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Enjoying a Dog’s Day Page 5

OCTOBER 17, 2021

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GETTING YOUR KICKS ON ROUTE 66

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

O C TO B E R 17, 2021

NEWS FEATURES

5 October days for the dogs 7 Where to get help for your Halloween costume 9 Shopping securely online this holiday season

TRAVEL 6 6 Get your kicks on Route 66

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

8 Celebrate the new Canyon Country Community Center

FOOD 10 10 Comfort foods Smothered pork chops in mushroom sauce • Tomato soup

ENTERTAINMENT 12 12 We learn its more than ‘156 Minutes of Shame’

SENIOR LIVING

13 A Second Wind: Awe and wonder

HEALTH 14 14 Protect your hearing for the long haul

HALLOWEEN 16 16 California’s most haunted

PETS 18 18 Safely celebrate Halloween with your pets

HOME 19

We’ve saved before and we can do it again! LET’S WORK TOGETHER TO PRESERVE MOTHER NATURE’S FINEST RESOURCE. Visit DroughtReadySCV.com to find water-saving resources, rebates and tips.

19 Stylish, space-saving home upgrade

GARDENING 20 20 Tired of fighting the squirrels? Feed ‘em

KIDS & FAMILY

2 1 Donna’s Day: Fun ways to display your child’s name Junior Whirl

PUZZLES 22 OPINION 23 SPORTS

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661-259-1234 The entire content of the Sunday Signal is copyrighted 2021 by Paladin Multi-Media Group, Inc. All submitted letters and columns are strictly the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of the publisher. All rights are reserved and no part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. If you would not like this delivered to your home, please call (661) 259-1000.

O C TO B E R 17, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

October days for the dogs By Emily Alvarenga Signal Senior Staff Writer

ach and every day, our pups shower us with unconditional love and attention, truly embodying the phrase “man’s best friend,” as they wag their tails each and every time we walk in the door. Dogs give us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. In fact, a recent study shows that dogs are among a small group of animals who show voluntary unselfish kindness towards others without any reward — a fact that dog-lovers have known all along. So, as National Make a Dog’s Day approaches on Oct. 22, make sure to return some of that love and affection. The holiday provides an opportunity to give all dogs the best day of their lives, and Canyon Country resident Theresa Tomas is taking that to heart this year. She and her four rescue pups are headed to their favorite place: dog beach. “I don’t know how, but all four of my dogs — even the little terrier — are obsessed with water,” Tomas said. “They love, love, love playing around in the waves or swimming for sticks.” As often as she can, Tomas takes

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NATIONAL MAKE A DOG’S DAY OCTOBER 22 her pups to the beach, lake, river or really just any body of water, and Friday’s National Make a Dog’s Day is no exception. “It’s getting chillier so it’ll probably be one of our last beach days of the season, and it may even be too chilly already, but they deserve it,” Tomas added. You still have time to plan something special for your own dog or even let other dogs know they’re special — just because.

It’s the simple things

Throw the ball already! Most times, pups just want to play, so grab their favorite ball or chew toy and spend some quality time tossing it around with them. Or you can take them for an extra-long walk, maybe even to play with some other pups at the dog park. Here in the Santa Clarita Valley, there are a number of dog parks scattered about with separate areas for big and small dogs.

Dogs are not colorblind — they can see blue and yellow. Petting a dog is scientifically proven to lower blood pressure. A dog’s noseprint is as distinctive as a human fingerprint — no two are identical. Those born under the sign of the dog in Chinese astrology are said to be loyal and true. Forty-five percent of U.S. dogs sleep in their owner’s bed. A dog’s nose has as many as 300 million receptors, whereas a human nose has about 5 million.

Yawning is contagious — even for dogs. Research shows that the sound of a human yawn can trigger one from your dog, and it’s four times as likely to happen when it’s the yawn of a person they know.

Dogs curl up in a ball when sleeping to protect their organs — a holdover from their days in the wild when they were vulnerable to predator attacks.

There are more than 75 million pet dogs in the U.S. — more than in any other country. — Courtesy American Kennel Club

Treat your dog to something special such as a day at the beach. COURTESY PHOTO

Treat them to something special

What’s your pup been craving: A special treat? A new chew toy? A big old bone? Maybe even a costume for the upcoming Halloween holiday? Get out to the store and get your dog something special. Even better, take them with you and let them decide.

Adopt, don’t shop

National Make a Dog’s Day also encourages visits to the shelter and serves as a reminder to animal lovers everywhere to adopt instead of shop for a new pet. October is also Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, making it the perfect time to add a new furry friend to your family. Of the approximately 6.3 million animals that enter shelters nationwide every year, an estimated 920,000 are euthanized (390,000 dogs and 530,000 cats), according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. While many animals were adopted through the pandemic, the Castaic Animal Care Center still has dozens of dogs waiting to find their forever home. If you’re not quite ready to adopt

a pup of your own, there are plenty of ways to volunteer with local shelters and rescues, or even donate much-needed supplies, like dog food and blankets. The Castaic Animal Care Center is located at 31044 North Charlie Canyon Road in Castaic and can be visited by appointment only due to COVID-19. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit animalcare. lacounty.gov or call (661) 257-3191.

Take care of your pup’s health

When’s the last time you took your dog to the vet? This one may not immediately make your dog’s day, but it can certainly make your dog’s days longer. While most pups would probably cringe, regular vet checkups are vital to your dog’s long-lasting health. Making sure Fido’s healthy and his vaccinations are up to date can help to ensure he’s here to celebrate many more Make a Dog’s Days to come. If your dog could talk, I’m sure they’d thank you for loving them as much as they love you. 

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O C TO B E R 17, 2021

T R AV E L

Get your kicks on

Needles’ famous mural of the iconic Route 66. Located in the Mojave Desert on the western banks of the Colorado River in San Bernardino County, Needles was a major stop on the historic highway from the 1920s through the 1960s. PHOTOS COURTESY VISIT CALIFORNIA By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

.S. Route 66, celebrated in song and in travel mythology, is an iconic highway stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles. Constructed in 1926, it is now known as the National Trails Highway, but historically has been called “the Mother Road,” “Will Rogers Highway”

and “the Main Street of America.” As the lyrics implore, “If you ever plan to motor west, take the highway that’s the best, get your kicks on Route 66.” Written by songwriter Bobby Troup, the popular rhythm and blues standard became an instant hit in 1946, when it was recorded by Nat King Cole. Some of the original Route 66 roadway has been lost or rerouted, however, you can still find plenty of opportunities to piece together a trip to experience blast-from-the-past diners, retro filling stations and classic motor-lodges. There are also a few kitschy museums that are must-sees along the way. To travel the entire Route 66, you would drive 2,451 miles, but this shorter road trip, from the Santa Monica Pier to Needles, Calif. covers some 300 miles. Of course, you’ll want to stop along the way to explore the many remaining Route 66 motels, restaurants and museums. Traditionally, travel along Route 66 is east to west. This road trip takes you from “The End of the Road” along Route 66 in California to Needles, a city that embraces its Route 66 history.

In downtown, hop onto the I-110 (Harbor Freeway) which becomes Arroyo Seco Parkway and the Pasadena Freeway, the first urban highway in the western U.S. It also doubles as part of Route 66.

