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OCTOBER 24, 2021

The time for haunts has come Page 4

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EXPLORING CALI’S BEST BIKE TRAILS

A FEW TIPS FOR GETTING RID OF WRINKLES

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES 4 4 Getting ready for the haunts of the Dark Realm 5 Satisfy your sweet tooth this Halloween season 6 Great bike trails in California 7 How a council helped calm a community FROM THE MAYOR 8 8 Celebrating our All-Star City BEAUTY 9 9 Fighting wrinkles and fine lines ENTERTAINMENT 10 10 Bond take the #1 top box-office draw 12 Roeper’s recs on upcoming shows ‘Dune’ mini-review FOOD 11 11 What to do with the pumpkin leftovers SENIOR LIVING 13 13 When weight loss can be worrisome HEALTH 14 14 Each type of breast cancer is a different battle RESTAURANT GUIDE 16 HOME 19 19 Home maintenance projects for the weekend GARDENING 20 20 Safely freezing your garden vegetables KIDS & FAMILY 21 21 Donna’s Day: ‘World’s Best Granola’ Junior Whirl • How is that said PUZZLES 22 OPINION 23

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O C TO B E R 24, 2021

N E W S F E AT U R E

Getting ready for the haunts of the Dark Realm By Caleb Lunetta Signal Senior Staff Writer

egardless of whether you flee from them or run toward them, the haunted houses around the Santa Clarita Valley arrive each year, providing scares and jumps for kids and adults alike. “People like getting scared, people go to horror movies, too,” said Scott Sivley, the owner and operator of Beware the Dark Realm in Saugus. “But when you go into a haunt, you can kind of immerse yourself actually in the horror movie, and it becomes very interesting. “It’s a lot different than just sitting safely inside your living room on the couch.”

Beware the Dark Realm

This year marks the 50th year that the Sivley family has hosted Beware the Dark Realm, first establishing the haunted mansion in 1971 in the San Fernando Valley before moving it to the SCV in 1988. “It’s a medieval castle that this year, it seems that the dragons have kind of taken the castle over and pretty much terrorize the community,” Scott Sivley said. “You can see me building in December, you can see me building in March, but you’ll always see me building in September, because that’s when we start putting it up,” he added. Scott says the year-round work is due to the Beware the Dark Realm needing to keep up with — and succeeding at — keeping up with other haunts that have also evolved over the last five decades. “Haunting is far more elaborate now than it was years ago,” Sivley said, adding the Disneyland ride The Haunted Mansion essentially established the historical standard for what guests expect in a haunted house. “There’s some really, really good haunts out there now that the quality of everything is vastly improved. For what people can expect at Beware the Dark Realm, the owner said that people can expect jump scares, animatronics and subtle scares. Beware the Dark Realm is recommended for people ages 10 and up, however, children as young as 4 or 5 years old have gone through in years past. Entry into the haunted house is free, but a $10 donation to Family Promise gets you a pass to go in through a much shorter line. The haunt is located at 28621 Sugar Pine Way and open Oct. 22, 23, 29 and 30 from 7-10 p.m. For more information about Beware The Dark Realm visit their website www.bewarethedarkrealm.com/About.

House of Horrors

Billing itself as an “adult” haunted house for the Santa Clarita Valley, The Cunningham House of Horrors in Castaic is set to feature a professional acting troupe, language, adult themes and a little bit of nudity, according to its creator Brian Cunningham.

