zhang), who runs an underground fight club that’s actually way ABOVE ground — at the top of a 100-story skyscraper that’s still under construction. This leads to a wildly entertaining fight sequence on some wobbly outdoor scaffolding, with gorgeous cinematography by Bill Pope. With Doctor Strange’s valet, Wong (Benedict Wong), and “Iron Man 3” figure The Mandarin/Trevor Slattery (Ben Kingsley) making key cameo appearances along the way, “ShangChi” eventually takes us back to the land of Ta Lo, where Shang-Chi’s aunt, Jiang Nan (Michelle Yeoh), and her fellow villagers are preparing for an attack by Wenwu and his warriors. (Why is Wenwu hellbent on attacking Ta Lo? Let’s just say he believes he can resurrect his deceased wife via a method that is more likely to unleash a gigantic and evil beast that will pretty much destroy the world if set free. Bad plan, Wenwu!) Leung is a magnificent presence, commanding every scene he’s in as Wenwu, who still might have a father’s heart beating beneath all the vengeance and power he’s wrapped himself in for so many years. Simu Liu has a likable, everyman persona, but he’s a believable action hero as well, which makes him a great choice to play a likable everyman who becomes a superhero. Awkwafina does her thing and does it as well as ever, while Meng’er Zhang is so strong we’d like to see Xialing get her own showcase film. “Shang-Chi” gets a little bogged down in the grand finale, which features an overlong and typical MCU battle featuring all manner of otherworldly creatures and bombastic special effects — but the journey to that final destination is fantastic. 

S E P T E M B E R 12, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

FOOD

innertime dishes loaded with nutrients help keep loved ones connected while refueling after busy days spent at work and school. Dairy foods — key ingredients in many at-home meals — provide nutrients for people of all ages to grow and maintain stronger bodies and minds. However, some bodies are unable to break down the sugar found in milk, known as lactose, which causes an upset stomach and a heavy, bloated feeling. Rather than avoiding dairy and missing out on beneficial nutrients, people with lactose intolerance can enjoy real dairy products that are naturally low in or don’t contain lactose without the stomachache with foods like:

Enjoy dairy without the discomfort

• Lactose-free milk, which is real milk with the same 13 essential nutrients as regular milk • Hard and aged cheeses, such as cheddar, colby, Monterey Jack, Parmesan and Swiss • Yogurt with live and active cultures, which help break down lactose, making it easier to digest These easy-to-make meals offer lactose intolerance-friendly options for families seeking to keep milk on the menu. Because they all require an hour or less in the kitchen, they provide quick solutions for those hectic schedules without sacrificing taste or nutrition. Visit MilkMeansMore.org to find more delicious dishes that fit a lactose intolerant meal plan. (Family Features) 

Chicken Cordon Bleu Kebabs

Recipe courtesy of Rachel Gurk of “Rachel Cooks” on behalf of Milk Means More

Skewers

Nonstick cooking spray 2 chicken breasts (6 ounces each), cubed 1 ham steak (6 ounces), cubed 6 bamboo skewers (8 inches) 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons flour 1 cup lactose-free 2% milk 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

Chicken, Spinach and Feta Casserole

Recipe courtesy of Marcia Stanley, MS, RDN, on behalf of Milk Means More 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed 3 eggs, slightly beaten 2 cups cottage cheese 1 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons butter, melted 2 teaspoons dried minced onion 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves

salt, to taste (optional) pepper, to taste (optional) To make skewers Preheat broiler to 500 F. Line broiler pan with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Thread cubed chicken pieces and cubed ham pieces onto skewers. In small bowl, combine Dijon mustard, maple syrup, black pepper, paprika and oil. Brush mustard mixture on skewers. Broil about 5 minutes, flip and cook 5 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. To make sauce: In small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute, whisking constantly. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly. Add Dijon mustard. Continue cooking 5 minutes, or until thick. Reduce heat to low and stir in cheese, whisking until melted. Add salt and pepper, to taste, if desired. Serve chicken and ham kebabs with sauce. 

1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper Preheat oven to 350 F. Place spinach in colander. Use back of large spoon or rubber spatula to press moisture from spinach. In large bowl, combine spinach, eggs, cottage cheese, chicken, feta cheese, flour, butter, onion, oregano, salt and pepper. Spoon into greased 1 1/2-quart casserole dish. Bake, uncovered, 45-50 minutes, or until set near center (160 F). Let stand 5 minutes before serving. 