Pasadena Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain 1526 Mission St. South Pasadena, 91030 Info www.fairoakspharmacy.net See ROUTE 66, page 15

Santa Monica Pier

200 Santa Monica Pier Santa Monica 90401 Find the “Route 66 End of the Road” sign as your starting point. It is located at the end of the pier. From the pier, travel along the original Route 66 along Santa Monica Boulevard east through Beverly Hills, Hollywood and downtown Los Angeles. Broadway and 7th Street was the original terminus of the roadway, which was extended to Santa Monica in 1935. The Route 66 “Mother Road” Museum in Barstow includes a collection of historic photographs and artifacts commemorating the famous highway.

Roy’s Motel and Café has become an icon for a lonely desert gas stop due to its multiple appearances in movies.

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Where to get help for your Halloween costume By Caleb Lunetta Signal Senior Staff Writer

emove the accumulated clutter on top of your costume chest, brush off the dust that has been building over the last year and start pilfering through your various outfits and uniforms because the Santa Clarita Valley is once again beginning preparations for Halloween 2021. Following an All Hallows Eve last year that was either largely restricted, or even canceled altogether last year, as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic, local adults and kids alike are gearing up this year with an intent, it would appear, to make up for lost time. “Even though social distancing is in order, it doesn’t mean that we have to cancel Halloween altogether,” said Reena Newhall, owner of A Chorus Line on Cinema Drive in Valencia. “We are ready with our fellow Santa Claritans to get out and have some fun.” Newhall’s store has long been a primary supplier for local costume and dance participant’s needs all year round. But much like previous years, they transition to a Halloween outfit haven, with people placing orders as early as the late summer in preparation for Oct. 31. “This year may be different, but what better way to let off some steam after many months of being cooped up than by getting dressed up and living your alter ego,” said Newhall. From humorous to creepy, classical to bizarre, and complete set to accessories, A Chorus Line staff are being joined by local experts from holiday-themed businesses across the Santa Clarita Valley in advising and helping people find their best outfit. However, how do you know what you’ll need or even what you should be?

2021’s trending costumes

While the classic costumes, such as vampires, ghosts and ghouls, remain extremely popular with their customers, and influx of new media over the last year has — as it has done in year’s past — altered many people’s desire and wants with regard to Halloween costumes, according to outfit sellers. “I think a lot of kids right now are looking for more game-type costumes,” said Katherine Rodriguez, a manager at the Party City located on McBean Parkway in Valencia. “(And for women) I think right now it’s Black Widow, the Marvel superhero.” With regard to the games, Rodriguez said she was referring to a handful of popular video games, such as “Fortnite” and “Call of Duty,” that kids are pulling off her store’s shelves. And while women are strongly responding to the Scarlett Johansson superhero movie released earlier this year, she said many men are sticking with the classical “Scream”

Sales Manager Beth Culhane displays popular Halloween horror masks and accessories and costumes on display at A Chrous Line, Dancewear & Costumes in Valencia. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

mask or other horror icons. Newhall said A Chorus Line is also seeing a lot of demand for a mixture of the classics as well as the hottest new superheroes, with people coming in for Michael Myers masks or the popular Harley Quinn, Riddler, Black Widow, Spiderman and Venom costumes. A Chorus Line Manager Jana Einaudi agreed that those types of costumes are big hits with customers this year — saying that she sold roughly ten Michael Myers masks in a single day earlier this month — but also said people are searching out the classics. “Angels, devils and vampires — those are popular every year and they don’t go out of style,” said Einaudi, adding that people buy costumes and make sure to save them for future costume parties or even Halloweens. “But other trends like ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ … also Cruella De Vil.” Also, with 70s and 80s nostalgia saturating the most popular television shows on the most popular streaming services as of late, everything from disco dancers to “Stranger Things” are being purchased for people of all ages. “With a regular costume, we always try to accessorize it to make it better, more interesting, more ‘new,’” said Einaudi. “So, with just like customizing it, we’ll have a couple different styles of costumes, and maybe one style won’t fit right, but there’s another way that we can put it together.”

DIY or store-bought

Anyone who takes their Halloween costume seriously year after year knows that come the end of summer, the changing of leaves and the sight of pumpkins the inevitable internal question will be

asked: “Do I make my own costume, or do I buy one from the store?” There are a number of factors that play into making this decision year after year, but one of the most important is your budget, according to the experts. “If you’re working on a budget, we usually would recommend that you use some pieces that you have at home because the clothing pieces are going to be a little bit more expensive,” said Einaudi. “Some people will see a display and they’re like, ‘I want that,’ and then we’ll sell the whole display. And then we have some other people that want to go really elaborate, and then there’s the people who come in for a couple accessories.” As Einaudi said, options are available everywhere and people at stores are looking to assist you, but the ultimate decision, she said, will come down to you. “We’ll see if you have any ideas, then if not, we kind of give you a general idea of where to find things in the store,” said Einaudi. “Then we usually want you to take a look and see if something catches your eye, whether it be an accessory or a costume or a theme.” Assisting both the DIY and shop-goers alike, makeup help and various other knick-knacks — such as contacts, blood capsules, even fake scabs — can be found at various locations throughout the SCV, as well. “We try to help with application of 3D makeup and special effects makeup,” said Beth Culhane, sales manager at A Chorus Line. “We help mostly with application, but also better blending and shading for a more realistic effect.” 

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O C TO B E R 17, 2021

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Celebrate the new Canyon Country Community Center By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

he City of Santa Clarita is excited to invite the entire community to join us for the grand opening celebration of the new Canyon Country Community Center. This much-anticipated facility is complete and ready to welcome residents for activities, programs, learning opportunities, events and more. The celebration will take place on Saturday, October 30, from 10 a.m. to noon at the new Community Center located at the intersection of Sierra Highway and Soledad Canyon Road. The event will kick off with a short program featuring the City Council, followed by the official ribbon cutting ceremony. Then guests will have the chance to explore the entire nine-acre site, including the centerpiece, the 25,000-square-foot Community Center building. As residents explore the site, they can take part in arts and crafts, activities, enjoy performances on the events stage, grab a snack from one of the food trucks and learn more about the classes and pro-

grams the new center will offer. Guests will be among the first to explore the many public art pieces. Greeting guests at the corner where the massive billboards once stood is the 25-foot-tall art piece, aptly named “Communitree.” The piece represents the City’s beloved oak trees, with steel and acrylic plexiglass leaves that have a kinetic effect allowing them to flutter in the breeze, recreating the movement of leaves blowing in the wind. There is also a mural made out of ceramic tiles, a bike rack that is a piece of art and several poems written by community members stamped in the meandering walking paths. The grounds surrounding the facility offer a playground with inclusive play elements, a half basketball court, a Mercado which can be used for events and a terrace which is a beautiful backdrop for weddings. Inside the center there is a full gymnasium, class rooms, a dance room and the Grand Room. The Grand Room will be a place for community gatherings which can accommodate smaller groups for meetings and groups of up to 350 people for galas and fundraisers. From the brick columns and rich woods, to the

paneled ceilings and natural light, the new Community Center was designed thoughtfully to be beautiful and functional. The Grand Room also offers a demonstration teaching kitchen with enough room for people to hone their culinary skills, while other participants can watch the process through an audio-visual system that broadcasts the cooking class. The new Canyon Country Community Center is the latest City facility which will enhance the already high-quality of life residents enjoy here in Santa Clarita. We are excited to add this crucial new facility to the list of City amenities which includes; three Libraries, the George A. Caravalho Santa Clarita Sports Complex, eight pools, The Cube, the Newhall Community Center, three Metrolink stations, the Santa Clarita Skatepark, Trek Bike Part of Santa Clarita, The MAIN theatre and many more. We look forward to seeing all of you at the grand opening celebration for this new hub of enrichment and activity in Santa Clarita.