Scott Sivley and wife, Cindy, light the electric candles in one of the dungeons as they celebrate 50 years of haunting at Beware the Dark Realm. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

While there is a children’s show available earlier in the night, filled with witches and Frankenstein’s Monster, Cunningham said the difference between the two shows, separated by an hour from one another, is akin to “Haunted Mansion versus Texas Chainsaw Massacre.” “It’s going to be unlike anything that anyone has ever seen between the two different shows,” said Cunningham. “There’s going to be a family-friendly show and then there will be an adult show, ages 17-years-old and up, and it’s going to be ridiculous.” This is his first year ever doing a haunted house, he said, but the idea behind it — even the theme of the walking tour of his house — was inspired by the passing of a loved one. “The reason why I’m doing this is that my brother recently passed away this year of cancer and I’m trying to raise money for the Circle of Hope,” said Cunningham, adding that a portion of each ticket sold will go to the charity and a donation table will be set up as well. “I would love to be able to write a $1,000 check of more to the Circle of Hope and do that in memory of my brother Kevin. “He loved Halloween, it was his favorite holiday,” said Cunningham, later adding: “Basically we’re going to be taking a tour of my house that’s been haunted by the spirit of my brother. So, I’ve incorporated my brother into the show.” Snacks and drinks will then be offered in the backyard. The Cunningham House of Horrors is set for two nights only on Oct. 27 and Oct. 28, and is located at 29724 Castlebury Place in Castaic. The family

friendly show for ages 8 and up is from 5-7 p.m. and costs $15, while the “Dark n’ Creepy” show for ages 17 and up is $20 and goes from 8-11 p.m.

Club Fear

Club Fear in Valencia was born out of a couple of high school kids realizing they were too old to trick or treat on Halloween, but too young to party, as well, according to Jason Shields, organizer of the Haunted House. After doing haunts for a number of years, Shields started Club Fear in 2016 and applied his training as an art student into designing the entertainment, appearance and animation for the haunt. He said he came up with and originally played the character Rellik — the word “killer” spelled backwards — a serial killer clown that terrorizes his victims, but has since passed the role on down to his son Kaden, a Valencia High School senior. This year’s theme is set to be the next in a Club Fear saga entitled “Twisted Manor II” “This is your chance to go into his house and see what the house of serial killer looks like … and you have to find your way out,” said Shields, adding that there’s technology inside Club Fear that is similar to the tech used at Fright Fest and Universal Studios. Club Fear is set to include jump scares, no intentional touching from the actors, special effects, strobe lights, fog and loud sounds. All ages are welcome, though parental discretion is advised for young children. The haunt is located at 23501 Clearidge Drive in Valencia and is set to take place on Oct. 23, 24, 29 and 30 from 7-11 p.m. Entry is free. 

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N E W S F E AT U R E

Satisfy your sweet tooth this Halloween season By Jose Herrera Signal Staff Writer

ctober marks the beginning of the holiday season, with the start of Halloween and spooky parties, which for a lot of people means family and friend gatherings, parties and cooking for these grand events. However, for people who want to save some time and or just skip the cooking altogether, bakers across the Santa Clarita Valley offer an assortment of desserts that satisfy any sweet tooth this holiday season. “I feel like it’s good to have an option because candy is something you have every single year,” said Marlene Garcia, co-owner of Dangling Carrot Confections. “Most people have it every day, but I feel like it’s always nice to include something creative, that’s a dessert, that you can eat today or tomorrow. You know, something that’s a little tastier. And maybe a little bit better for you as well.” Various bakers in the SCV, such as Garcia, are conjuring and mixing their fall- or Halloween-themed desserts. Garcia and co-owner Scott Minner, and their staff, bake brownies, cookies, cupcakes, and other treats and serve drinks. Each year, they fill their white walls with Halloween décor and create their desserts in spooky fashion. “We have cake pops (in the shape of) monsters, mummies, the three witches from ‘Hocus Pocus’ and Frankenstein. There’s creativity in what we do, and there’s a lot of time and effort put into these trades. So, the alternative from candy, is that we offer handmade creations.” October is a busy time for the shop as Halloween approaches and parties pop up throughout the month, she said. October also signals the start of the holiday season for them. She added, her team at Dangling Carrot Confections do their best to make all their desserts the best they can — from creating their treats from scratch to the final decoration on top. Then there’s Madison Rose Bakery, owned by Kerry-Ann Miranda, a local bakeshop she describes as a “custom order, luxury-vegan bakery offering a wide variety of vegan and