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S E P T E M B E R 12, 2021

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

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is coming to Santa Clarita

ince its formation 28 years ago, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy has toured virtually nonstop, performing on average over 150 shows per year. In the meantime, they also produced a sizable catalog of recorded music, with album sales well over 2 million. Early on, during their legendary residency at the Derby nightclub in Los Angeles, they reminded the

world, in the midst of the grunge era no less, that it was still cool to swing. The band, co-founded by singer Scotty Morris and drummer Kurt Sodergren, was at the forefront of the swing revival of that time, blending a vibrant fusion of the classic American sounds of jazz, swing, and Dixieland, with the energy and spirit of contemporary culture. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s all origi-

nal core line-up includes Scotty Morris (lead vocals and guitar), Kurt Sodergren (drums), Dirk Shumaker (double bass and vocals), Andy Rowley (baritone saxophone and vocals), Glen “The Kid” Marhevka (trumpet), Karl Hunter (saxophones and clarinet) and Joshua Levy (piano and arranger). After 28 years, 11 records, over 2800 live shows, and countless appearances in film and television, Big

Bad Voodoo Daddy shows no signs of slowing down. You can see Big Bad Voodoo Daddy live in concert Sept.17 at The Canyon Santa Clarita, located in the Westfield Valencia Town Center. Tickets are available at the venue box office, over the phone at (888) 645-5006, or through Ticketmaster. For more information, visit www.wheremusicmeets thesoul.com. 

S E P T E M B E R 12, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

New treatment options for lung cancer patients

or lung cancer patients with a certain type of KRAS mutation, a new treatment option is offering new hope. Once considered “undruggable,” KRAS mutations were a thorn in researcher’s sides — until now. On May 28, 2021, the first KRAS G12C targeted therapy — Sotorasib — was approved, opening up another line of therapy for one in 8 non-small cell lung cancer patients who are impacted by this biomarker. Now lung cancer patients who have KRAS G12C, can go on a targeted pill if their cancer grows after they have been on chemotherapy, immunotherapy or a combination. When tumor tissue is looked at under a microscope, physicians can see what type of cancer it is. But physicians can also look for changes in the DNA of the tumor that might be causing the tumor to grow. In lung cancer, these are changes that happen over time, not changes that are inherited. Sometimes these changes are called biomarkers or molecular markers.

Organ transplants

The KRAS mutation is one of those biomarkers. It is an error in a protein in normal cells. Normally KRAS serves as an information hub for signals in the cell that lead to cell growth. When there is a mutation in KRAS, it signals too much and cells grow without being told to, which causes cancer. There are several types of KRAS mutations. About 13% of non-small cell lung cancer patients have KRAS G12C, making it one of the most common lung cancer biomarkers. Since KRAS was discovered in lung cancer in 1984, researchers have been unable to find a targeted therapy, a pill that can address what is driving the cancer cell to grow. There have been a large number of targeted therapies approved in lung cancer for a variety of other biomarkers, including biomarkers that appear less commonly than KRAS does in lung cancer patients. But this new drug doesn’t do any good sitting on a shelf, according to experts. Advanced non-small cell adenocarcinoma lung cancer patients need to be tested for a wide range of bio-

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ccording to Donate Life America, 39,700 organ transplants from 19,300 donors brought new life to patients and their families in 2019. Nearly 60% of the more than 100,000 men, women and children awaiting lifesaving organ transplants are from multicultural communities. Potential transplant recipients who identify as Black make up the largest percentage from such communities, accounting for 29% of the people from multicultural communities currently waiting for an organ transplant. Hispanics/Latinos (20%), Asian Pacific Islanders (9%), and American Indians/ Alaska Natives (1%) are other groups with significant amounts of people currently awaiting a transplant. (MC) 

Patients should consider talking to their doctor about clinical trials before the new KRAS drug is approved.