Ken Striplin can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita.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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How to shop securely online this holiday season By Emily Alvarenga Signal Senior Staff Writer

Benefits to early holiday shopping

o one is immune to scams, not even Nathan Grant, senior credit industry analyst at Credit Card Insider, who tells the story of a time he was tricked online by a change-of-address site. “I just Googled ‘free change of address,’ and … I clicked on the first link that came up that looked completely legit,” Grant said. “It had the U.S. Postal Service logos and everything, but ended up being a fraudulent site.” While the site actually provided the service, it charged Grant $45, rather than the $1 it’d advertised. “So, you’d be none the wiser, if you didn’t pay attention to your transactions,” Grant added. With the holiday season right around the corner, it’s almost guaranteed many of us will be headed online to do some of our holiday shopping. Over the years, the internet has revolutionized the way people shop, making it as easy as a couple of clicks for items to show up at your doorstep a few days later. It has also led to an increase in scammers, with shoppers being scammed every single day online. With more online shopping also comes more credit card fraud, which has become one of the fastest growing forms of identity theft, according to Grant.

Finding trusted websites

“Fraudsters are looking for every opportunity they can to try and scam people,” Grant said, adding that there are ways people can avoid being scammed by fake sites. When shopping online, there are a few things you can look for to make sure a website is secure and legitimate, including HTTPS, rather than HTTP, in the website’s URL, as the S stands for secure, meaning the site has secure encryption, or a lock symbol to the left of the address bar also means that site is secure. Online shoppers should create unique passwords when making accounts to prevent hackers from accessing multiple accounts using the same login information.

he adage of “the early bird catches the worm” could help shoppers scoop up gifts and bargains before the holiday shopping rush begins. Individuals who start their holiday shopping early this year may discover there are many benefits to such an approach:

Spread out spending Making sure your purchases are secure and that you’re going to receive what you’re asking for are two big concerns of online shoppers. However, but there are ways to help keep scammers at bay. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

Additionally, shoppers should use secure networks to shop, as hackers can spy on public wifis and intercept financial data.

Beware of ‘drop-shippers’

Have you ever purchased something online only for it to look nothing like the photos and description when it arrives? It’s called “drop-shipping” and it has become one of the most common ways people get scammed while shopping online. Amazon, for example, doesn’t just sell its own products. It also lets smaller companies sell items on its marketplace, which they call “third-party sellers” — some of which aren’t as reliable. Scammers on sites like this often steal a real seller’s photos and listing descriptions, setting up listings of their own selling the same product for a fraction of the price, then shipping low-quality products instead. Worst of all, you often can’t return the product because many of these third-party sellers don’t offer the same return policy as Amazon, nor do they offer refunds. However, there are ways to prevent getting scammed by drop-shippers, like reading reviews, as no reviews or negative reviews can often be a warning sign, looking out for long shipping times, as that typically indicates the products are being shipped from China, or checking the return policy before making purchases. On Amazon, choosing the “Ama-

zon Prime only” option also can rule out scammers, as third-party sellers who use Amazon Prime must abide by Amazon’s terms and conditions, including free shipping and noquestions-asked refunds for returns. Shoppers should compare sellers when making purchases where there are multiple sellers with the same product, looking for the one with the best reviews.

Consider the payment method

A good first line of defense in ensuring your card information hasn’t been stolen is keeping an eye on your online statements, and while there is no guarantee you won’t fall victim to a scam, considering what payment method to use can help you get your money back if you do. Using a credit card rather than a debit card, which is tied to your actual bank account with your actual money, is one suggestion. Once money has been removed from your debit account, that money will be gone until the fraud investigation is resolved, which could take weeks. Credit cards are using borrowed credit and have built-in protections. Online shoppers should also consider taking advantage of third-party apps, like Paypal, that protect your payment information and offer buyer protections when making payments on new sites. Mobile and digital wallets, like Apple Pay and Google pay, can also be safer, as they, too, encrypt your data,

Those who begin shopping well before the holiday season arrives can spread their spending over several months rather than a short period of time. It may be easier to swallow spending an extra $100 per month throughout the year as opposed to having a $1,000 bill at year’s end. The average buyer spent around $940 on gifts.

Shop sales

A Coresight Research survey found that more than 25% of shoppers expected to start earlier than usual in 2020, when retailers offered their promotions earlier than normal to compensate for a decline in brick-and-mortar shopping. While it remains to be seen what retailers will do this year, shoppers can take advantage of major sales throughout the year, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, back to school season and even retailer-specific sales like Prime Day.

Avoid delays

Continued pressure on shipping companies as online shopping has become so prevalent inadvertently leads to delays. Couple this with supply chain disruptions due to the pandemic, and certain items may be out of stock or on back order. 

using tokenization to replace your sensitive card data with a string of letters and numbers that are meaningless outside the transaction that produced it. 

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O C TO B E R 17, 2021

FOOD

hen you are hungry and searching for something filling, juicy and rich, turning to your pantry for on-hand ingredients can make dinner a breeze. Dodge snack cravings and avoid the temptation to swing by the drive-thru; instead, you can have a homemade meal ready in a matter of minutes by putting your skillet to work.

Call your loved ones to the dining room to share time together while trying these Smothered Pork Chops in Mushroom Sauce. It’s a dish the entire family can dig into without questioning the substance of the meal as it’s a filling option that requires just a few ingredients you likely already have at home. It all starts with the pork chops, which are thick and seared to perfection. The mushroom sauce is a beautiful blend of earthy and creamy textures. Bring it to a simmer then smother your pork chops and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. The best part is this recipe doesn’t take much time to accomplish. The pork chops are seared for 3-5 minutes per side then simmered in the mushroom sauce for another 2-3 minutes until thoroughly cooked. Don’t waste time with complicated recipes, dirtying an array of kitchen utensils and multiple trips to the store for ingredients you may not use again. This recipe requires one bowl and a single skillet. Cleanup is a breeze, which means there is more time to spend around the table with those who mean the most.

Smothered Pork Chops in Mushroom Sauce Servings: 4 1 teaspoon mild chili powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 4 pork chops 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons butter

Mushroom Sauce

2 1/2 cups brown mushrooms, sliced 5 garlic cloves, smashed 1 tablespoon parsley 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1/2 cup chicken broth 1 1/2 cups heavy cream fresh parsley, for garnish In a small bowl, whisk chili powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper until combined. Pat pork chops dry. Season generously with spice mix. Set aside.

In a skillet, add olive oil and butter. Add pork chops; sear 3-5 minutes per side. Transfer to plate.

Add broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine. Simmer 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

To make mushroom sauce In same skillet, add mushrooms. Stir fry until golden brown. Add garlic, parsley and Italian seasoning. Stir fry 2 minutes.

Return pork chops to sauce. Simmer 2-3 minutes until pork chops are cooked through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve. (Family Features) 

Comfort foods made fast and healthy! By Healthy Exchanges

oups have always been one of my favorite foods, and autumn has always been my favorite season. When you combine them, magic happens! Stir up this “pot of pleasure” on a cool fall night and let it warm you up with pleasure-pleasing taste!