gluten-free options.” Miranda opened her business in 2015, and in 2016 won Food Networks “Cupcake Wars” with one of her gluten-free cupcakes. “My children have food allergies,” Miranda said. “My son, Brandon, he’s 12 now, I almost lost him when was about 3 to 4 weeks old. He has food allergies, and I swapped him to a soy formula. Immediately, he went into anaphylactic shock and he couldn’t breathe. It was a life-changing experience.” “I never wanted to bake,” Miranda said. “I don’t mind cooking, but I would always buy treats (for my family) at the store. But I didn’t want my kids to be sad about not being able to enjoy the treats they wanted to eat.” She added vegans, and people who eat gluten-free, who come for her recipes, are her heart. She said she creates gluten-free options to help prevent anyone from experiencing a near-death experience as her son did. Madison Rose Bakery offers cakes, cupcakes, brownies, pies, donuts and more, but order only. The shop does not have a walk-in location, but they are open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30-6:30 p.m. Customers are encouraged to call or place their orders online a month in advance for their festivities. Agustin Prieto, the owner of California Bakery and Café, also has quite to offer for Halloween parties and

Left: Dangling Carrot Confections’ three witch-sisters from “Hocus Pocus” in cake pop form. Right: Agustin Prieto, owner of California Bakery and Cafe, holds a tray of his Halloween-themed donuts. California Bakery is open six days a week, 24 hours a day. PHOTOS BY JOSE HERREA / THE SIGNAL

upcoming Día de Los Muertos celebrations. Customers can expect bright orange-colored donuts or deep black-colored donuts laced with web icing for Halloween, some bone-resembling Pan de Muertos, steaming tamales and more from Prieto’s bakery. “I’m from Chihuahua, so we make our tamales in Chihuahua-style,” Prieto said. “There we wrap them in the corn husk, boil the dough and we fill it in with fresh pork. We’re open for six days, 24 hours and we only close one day of the week to get some rest.” He added his bakery offers Mexican pastries, such as sweet bread and flan. Community members like to stop by and mix and match donuts and sweet bread in their bundles. California Bakery and Café

“It was something that I like to do, love to do,” Prieto said. “I love to create new stuff, and when the customers like what I produce then it inspires you.” Prieto mentioned that he’s happy to be reopened because they had to close down for two and a half months. His wife, who has diabetes, asked him, “not risk it” and retire, but instead, they remolded the store and waited until they would reopen safely to the public. “We love the business. It’s our baby,” Prieto said. “It’s also like our customers. They’re good friends, and many of them are good friends. It’s the involvement that we get to enjoy with the community and customers. Our business is how we mingle with the community and everyone comes over.” 

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Explore these great California bike trails By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

he Santa Clarita Valley has great places to ride for bicycle enthusiasts. The city offers more than 100 miles of picturesque trails and paseos designed for bicycle use. However, if you’re ready for a little getaway and want to take your bike, the entire state of California offers great bike trails paired with incredible natural wonders and unforgettable landscapes. Load up your bike, or rent your bike at your vacation destination. It’s fun to join a bike tour, as well. Bike tours offer a chance to see the sights with a local tour guide, giving you a chance to see places you might have missed on your own.

Matt Davis Loop • Marin

Difficulty Very strenuous Length 13.60 miles roundtrip Info www.parksconservancy.org/trails/matt-davistrail In a half-day, Mount Tamalpais is easily tackled — from mountains to the sea, its slopes and winding paths are a highlight reel of beauty. The trailhead starts at Stinson Beach, right off Highway 1 in Marin County. Here, the Dipsea Trail guides hikers along a coastal trail with panoramic views of the Pacific. One mile in marks the Steep Ravine split, where Webb Creek cascades adjacent to the trail and hikers trek up a eucalyptus-studded incline. Follow the Matt Davis Trail back to Stinson Beach to complete the loop, rounding out the day at one of the seaside cafés.