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markers that have approved therapies or emerging therapies. This is sometimes called comprehensive biomarker testing. Patients should also consider talking to their doctor about clinical trials. Before the new KRAS drug became approved, it was studied in a clinical trial, like all cancer drugs. Clinical trials are highly monitored and many of the trials testing emerging targeted therapies are now being structured as “single arm,” meaning

H E A LT H

all the patients in the trial get the new drug being tested. When that is not the case, the clinical trial is structured so participants either receive the highest standard of care known at the time or the new drug, meaning trial participants will never get a placebo or sugar pill. Like biomarker testing, clinical trials should be discussed with your physician as soon as possible. Sotorasib was the fourth lung cancer drug approved in 2021, and there will likely be many others. For patients with KRAS G12C, this marks a turning point in their treatment options that will hopefully open doors for even more KRAS targeted therapies. The American Lung Association recently released new videos helping explain KRAS and giving advice for newly diagnosed KRAS-positive lung cancer patients. Visit Lung.org/kras to learn more. (SPT) 

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S E P T E M B E R 12, 2021

HOME

Signs that say it’s time to overhaul your kitchen

emodeling a kitchen adds value to a home. Remodeling Magazine’s “Cost vs. Value Report” indicates mid-range kitchen remodels cost about $66,000, and homeowners can expect to recover about 60 to 80 percent of that cost at resale. Homeowners may wonder if remodeling their kitchens is worth the investment. But homeowners should not just consider cost, but also the current conditions of their kitchens when deciding if a renovation project is the right move to make. These signs indicate it may be time to renovate a kitchen.

Breakers are triggered If the lights go dark from a tripped circuit breaker every time you try to microwave and run the toaster oven at the same time, your wiring is likely not up to the task of handling the workload and could be out of date. A kitchen remodel will assess wiring load needs and an electric overhaul may be necessary.

Poor lighting Task lighting is essential in a kitchen, but older homes may not be equipped with lighting where it’s most needed. A carefully designed remodel can improve lighting with under-cabinet lights, pendants, overhead lighting, and even natural light to make the space attractive and more functional. Lack of storage One of the biggest hassles homeowners encounter in their kitchens is a lack of storage space. If making a meal involves a Jenga-like stacking and rearranging of kitchen tools, or if an avalanche occurs whenever you search for an item, you might need more storage. A carefully planned redesign can achieve this, even in a smaller kitchen. Outdated appliances Even if your appliances are not avocado green or mustard yellow relics of the 1970s, they might still need to be replaced. According to CRD Design, applianc-

es are only expected to last around 10 to 15 years. If appliances have become unsafe or energy hogs, it could be time for a remodel. Family is expanding (or shrinking) Kitchens often are the heart of a home. They need to meet the needs of the family that resides in that home. A remodel can add space as needed. On the flip side, when a couple becomes empty nesters, kitchens can be redesigned and downsized to reflect their new needs and desires, such as the addition of a wine chiller or espresso station.

Frequent run-ins The notion that you can have too many cooks in the kitchen refers to having too many people trying to pitch in or offer their opinions. However, it also can apply to when too many people are gathering in a small space. Redesigning a kitchen can improve the efficiency of a space and make the room feel larger. Aesthetic appeal Many kitchen remodels have been inspired by unsightly kitchens. Cosmetic changes can lead to big improvements. Kitchen renovations can add instant appeal and help address issues that tend to plague outdated rooms. (MC) 

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S E P T E M B E R 12, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

Plenty of gardening jobs to do in September

GARDENING

By Jane Gates Signal Staff Writer

s summer fades, temperatures in the Santa Clarita Valley often ignore the shortening daylight hours and soar into triple digits. This has been a relatively mild summer when compared to the past few years. But there’s no way to predict what the weather will bring this September. Nonetheless, there are plenty of jobs to do. The shorter days tell desert and chaparral plants to prepare for their active growth to begin, while most other garden growth prepares for a winter slowdown or the end of annual life cycles. So, now’s the time to clean up fading growth, save any seeds you may want to replant for next year and prepare your new autumn/winter garden. With average annual heat indexes climbing and droughts becoming more frequent, autumn is becoming our most productive season for gardening. We still experience occasional nighttime frosts in winter, but overall, garden growth seems to thrive better with current milder autumn and winter temperatures than those of the triple-digit summer. Here are some suggestions for September gardening. Start seeds of cool-weather vegetables. Keep seeds and young plants well-watered for good germination and a strong start. Planting early offers sturdy little plants that will grow through the chilling temperatures of some winter nights. Plant some hardy flower seeds to get a head start on next spring’s season. Irrigate very early in the morning or in the evening. Heat during the day will evaporate irrigation water before it can reach the roots that need it. Wet drops on leaves can also work like tiny magnifying glasses, burning spots into the leaf tissue. California native plants are semi-dormant in the

Use a dry riverbed for double duty: as a garden edging and to conduct excess water safely out of the landscape.)