Chunky Tomato Soup

1/2 cup chopped onion 1 3/4 cups (one 14 1/2-ounce can) beef broth 1 (10 3/4-ounce) can reduced-fat tomato soup 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning 1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped fresh tomatoes 1 1/2 cups chopped, unpeeled zucchini 1. In a medium saucepan sprayed with olive oil-flavored cooking spray, saute onion for 6 minutes. Add beef broth, tomato soup and Italian seasoning. Mix well to combine. 2. Stir in tomato and zucchini. Bring mixture to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes

or until vegetables are tender, stirring often. Serves 4 (1 1/4 cups each). * Each serving equals: 94 calories, 2g fat, 3g protein, 16g carb., 604mg sodium, 2g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Vegetable, 1 Starch. ©2021 King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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

Pablo Cruise is coming to The Canyon Santa Clarita

n 1975 Pablo Cruise released its first album simply entitled Pablo Cruise. The album cover was shot in the tropical gardens of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park and it featured a huge gorilla standing front and center. The band, David Jenkins (guitars, vocals), Cory Lerios (keyboards, vocals), Bud Cockerel (bass, vocals) and Steve Price (drums, percussion) were nowhere in sight. At that point there was a bit of a mystique surrounding Pablo Cruise and when asked what Pablo Cruise meant, the well-rehearsed

answer went something like this: “Pablo”, represents an honest, real, down to earth individual, and “Cruise” depicts his fun loving, easy going attitude towards life: In essence that’s what Pablo Cruise music is all about. From 1975 to 1985 the band toured the United States, Canada and Japan extensively, welcoming fans to “Climb Aboard The Good Ship Pablo Cruise.” Reaching the top 10 with mega hits like “Whatcha Gonna Do When She Says Goodbye?” and

“Love Will Find A Way,” and several other top 20’s, the band went on to sell several million albums and singles collectively and established themselves as well respected writers and performers within the industry. You can see Pablo at The Canyon Santa Clarita on Nov. 13. Tickets are available online through Ticketmaster, over the phone by calling (888) 645-5006, or in person at The Canyon Santa Clarita box office. 

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

We learn it’s more than just ‘15 Minutes of Shame’

Sanitizer and Nowhere to Sell Them,” who got into the reselling business was the headline in the Times, which in part because he could work from home and avoid stressful situations, reported Amazon had cracked down ‘15 Minutes of Shame’ go too far and get caught up in the on coronavirus price gouging, leav 1/2 (out of four) moment? He acknowledges as much. ing Colvin and other sellers holding HBO presents a documentary direct- the bag (or the plastic bottles, in this Did he deserve a level of vitriol that ed by Max Joseph. No MPAA rating. included people publicly wishing for case). HBO Max. him and his family to die? As we see in the invaluable, nuWhat do you think? anced and sobering HBO documenthink social media is a Directed by Max Joseph of “Cattary, Colvin became a “magnet for good idea, but people fish” fame and narrated by Moniworldwide shame,” was pilloried on ruin everything.” — Auca Lewinsky, who wryly comments, thor, professor, commen- national media and bombarded with “Trust me, I know a little about [pubtator and influencer Dr. Roxane Gay hate texts and emails and even had lic shaming]” and calls herself the to temporarily move out of his home in “15 Minutes of Shame.” “Patient Zero” of modern-day, inhis family after his address was You might not recognize eatres • Santa Clarita Signalthe name with adsource@exhibitorads.com ternet-based, mass efforts to destroy made public. “15 Minutes of Shame” Matt Colvin, but there’s a good someone’s reputation, “15 Minutes of 888.737.2812 f. 203.438.1206 catches upp.with Colvin more than chance you remember reading or Shame” alternates between interviews a year later, as he explains his prichearing about the New YorkOctober Times 17-21, 2021 date: Sunday-Thursday, with authors, psychologists, researches weren’t nearly as high as others, story from March 2020 about the ers and journalists — and revisiting delivery guy date: Tuesday,who October 10:05:31 AM “said CASCS_LEM1017-1021.qxp noting the article I was selling in Tennessee bought 12, up 2021 at the stories of a few “regular” people a single bottle for $70, but that was thousands of bottles of hand sanitizwhose lives were turned upside down a pack of multiple bottles,” and says er on the day after the first reportby one incident or a couple of Faceed COVID death in the United States shipping alcohol-based sanitizer is book posts. pricey because it’s considered a hazwith the intention of making a tidy Emmanuel Cafferty was driving ardous material. profit. That guy was Matt Colvin. his San Diego Gas & Electric Truck “He has 17,700 Bottles of Hand Did Colvin, an Air Force veteran in June of 2020 when a man thought By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

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he saw Cafferty making a white power sign, chased Cafferty, goaded him into making the hand signal again and snapped his picture. When the man, who was white, posted the photo of Cafferty, who is Mexican, it was the beginning of the end for Cafferty, who was fired from his job and was raked over the coals on the internet, even after his accuser reconsidered that he might have misinterpreted Cafferty’s initial gesture and took down his posts. Then there’s Laura Krolcyzk, who was frustrated with Trumpsters denying the effectiveness of ventilators and posted on Facebook, “Trump supporters need to pledge to give up their ventilators for someone else.” Even though Krolcyzk’s Facebook group was private, somebody shared it and it was catapulted into the world, and soon the likes of Republican operative Michael Caputo and Fox News host Sean Hannity were ripping into Krolczyk, who even after issuing an apology was receiving threats of murder and rape and was fired from her job as an administrator at a cancer treatment center. “15 Minutes of Shame” also delivers a brief history of cancel culture and public shaming, which has been

PHOTO COURTESY IMDB

around since the advent of civilization, and features insights from experts such as Mary Aiken, who is an expert in forensic cyber psychology, works with Interpol and U.S. authorities to track down cyber criminals and talks of the “online disinhibition effect,” i.e., “You do things online you wouldn’t do in the real world.” Ain’t that the truth. We also see that in the earlier years of Twitter, most of the hashtag movements were about calling out powerful corporations and individuals for wrongdoing, but in recent times the trend has shifted to include singling out everyday people who make an error from which they can never recover. We’re even told about a study that found soccer fans experience a greater degree of joy when their rivals fail than when their favorite team succeeds. “People are very punitive,” says Gay. “There’s no tolerance for mistakes or nuance.” At the outset of the documentary, Lewinsky says, “How did we get here, and where the f--- are we going?” One thing’s for certain: Wherever we’re going, there’s no turning back. 

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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

SENIORLIVING A SECOND WIND

Awe and Wonder By Mary Petersen Signal Staff Writer

ast weekend my husband and I attended our first play in two years. Live theater has long been a part of our lives (our first date was Edward Albee’s The Zoo Story forty years ago), so we had missed the joy of watching lights fade and actors take the stage. Things are a little different now. We showed our vaccine verifications, donned masks for the performance and noticed that the small theater was only half full. Nonetheless, I realized anew how powerful and edifying live theater can be. The following night we were fortunate to attend a concert at the Hollywood Bowl, another venue we had not visited since before the pandemic. We felt indulged by generous friends who invited us to share their box seats. One of my favorite parts of attending an outdoor concert at dusk is watching the sky darken and the shadows cast silhouettes. This ordinary yet magical transition evokes a feeling of gratitude and well-being. Spending a weekend engaged in live performance rekindled my passion for experiences that enlighten and inspire. In the play we saw, An Iliad, a weary poet narrates this adaptation of Homer’s The Iliad. He shifts between eye witness accounts of the Trojan War and astute observation of contemporary society. The Poet, the eternal seer in society, fulfills his obligation to depict the impulse toward violence over and over throughout human history. As the play concludes, he laments that he has been singing this story through the ages, and each time he hopes it’s the last time.

We are left feeling compassion for the poet, regret for lost lives, reverence for heroic actions, and heartbreaking wonder at the bittersweet human condition. The concert we attended the following night was less epic but equally uplifting. We were captivated by accomplished musicians and vocalists who shared their passion and talent. Nimble fingers reverberated on instruments as voices harmonized. Music wafted through the warm night air and transported us. In the stillness, I surrendered my imagination to the evocative sounds. At the risk of overstating, it felt sublime and transcendent. In the humdrum of daily life it’s easy to drift away from feeling awe and wonder, but experiences like these energize us and remind us that our passions, our creativity and curiosity about life are vital to our well-being. Witnessing those who have followed their muse inspires us to follow our own. On a social level, experiences of awe and wonder help us to reflect on the vast world we live in. They simultaneously humble us and make us feel a part of something great. Because they allow us to consider different perspectives and formulate new understandings of our world, they are essential to a healthy, functioning society. They help us feel empathy in our social interactions and foster cooperation with one another. Dacher Keltner, a scientist at the University of California Berkeley who has spent much of his career working to understand the feeling of awe and its effect, says, “Opportunities for awe surround us each day, and their benefits are profound. You just need to look up.” Mary Petersen is a retired COC English instructor, a 30-year SCV resident and two-time breast cancer survivor. 

Nola Aronson’s Advanced Audiology Presents:

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Please be our guest! Wednesday, October 20th, 2021 1:00PM PST Register: scvadvancedaudiology.com/rsvp or call 661.481.7983 During this FREE webinar, nationally known Audiologist, Nola Aronson and Whisper Head of Audiology, Don Schum, will discuss: • What artificial intelligence is and how it works • How AI can be applied to hearing devices to make them more powerful than traditional hearing aids available today • How the breakthrough Whisper Hearing System uses AI to get better over time and deliver continually improved hearing experiences

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H E A LT H

Protect your hearing for the long haul

ging has long been associated with hearing loss, and that association is not unwarranted. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders notes that age-related hearing loss can arise from changes in the inner ear as the body ages. However, hearing loss can affect people of all ages, including the very young. Noise-induced hearing loss, or NIHL, can affect people of all ages. In fact, a 2011-12 study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that as many as 40 million adults in the United States have some degree of hearing loss related to exposure to loud noise. Another study published in 2011 in the journal Pediatrics found that as many as 17 percent of adolescents between the ages of 12 and 19 had features of their hearing suggestive of NIHL. No single activity can explain the prevalence of NIHL among adolescents and adults under 70. However, there are steps everyone can take to protect their hearing and reduce their risk for NIHL.

Switch from earbuds to overthe-ear headphones

The Cleveland Clinic notes that over-the-ear headphones encase the ear and are often more effective at canceling outside noise. Why is that important? If outside noise is effectively canceled out, wearers won’t have to turn up the vol-

ume on their headphones in order to hear their music. Listening at lower volumes is a great way to protect your hearing and prevent NIHL.

Others shouldn’t hear what’s coming through your headphones

Audiologist Sharon A. Sandridge, Ph.D. of the Head and Neck Institute at the Cleveland Clinic notes that if people standing at arm’s length can hear the music coming from an individual’s headphones or earbud, then the volume levels on that person’s devices are too loud.

Purchase activity-specific headphones or earplugs

Hardware stores and sporting goods stores sell activity-specific headphones, earplugs and earmuffs that can be utilized when engaging in activities like yard work or hunting. Such products are often designed to block out noises from backpack leaf blowers and hunting rifles, and could therefore prove more protective of users’ hearing than over-the-ear headphones designed for listening to music. Age-related hearing loss may not be preventable. However, individuals can protect themselves from NIHL, and efforts to do just that should begin at a young age and continue throughout adulthood. (MC) 

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T R AV E L

ROUTE 66

Continued from page 6

Stop at Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain where Route 66 travelers have stopped for chocolate malts since the 1920s. A South Pasadena landmark, built in 1915, the original soda fountain is still in operation. Howard Motor Company Building 1285 East Colorado Blvd. Pasadena 91107 The Howard Motor Company Building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It was built in 1927 on the newly created Route 66 in a spot favored by many local automobile dealers. It was built in a heavily ornate style known as “Churrigueresque.” Travel through Pasadena along Colorado Boulevard. The street is littered with classic motels, many dating from the 1960s. Continue along Colorado Place until it joins with Huntington Drive to continue your Route 66 adventure. You will transition to Foothill Boulevard, until you reach Mountain Avenue. Head south to pick up Huntington Drive and historic Route 66 through Duarte and Azusa. In Glendora you’ll pick up Route 66 on Foothill Boulevard through Upland to San Bernardino.

San Bernardino Wigwam Motel 2728 West Foothill Blvd. San Bernardino 92376 Info www.wigwammotel.com The Wigwam Motel is among the most iconic of Route 66 vintage motels still in business. In 1933, Frank Redford started developing the Wigwam “Villages” by designing teepee shaped motel units. This motel, opened in 1949, was the last of seven Wigwam Motels built across the country. Today only three Wigwam motels survive. Mitla Café 602 N. Mount Vernon Ave. San Bernardino 92411 Info www.mitlacafesb.com Another classic location is The Mitla Café which opened in 1937. It still serves such classics as home-style menudo, a traditional Mexican soup. Check out their online menu and order ahead, if you just want to grab some food and get back on the road. In San Bernardino hop on the 215 freeway to the 15 to Victorville.

The Wigwam Motel and Route 66 Motel are classic examples of the retro motels found along Route 66.

of floor space, the museum offers photo opportunities for visitors in settings like a 1950s diner and a VW Love Bus complete with hippy wigs and sunglasses. Emma Jean’s Holland Burger Café 17143 North D St. Victorville, 92394 Info www.hollandburger.com Stop at Emma Jean’s Holland Burger Cafe; home to a famous patty melt. This iconic Route 66 stop has been serving meals since 1947.

Barstow Route 66 “Mother Road” Museum 681 N. First St. Barstow, 92311 Info www.route66museum.org For those interested in the history of the old road visit the Route 66 “Mother Road” Museum, which offers free admission is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. It has a nifty gift shop and numerous exhibits of classic Route 66 road signs and mid-century memorabilia.

Victorville

Tom’s Certified Welding and Machine Shop 28664 US Highway 58 Barstow, 92311 Info www.facebook.com/pages/Toms-CertifiedWelding-Machine-Shop/989373307774433 Another stop in Barstow should be Tom’s Certified Welding and Machine Shop, where you will discover vintage gas station signs and other Route 66 relics.

California Route 66 Museum 16825 South D St. Victorville, 92395 Info www.califrt66museum.org Stop at the California Route 66 Museum for some serious history, as well as some light-hearted interactive fun. With more than 4,500 square feet

Route Motel 66 195 West Main St., Barstow, 92311 Info www.route66motelbarstow.com The Route 66 Motel is a 1922 retro motel with classic neon sign and mural. The simple rooms with bright accent walls also feature some round beds. The motel displays antique cars and other

Route 66 memorabilia. Bagdad Café 46548 National Trails Highway Newberry Springs 92365 Info www.route66guide.com/bagdad-cafe.html Just past Newberry Springs on Route 66 is the famous Bagdad Café. The 1987 movie “Bagdad Café” was shot on location here. Then known as the “Sidewinder,” the eatery changed its name to capitalize on its film stardom. You’ll be driving by, why not stop?