heat of summer and look dreary and dry. Let them stay that way until rain falls, or give them slow, deep watering occasionally to wake them up. You can deadhead (cut off) dried up flower spikes if you want to neaten up any shrubs. Keep annual and perennial flowers deadheaded to encourage late blooming. Or leave the spent flowers in place to dry so you can collect seeds for next year. If you do choose to plant shrubs, trees or flowers, keep them well watered and try to rig up some temporary shade to make planting less stressful for the first week or two. You are likely to have more success planting after the worst of the heat is over in late September or early October. Unless we have a cool September. September is harvest time! Keep ripening fruits and vegetables cropped. Preserve extras by canning or freezing and store winter squashes and root crops in a cool, dry space. Should you find you have extra food, share with a neighbor or consider donating to local food banks. There are people you’ve never met who would very much appreciate your home-grown food. September is also a good time to pull out all that faded garden growth and to rake falling leaves, branches and other litter. Keep up with yard cleaning to keep away unwanted rodents and insects before any of them decide to move into your home with inclement weather.

Landscape

Ask yourself these questions to see if your landscape is up-to-date for September.

Discovering all the plants and seeds you can grow can be fun for everyone, even the pets.

• Is your landscape set up for whatever weather wintertime sends? • Are your ground drains free of blockage?

• Do you have permeable paving, swales, dry riverbeds or other practical set-ups (that can also be decorative!) designed to conduct water from a heavy flash rainstorm safely away from your home or other structures? • Are your gutters cleared for smooth drainage and free from flammable dry litter should winds send burning embers your way during a local wildfire? • Have you removed all old wood from close to your house? Don’t offer termites this irresistible invitation into your house! You can do all these outdoor garden and safety projects while making your landscape gorgeous. Too many homes are surrounded by fields of dead weeds, powdered soil, brown lawns or smothered with boring gravel. None of these solutions is useful or good looking. In fact, they only add to the problem by making the air around your home dusty, dry and hot. There are many ornamental ways you can make your landscape lovely, safe, practical and enjoyable. Just a few might be to build a raised vegetable garden to add interest, flavor and healthy ingredients into your cooking. Add paths for design, easy access and less water usage. Try some decorative shapes, colors and textures of rock, tumbled glass, decomposed granite and much more that can fill spaces between plants making maintenance easier and your landscape artistic. September is a great month for improving your garden. Clean it up and reap the rewards of redesigning your outdoor space. 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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S E P T E M B E R 12, 2021

THIRD THURSDAYS PCH OF THE MONTH

THINGSTODO

Continued from page 7

Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone offers arts, cafes and shops. PHOTO CREDIT VISIT CALIFORNIA

windsurfing, surf fishing and beachcombing with tidepools, coastal caves and reefs for exploring.

Point Mugu State Park and Sycamore Cove Beach

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9000 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, 90265 Sycamore Cove Beach is a southwest-facing sandy cove with lifeguards, picnic tables and nice facilities. Point Mugu State Park features five miles of ocean shoreline with rocky bluffs, sandy beaches, sand dunes and two major river canyons. It offers 70 miles of hiking trails.

Oxnard/Ventura

After leaving Point Mugu you will drive inland to Oxnard/Ventura. PCH dead ends into U.S. 101. Technically the roadway at this point is considered both the 101 and SR 1. Head west toward Santa Barbara, but take a few minutes to drive into downtown Ventura which offers quaint cafés and art galleries.

Ventura City Hall

501 Poli St., Ventura, 93001 Built between 1912 to 1913, the neoclassical courthouse was designed by the noted Los Angeles architect Albert C. Martin Sr. in a Beaux Arts style.

Ventura Pier

750 Harbor Blvd., Ventura, 93001 Built in 1872 at a cost of $45,000, it was at one time the longest wooden pier in California. There are great ocean views and the perfect place to watch surfers ride the waves.

Emma Wood State Beach Brought to you by Mayor Bill Miranda, Mayor Pro Tem Laurene Weste, Councilmember Jason Gibbs, Councilwoman Marsha McLean and Councilmember Cameron Smyth

This beach is on the 101, two miles west of Ventura. As the day wears on, the traffic along 101/PCH gets heavier. Sixtyeight miles after leaving Santa Mon-

ica you will find Emma Wood State Beach. Here you can see the offshore Channel Islands and a variety of wildlife, including raccoons and great blue herons. Dolphins frolic just offshore.