Amboy

Roy’s Motel and Café 87520 National Trails Hwy Amboy, 92304 Info https://visitamboy.com/ Roy’s is located on Route 66 in Amboy, in the Mojave Desert. The site of Roy’s has become an icon for a lonely desert gas stop due to the multiple appearances of Roy’s in movies. Roy’s was a motel, café, gas station and auto repair shop, defunct for many years but now being largely restored. There is a gift shop where you can buy soda and snacks. The historic site is an excellent example of roadside mid-century Modern Googie architecture.

Needles Info www.theroute-66.com/needles.html

Needles, on the California/Arizona border, was a major stop on the historic U.S. Route 66 highway from the 1920s through 1960s. For immigrants from the Midwest Dust Bowl in the 1930s, it was the first town marking their arrival in California. The city is filed with numerous murals, motels and other shops from that era. There are dozens of “must-see” attractions in Needles. 

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HALLOWEEN

California’s most haunted

Winchester Mystery House. PHOTO COURTESY WINCHESTER MYSTERY HOUSE By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

he forlorn spirit of a lovely young woman, a headless friar, a bevy of prehistoric phantoms: frightful sightings abound in these paranormal hotspots across California. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, a visit to these spooky spots is sure to deliver a thrill. Listed from north to south, here are a handful of reportedly haunted houses, hotels and more. Fort Humboldt State Historic Park 3431 Fort Ave., Eureka Info www.parks.ca.gov/?page_ id=665 Overlooking a rugged bluff in Humboldt Bay, this former fort’s remote location in Humboldt County lends an eerie air. The real draw, however, is the supposed ghost of a deceased commander who succumbed to malaria in 1897 and now stares out hospital windows as hikers stroll past. Eureka is considered one of the most haunted cities in Norther California. Preston Castle Haunt At the end of Palm Drive, off Highway 104, Ione Info https://prestoncastle.org/haunt/ The castle’s foreboding facade looks straight out of a horror film. Once a

reform school for unruly youth and abandoned children, the structure’s sinister history includes corporal punishment, toxic dunking baths and a housekeeper’s murder. The Castle Haunt is open weekends through Oct. 30. Tickets are available online. $35/general admission and $50/fast pass. Bodie State Historic Park Northeast of Yosemite on Highway 270, Bridgeport Info www.parks.ca.gov/?page_ id=509 Spanning 500 acres in Mono County, about 75 miles southeast of Lake Tahoe, Bodie is a Gold Rushera ghost town frozen in time. More than 100 structures remain, as do the supposed spirits of prospectors. While dishware shards and nails can be found on the streets, anyone who takes home a souvenir risks the curse of Bodie (and it’s also against park rules). Tickets are $8/person, $5/children four to 17. Winchester Mystery House 525 S Winchester Blvd., San Jose Info winchestermysteryhouse.com A door that leads to nowhere and a staircase that dead-ends into the ceiling? It’s said that widow Sarah Winchester designed the house this peculiar way to confuse the ghosts: men

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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 7

HALLOWEEN killed by her late husband’s creation, the Winchester rifle. The house is open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $41.99/adults, $34.99/seniors and first responders and $19.99 for children five to 12. El Adobe de Capistrano Restaurant 31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano Info eladobedecapistrano.com The site of this restaurant has been recognized as a California State Historical Landmark. Go for the chips and guacamole; stay for the headless friar sometimes seen at the restaurant’s door. This Mexican eatery sits atop the town’s old jail. A spirit of a former prisoner reportedly haunts the wine cellar, converted from a cell. On Oct. 23, the Day of San Juan, the famous cliff swallows will leave the city and fly 6,000 miles south to Argentina. Hotel del Coronado 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado Info hoteldel.com In 1892, 24-year-old Kate Morgan

Preston Castle. PHOTO COURTESY VISIT CALIFORNIA

checked into this luxurious waterfront resort alone and then ended her life on the hotel’s staircase. Kate’s original third-floor guestroom is the hub of the activity where visitors have experienced flickering lights, a television that turns itself on and off, breezes coming from nowhere, in-

The gold-mining ghost town of Bodie. PHOTO COURTESY VISIT CALIFORNIA

explicable scents and sounds, items moving of their own accord, doors that randomly open and close, abrupt changes in room temperature and unexplained footsteps and voices. The room number 3327 is the most requested guestroom at the hotel. There have also been Kate sightings in hotel

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hallways and along the seashore. Another very “active” area is the resort’s gift shop, established in 1888, where visitors and employees routinely witness giftware mysteriously flying off shelves, oftentimes falling upright and always unbroken. 

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PETS

Tips to safely celebrate Halloween with your pets

hether heading to a party, celebrating on social media or greeting little ghouls and goblins at home, getting the entire family - including the four-legged family members - involved in the Halloween festivities can be the biggest treat of all. However, it’s important to take some precautions to avoid spooking your pets, particularly if you’ll be dressing them for the occasion. In addition to keeping your pets out of the candy bowl and tempering their excitement during all the hustle and bustle, keep these tips from PetSmart’s resident veterinarian and pet care expert, Dr. Jennifer Freeman, DVM, in mind to ensure your pets are comfortable in their costumes so they’re able to celebrate stress-free.

costume, it’s important to ensure the outfit allows them to walk, bark, meow and see without difficulty. Additionally, if your pets can easily trip over their legs, try another type of clothing. Make sure there aren’t any accessories attached that may be easy for them to chew on or swallow.

Consider the weather

Pets can overheat easily, so ensure their clothing is not too bulky or heavy if it is warm on Halloween. Watch for elastic features around the paw area that may be restrictive and be certain there is enough room around the widest area of the chest to allow for proper air flow and ventilation.

Keep an eye on body language

Take baby steps

Start by trying a simple accessory, like a bandana, on your pets. See if they allow this and will walk around with it on for a few minutes. Not all pets like wearing clothes and some may become stressed or agitated while wearing a costume. However, many just need a little coaxing and positive reinforcement, such as praise and a treat.

pets, reward them with their favorite treat to create a positive association between wearing the costume and getting a treat.

Reward with something tasty

Ensure the costume is safe

After you put the apparel or costume on your

Once you know your pets are comfortable in a

Pets often communicate through body language and their behavior may let you know if they’re stressed or uncomfortable. Pay extra attention to your costumed pets’ body language while attending parties or events and watch for signs of discomfort such as pacing, hiding or refusing to move. For more tips and tricks for keeping your pets safe this Halloween, as well as ideas for seasonal costumes, toys and treats, visit PetSmart.com. (Family Features) 

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HOME

Stylish, Space-Saving Home Upgrade

SELLING

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 9

SANTA CLARITA MARTIN REALTY GROUP

SANTA CLARITA’S PREMIER TEAM

here’s no better time than the present to upgrade your house with space-saving door hardware. Swapping out traditional swinging doors for smooth-gliding, wall-mounted sliding door hardware can add up to 14 square feet of floor space, which leaves more room for spreading out toys and games while giving a spacious feel to nearly any room in your house. Making the switch also allows for more flexibility in furniture arrangements, which means even the smallest nook in your house could turn into a cozy space. An option like Johnson’s 2610SC Soft-Close Wall Mount Sliding Door Hardware can be used with virtually any metal or wood door from 1-1 3/4 inches thick, up to 60 inches wide and weighing up to 165 pounds. The wall mount includes hardware that gently slows the door’s travel speed to softly pull it into the fully open or closed position. It works

ccording to a 2020 Homes.com survey of more than 5,000 adults, modern farmhouse is the most favored house style. The survey asked participants to choose from a selection of styles, including mid-century modern ranch, Spanish colonial/southwest, bohemian craftsman, French chateau and Tudor.

like a cabinet door closer, enabling doors to open and close quietly and securely. The hardware also prevents door slamming and pinched fingers, and significantly reduces door operational noise. The satin or bronze fascia provides a warm, decorative detail to the room, and the American-made, smooth-rolling door hardware and track exceed ANSI standards, which means they can successfully complete 100,000 opening and closing cycles. With adjustable door guides and smooth-rolling tricycle hangers, you can set the adjustable track stops to control the door travel, as well. Plus, a jump-proof aluminum box track is available in lengths up to 96 inches for single doors and up to 192 inches for double doors. For more ways to add style and extra space to your home, as well as video installation guidance, visit johnsonhardware.com or call (800) 837-5664. (Family Features) 

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Farmhouse look rules The modern farmhouse style was the most popular choice in 42 of the 50 states, proving that home style preference is not beholden to geography. Respondents gave a host of reasons for favoring the modern farmhouse look, including that the style is “aesthetically appealing but not boring” and that it looks “simple, cozy, and not too busy.” (MC) 

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Dream Getaways! Book by October 22, 2021

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Tired of fighting the squirrels? Feed ‘em rels’ taste preferences away from bird feeders. Because squirrels are territorial, they’re less likely to go to other locations once they’re accustomed to eating in a designated place. Establishing a feeding space just for squirrels can satisfy their appetites and keep them out of bird feeders. Squirrels are interesting creatures and worth the watch. Consider these facts:

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Los Cabos, Mexico 6

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CALL: (800) 741-1605 CLICK: AAA.com/EasyToPlan VISIT: Your Local Auto Club Branch 1The value listed is per booking and equals the total of the Dream Getaways offerer2 plus the AAA Member Benefit3. 2Dream Getaways offer: Valid on new bookings booked July 23, 2021 – October 22, 2021 for travel July 23, 2021 – June 30, 2022. Minimum five nights’ accommodations at a participating resort or hotel and round trip airfare required (excludes Hawai’i interisland flights). Savings of $150 is not reflected in rates shown and applies to Hawai’i, Mexico and Caribbean destinations with participating resorts. 3AAA Member Benefit: $50 activity voucher is nonrefundable, nontransferable, has no cash value and applies to the following destinations: Hawai‘i, Mexico, Central & South America and select Caribbean destinations. Savings not reflected in rates shown and applies to the following destinations: USA (excluding Hawai’i), Canada – $25 savings; Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Asia, select Caribbean destinations (Anguilla, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Curaçao, Grand Cayman, Grenada, Martinique, St. Barts, St. Croix, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Martin and St. Maarten, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Turks & Caicos), Tahiti (French Polynesia), Fiji and Cook Islands – $50 savings. 4Rate is per person, land and round trip economy-class airfare from the featured gateway (other gateways available, rates may vary), based on double occupancy for check-in on November 1, 2021 in ocean view king room accommodations at Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel on O’ahu and includes taxes, fees and surcharges collected by seller at time of booking. 5Rate is per person, land and round trip economy-class airfare from the featured gateway (other gateways available, rates may vary), based on double occupancy for check-in on December 1, 2021 in resort view room accommodations at Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa on Maui and includes taxes, fees and surcharges collected by seller at time of booking. 6Rate is per person, land and round trip economy-class airfare from the featured gateway (other gateways available, rates may vary), based on double occupancy for check-in on December 1, 2021 in junior suite room accommodations at Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas All-Inclusive in Cabo San Lucas and includes taxes, fees and surcharges collected by seller at time of booking. 7Kids 17 & younger stay free in same room as adults using existing bedding at the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel or Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. Occupancy limits apply. AAA Travel Alert: Many travel destinations have implemented COVID-19-related restrictions. Before making travel plans, check to see if hotels, attractions, cruise lines, tour operators, restaurants and local authorities have issued health and safety-related restrictions or entry requirements. The local tourism board is a good resource for updated information. For all offers, unless otherwise indicated: Rates quoted are accurate at time of publication & are per person, based on double occupancy. Gratuities, transfers, excursions and, for non-airinclusive offers, airfare, taxes, fees & surcharges, are additional. Advertised rates do not include any applicable daily resort or facility fees payable directly to the hotel at check-out; such fee amounts will be advised at the time of booking. Rates, terms, conditions, availability, itinerary, taxes, fees, surcharges, deposit, payment, cancellation terms/conditions & policies subject to change without notice at any time. Cruise rates capacity-controlled. Advance reservations through AAA Travel required to obtain Member Benefits & savings which may vary based on departure date. Rates may be subject to increase after full payment for increases in government-imposed taxes or fees and, except for air-inclusive offers, for supplierimposed fees. Blackout dates & other restrictions may apply. As to Air-Inclusive Offers Only: Other restrictions may apply, including, but not limited to, baggage limitations & charges for first & second checked bag, standby policies & fees, nonrefundable airfare/airline tickets, advance purchase requirements & supplier & airline-imposed change/cancellation fees up to & including the price of the fare plus any applicable fare differential (which may involve pre-notification deadlines). Air component of packaged offers may be nonrefundable; refunds are subject to supplier & airline terms & conditions. Supplier & airline fees & policies may vary. Contact your supplier & ticketing airline for more information; for baggage fees & other details, see www.iflybags.com. Rates involving round trip air transportation for travel dates or from gateways other than those advertised may differ. Not responsible for errors or omissions. Your local AAA Club acts as an agent for Pleasant Holidays®. To learn how we collect and use your information, visit the privacy link at AAA.com. ©2021 Auto Club Services, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

ountless backyards are battlegrounds between die-hard homeowners and squirrels fighting over bird feed. Squirrels need not be an inevitable element of bird feeding; even though keeping squirrels out of bird feeders is an age-old problem, there are ways to thwart these thieves. One common tactic is stocking feeders with seed squirrels dislike, such as safflower, nyjer, white proso millet and seed infused with capsaicin, a compound derived from hot peppers that makes mammals’ tongues smart. An option like Cole’s Hot Meats features nutritious sunflower meats infused with fiery habanero chili peppers. They’re a no waste, no mess feed, birds enjoy but squirrels’ dislike. Some people find squirrels adorable, fascinating to watch and have nothing against them, even allowing them to share seed with birds. The real problem begins when squirrels take their share and then some. To combat this, consider adding a baffle to your bird feeder on a pole about 5 feet high so squirrels don’t jump over it. Bird feeders on poles can be set in open spaces where there’s no trees or structures squirrels can jump from onto feeders. Try a “squirrel-proof ” feeder that employs cages, or spring-loaded doors, keeping squirrels at bay. You can then offer food specific to squir-