Carpinteria State Beach

5361 6th St., Carpinteria, 93013 After passing the community of Mussel Shoals you enter Carpinteria, only 12 miles south of Santa Barbara. This charming, coastal community offers a pedestrian-friendly main street (Linden Avenue), mom-andpop shops, gourmet cafés and antique stores. Carpinteria State Beach is a stone’s throw from downtown. See seals and sea lions December through May, as well as gray whales. Tidepools contain starfish, sea anemones, crabs, snails, octopi and sea urchins.

Santa Barbara

Sterns Wharf Santa Barbara 221 Stearns Wharf Santa Barbara, 93101 When completed in 1872, this became the longest deep-water wharf between San Pedro and San Francisco. Take a ride on the water taxi or spend time with marine life at the Sea Center. There are also restaurants and shops to enjoy. 

S E P T E M B E R 12, 2021

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K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Hail to kale! Make cheesy kale chips with kids By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

ail to kale! I’m not sure what brought the green, leafy, good-for-you veggie into such renown, but try to open a foodie magazine or blog without some recipe bowing to its virtues. I’ve been following the trend and now dutifully toss it into stir fries and salads, and even let it stand alone all spiced up in our family’s most recent obsession — kale chips. While kale chip recipes abound, I found the best, foolproof technique from Tricia Cornell, mom of two, freelance writer and author of the book “Eat More Vegetables: Making the Most of Your Seasonal Produce” (Minnesota Historical Society Press). The cookbook is chock full of easy-to-follow “family friendly, get kids involved” veggie recipes such as her tasty take on “Squash Chili” and

“Soupe au Pistou.” True to form, she has the kale-chip-making technique down to a science. “When my kids clamor for kale chips, who am I to refuse?” she said as her 7-year-old old son Arlo chopped up the kale, and 9-year-old Nora grated Parmesan for the chips that would accompany their hamburger sliders supper. “I want the chips to be tasty and crispy every time we make them,” she said. Pick up a bunch at your local market and enjoy making and tasting these light, crunchy treats with your kids.

leaves into 1- to 2-inch pieces and place in a large bowl. Pour oil, cheese, salt and pepper over kale, and massage kale well with your hands, making sure every piece is covered, but not dripping, with oil.

2. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and spread kale in a single layer. Place in oven and immediately reduce heat to 250 F. 3. Bake about 20 minutes, until crisp, stirring kale and turning pans halfway through. It’s important to keep an eagle eye toward the end; you want crisp, not brown.

CHEESY KALE CHIPS Makes 4 cups 1 large bunch kale (12 ounces), both Lacinato and curly kale work well. 1 tablespoon olive or canola oil 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or 1/2 teaspoon pepper flakes

Nora Cornell douses olive oil on cut-up kale for kale chips. PHOTO BY DONNA ERICKSON

Here’s the fun: 1. Heat oven to 400 F. 2. Trim off the long, tough center stems from kale and discard. Slice

4. When completely cool, serve. If there are any leftovers, store in airtight container up to three days. Variation Barbecue Kale Chips Omit Parmesan and pepper. Stir 1 teaspoon “pimenton de la vera” (smoked Spanish paprika) and 1/2 teaspoon sugar into the salt before adding. 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.”  © 2020 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

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SOLUTIONS

PUZZLES

S E P T E M B E R 12, 2021

CROSSWORD TIME

S E P T E M B E R 12, 2021

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

Why COVID-19 Is Overblown The average COVID-19 fatality is two years older than Joe Biden. Those folks are not just statistically old; they’re also so statistically rare, you’d need an average of more than 500 family members to have one who died from it. So why has the world gone nuts over it? In a word, media. In two words, social media. Social media thrives on attention, death is a big deal, and COVID-19 as a cause of death has become a flashpoint issue. So although you need an average of 500 relatives to have one die from it, you only need a few acquaintances on social media to find someone who KNOWS someone who died from it. The same is true of media in general, which makes money by amplifying anecdotes into alarm. If it bleeds, it leads. Therefore, since most don’t have an interest in looking up actual numbers, they trade tales, trust in bureaucratic/media messaging and naturally think the sky is falling. This is especially true of younger folks who are tightly connected to media, and for whom conformity is paramount. A self-destructive, intrusive, wasteful monkey wrench has been jammed into the workings of pretty much the entire world. Except Sweden. Sweden chose the path of freedom instead, and the stats are easy to find: 38 countries have had worse per capita fatalities than “reckless” Sweden, including the U.K., France and the U.S. Yet our cramdown madness continues, because for a significant subset of the population, the anecdote-based, media-driven impulse to “do something” means more than measurable results, reasoned analysis or self-consistency. Perhaps it’s time to wake up, look it up, and most importantly grow up instead. Rob Kerchner Valencia