• Squirrels can find food buried beneath 1 foot of snow. • Squirrels’ front teeth never stop growing. • Squirrels run zigzag patterns to escape predators. • Squirrels “fake out” other squirrels and pretend to bury nuts to throw off potential thieves from their hiding places. • When falling, squirrels use their tails both for balance and as parachutes. Plus, they can jump up to 20 feet and run 20 miles per hour. • Squirrels can see behind them, but they’re blind at birth. • When given a mixture of nuts, squirrels sort them by type before burying each variety in a different area. • Squirrels can rotate their hind feet 180 degrees when descending trees and poles. • Squirrels are one of the most important animals for helping spread oak trees. They store acorns in the ground but only recover about 70% of them, allowing forgotten acorns to grow into healthy trees. As for the birds In cold weather, it’s important to provide high-quality choices that offer the most fat, nutrients and energy. Look for black oil sunflower, which is rich in oil, attracting birds and providing energy. Birds also love suet, the solid fat rendered from beef, venison or vegetables, which provides concentrated energy, helping them make it through the colder winter nights. (Family Features) 

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K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Fun ways you can display your child’s name By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

orting through bills, advertisements and coupons, I get weary of the waste and the impersonal nature of daily junk mail. Occupant … Occupant … Resident … Occupant! When my name actually appears on an enve-

lope in handwriting I recognize, I feel like a gem is passing through my hands. When you think about it, a name really is important. To the government, I’m only a Social Security number. The airlines know me by my frequent-flyer number, and to the bank, well, I’m just another number. But my name is me, wrapped up in a few little letters. And for some reason, a name has power. When we hear someone use our name, don’t we perk up and take notice? It’s like there’s a tiny electrical connection that is made when a person says it. Families everywhere are learning a whole new batch of names and faces this fall as kids enter new classrooms, make new friendships and join athletic and academic teams. Have fun practicing and spelling new names, then display your kids’ names with these activities:

with a length of rope, yarn, string or twine. Twist and turn it on a table first, then glue the formed name to a plank of wood. Hang it above her desk or bed.

Outside the box

Name and notes door sign

Glue colorful plastic alphabet letters to a small, lightweight blackboard. Glue a stationery clip to the frame, and attach a tiny tablet. Tie a string around a pen, and loop over the clip. Hang it at your preschooler’s height on the bedroom door.

Name on a plank

When your child begins to learn cursive, practice “writing” her name

Count the letters in your child’s name and cover that many empty single-portion cereal boxes with plain construction paper. Paint one large letter on the front side of each box to collectively spell the name. Attach hooks on the backs and hang them on your child’s wall. Parenting Tip Play a game with your name. See how many words you can form with the letters. Include the letters in your middle and last names to expand the list. 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.

How they say that in English …

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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

Does This Sound Familiar? Instead of 50 people inside Russia, imagine if Chernobyl had killed 5 million people. Worldwide. Next, imagine if the Russians claimed complete innocence. They say a bat landed on the wrong switch, causing the cooling water to stop flowing. They’re not sure how the bat got inside the control room. Would you believe them? Next, imagine if the American president played along. Imagine he turns a blind eye to the Russian culpability. In fact, imagine that his own family were proven to be on the Russian government payroll. Would that be OK with you? Instead, this fictional president demands that every American wear homemade tinfoil anti-radiation hats, and get fast-fading anti-radiation shots every six months from companies aligned with his party. All his bureaucrat experts naturally agree. In fact, he’s so insistent that if you don’t comply, he decides to take away your job. He even includes anyone who has already recovered from radiation sickness, having far better protection than any of his shots. Rob Kerchner Valencia

Attention Pet Owners This letter is for all pet parents in Santa Clarita. When COVID-19 began, veterinary clinics and emergency centers stopped owners from entering the premises and being present while pets were examined. It is now over a year and a half later, and while we can go back to our own doctor’s office, to concerts, football games and dine in restaurants, most vet clinics are still requiring owners to stay in the car while their pet is examined and treated. This needs to end now. The only way this practice will be discontinued is if we, as owners, only support vets whose practices are transparent. In order to do this we need to shop with our pocketbooks. Veterinary care is very expensive and most pet owners do not have insurance. Even those with insurance do not receive 100% reimbursement. Once veterinarians who do not permit owners to stay with our pets start seeing their profit margins change, then their practice will change. It is time for us to stand up for our fuzzy kids and demand to be present when they are examined and treated (except in emergencies when they must be taken to the back). This is your hard-earned money at work. The only way things will change is if we patronize veterinary practices who respect us. And to show our respect in turn we will wear a mask, respect the staff in the clinic and pay our bills in a timely manner. Randi Kay Saugus 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

Getting Past ‘They Started It!’ By David Hegg

ow’s this for a bold opening: Life usually comes down to response. Most of life flows out of how you respond to circumstances, opportunities, situations, people, problems, challenges …you name it. While there are things in this world that we can control, the most important one is how we respond to the people and things that invade our lives every day. I’ll even go so far as to say there are times when your response to something is much more important than the something. Think about it. On the athletic field, rarely does the guy who pushes first get caught, but almost always the guy who pushes back gets flagged. So it is with life. You can’t control what happens to you but you can control the way you respond. And, if we’re ever going to be a mature, civilized, neighborly, useful and successful people, we’ve simply got to learn how to respond wisely, appropriately and in a way that creates harmony rather than enmity. Several of my friends and family members are “first responders.” We’ve all heard that term but what I want you to think about right now is how important it is that these “responders” carry out their response to adverse situations properly. For example, when called to a structure fire, those in the fire service don’t start tossing Molotov cocktails into the surrounding structures. And when called to an “active shooter” situation, our law enforcement officers don’t start shooting everyone they see. OK, so maybe my examples are a little over the top, but I just wanted to shock the eyes of your thinking center and get them good and open. Here’s the deal. Maybe it’s that our personal energy tanks are getting filled up with COVID-19 frustration fuel, or maybe the erosion we see in our society is more real than we think. But, in any event, we’ve become a society that seems unable to respond maturely, reasonably and honorably to the wrongs we witness and the hurts we feel. When did it become proper to demean the opposition with childish name calling? When did it become acceptable to publicly declare that someone with different ideas deserves to be harassed, and even die a horrible death? When did it become honorable to suggest that persons

of a particular ethnicity should be hunted down and terminated? When did it become “a best practice” for those who hold positions in the media to denigrate their competitors, edit the news according to their own biases, and suggest that the nation’s woes can all be attributed to a particular broadcast philosophy? And when did it become OK to slap teachers, punch another team’s fan, and call parents “domestic terrorists” for desiring a say in what their kids are being taught? What’s going on? I’ll tell you. We are watching a nation lose its ability to respond with self-control, dignity and rational thought. We have frontrow seats on the triumph of absurdity on the one hand, and the death of civility on the other. As a society we should be embarrassed to watch our leaders act like spoiled children. In many cases they need to be turned out, not just a time out. The bottom line is that achievement has become more important than honor, power more desired than integrity, and certainly half-truths and untruths more useful than veracity and accuracy. As kids we all tried to minimize our poor responses by shouting, “but they started it.” And more than likely our parents said, “but you finished it in the wrong way!” I guess they were just trying to teach us that the way we respond says everything about who we really are, and how much we want to build up rather than tear down those around us. So, can we please stop throwing verbal petroleum on the fiery circumstances we encounter? We’re all aware that the price of gasoline continues to put a crimp on our wallets. But I sure hope we also see the monumental price we’re paying as a society for the verbal and relational gasoline we continue to spew. If we’re ever to solve the huge challenges we face in today’s world we must learn how to speak honorably, listen attentively and control the ways we respond to those around us. After all, if most of life is about response, we’re in danger of responding ourselves down to a pile of ashes. We’re better than that, and it’s time to prove it. Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays. 