Fire Hazard Lessons Learned? The following is a copy of a letter sent to the board of the SCV Water Agency: One would think the lessons of building in high-firehazard zones would be learned. So, why is the SCV Water Agency supporting development in Spring Canyon, a high-fire-hazard zone? Why is the agency helping the developers by assisting in setting up a Mello-Roos district for the Spring Canyon project? Also, why is the water agency supporting developers in the first place? In addition, this development would hinder, or make virtually unusable, a wildlife corridor linkage to the Santa Clara River. Please, reject this. Susann Rizzo 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

Our Irritability Quotient

ven if you’re not a religious person, you probably are familiar with the Bible’s famous chapter on love. It’s found in the Apostle Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, in chapter 13. It is verses 4-7 that we most often hear as Paul uses 9 verbs to describe what love does, and more importantly what love doesn’t do. At Grace Baptist Church we study the Bible together attempting to understand the original author’s intention in the words he used, and then distilling principles from his words to help guide our lives today. I’ve been preaching my way through 1st Corinthians at our Sunday gatherings and just got to chapter 13, the “love” chapter. As I started my study through the ways love acts and, more importantly how it doesn’t act, one word hit me with the most force. “Love is not irritable.” The original Greek word describes the action of those who are not patient, who do not forebear, and who are ready at almost any moment to react poorly to even the smallest provocation. In a preceding verse Paul states, “Love is patient and kind.” Now he wants to make sure we get it. If love is patient and kind, then irritability says something tragic about us. By now you’re wondering if there’s a point to this little word study. I’m hoping there is and that you’ll ponder what I’m about to say. As I look around at our society today, I’d have to say our “irritability” quotient is off the charts. I suppose the ever-changing, ever-invasive tentacles of COVID-19 are mostly to blame, but there’s more to it than that. Yes, we’re tired of the ups and downs, theories and promises, and especially the fact that “science” seems to be schizophrenic. And yes, we could do without the sanctimonious declarations and explanations of those who, while holding some office or position, have forgotten what it’s like to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. So, yes, we all have reasons-a-plenty to be irritated, cynical, mean-spirited, and downright ugly in the way we think, talk, type and text. But, can we just take a beat, take a breath, and consider what all of our cynicism and hot-aired blather says about us? When did love leave on the 5 o’clock bus? When was it decided that we become a people most known for what we’re against, what is wrong, and what is so irritating? Let me put it another way: Are the bickering, back-biting and blistering blogs, texts and posts making anything better? Do you and I really think

our irritation-fueled society, epitomized by some political leaders who are often embroiled in mean-spirited verbal jousts, is becoming a safer, richer and more enjoyable place to live and raise our children? Of course the answer is a resounding “No!” If insanity is walking the same path over and over and expecting to reach a different destination, then it’s pretty clear where our nation continues to head. We’re becoming a people that can’t talk to each other, won’t listen to each other, and certainly aren’t inclined to work with each other to solve the real problems that face us. Here’s my suggestion. In counseling married couples, and those who want to be, I have several principles. One is that, in marriage, it must never come down to husband vs. wife. When challenges, opportunities and adverse circumstances face us, the “adversarial” option is never going to work. Sure, one side will win, but only at the cost of implanting resentment in the other side. Rather, I suggest the “team” option where husband vs. wife form a team that takes on the challenge. That is, husband and wife vs. whatever they’re facing. And the reason this works? You guessed it. Love. Love builds synergy because it comes with respect, honor and appreciation of what someone else has to say. Teamwork doesn’t happen much today because love, respect and honor for one another and our country no longer play a dominant role in society. We’d rather criticize and seize on our opponents’ failures than work together to earn some successes. Turns out we’re becoming way too complacent in our irritability when what we need is more patience, kindness and certainly love of country, neighbor and God. We must commit to fostering more harmony and less discord; more respect and less denigration; more listening and less pontificating; and certainly more love and much, much less hatred, bigotry and power-mongering. I still believe America can be a place that works for everyone but it’ll take everyone working to live up to our highest ethical standards. So, start looking at the good around us, and think about love in terms of honor, respect and care for others. And, if you want to jump-start the process, maybe take a read through 1 Corinthians 13. Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays. 

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