Ojai Valley Bike Trail • Ventura

Difficulty All skill levels Length 30 miles roundtrip from Ventura to Ojai Info www.ventura.org/parks-department/ojaivalley-trail-venturaojai Biking in Ventura can introduce visitors to a multitude of destinations all in one ride. It’s easy to follow the 3.5-mile Rincon Bike Trail, adjacent to Highway 101 and leading north to Carpinteria’s Rincon Point. Visitors can also rent bikes at Wheel Fun at the foot of Ventura Pier or at Open-Air Bicycles Ventura in town. Cycle along Ventura’s beachfront on the Omer Rains Trail for views of Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands. Journey beyond Ventura to Ojai via the Ojai Valley Bike Trail is an easy, tree-lined ride. Cyclists will arrive in Libbey Park, where they can park in the bike-friendly town and enjoy the local shops and restaurants before heading back.

Marvin Braude Bike Trail • Santa Monica Difficulty Moderate Length 22 miles one way Info beaches.lacounty.gov/la-county-beach-bikepath

Explore Golden Gate Park or, if you’re adventureous enough, ride across the bridge. PHOTOS COURTESY VISIT CALIFORNIA

The Marvin Braude Bike Trail, also known as The Strand, is a 22-mile paved path that runs along the Pacific Ocean and connects some of the best beaches in Los Angeles County. The Strand winds past Santa Monica and Venice, then heads inland at Marina Del Rey, is back on the beach at Playa del Rey and glides along the shorelines of Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo Beach, finally ending in Torrance. A popular route for cyclists, joggers, rollerbladers and beach-lovers, taking “The Strand” is a quintessential Southern Californian route.

Big Sur e-biking

Info https://bikebigsur.com Various paths at various lengths and difficulties Using an e-bike isn’t cheating, it’s far more environmentally friendly than using a car, plus you get some exercise, as well. And those climbs along the coast are much easier when you have a 750-watt assist. Big Sur Adventures offers a trio of e-bike tours for all levels of riders: 17-Mile Drive, the Old Coast Road and McWay Falls. One of the best choices for intermediate riders is the Old Coast Road route, a dirt road that follows the original wagon trail into Big Sur. There are locals who haven’t been on this road, and the views are magnificent as they stretch along the coast, into oak and redwood groves and across the Little Sur River. Another fun tour is the “Big Little Lies” tour where

you can visit filming locations from the Emmyaward winning series. Prices for the different tours vary so check out the website.

Golden Gate Park Loop • San Francisco

Difficulty All skill levels Length 6.3 miles Info www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/goldengate-park-trail The Golden Gate Park Loop is one way to enjoy the famous park and the best way to appreciate the grandeur and diverse greenery of the 1,017-acre park is by bicycle. To ensure that your two-wheeled adventure doesn’t end with you completely lost, try a private-guided cycling tour. Parkwide Bike Rentals and Tours offers all types of guided tours on both standard and e-bikes, but you can also skip the booking portal on the website and call to set up a custom, private-guided tour of the park, complete with a picnic lunch and chilled refreshments. The cycling pros at Parkwide will design the route based on your requests and even allow for time to hop off and explore spots like the de Young Museum, the Botanical Gardens, and the Conservatory of Flowers. Pro tip: Make your way to the Beach Chalet at the westernmost point of the park to watch the sunset. For more information about Parkwide Bike See BIKING, page 18

O C TO B E R 24, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

How a council helped calm a community By Perry Smith Sunday Signal Editor

ne of Capt. Justin Diez’s top priorities in March 2020 when he took the helm at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station was community outreach. And then COVID-19 came along. As requirements from L.A. County Public Health — like social-distancing rules, the stay-at-home orders and an all-out ban on gatherings — made things like meet-and-greets tough, Diez didn’t shy away from the challenge. In addition to a number of virtual events that have now evolved back to in-person get-togethers, like the popular Coffee with a Cop meetups, Diez created a first-of-its-kind Clergy Council for the SCV Sheriff ’s Station. The station’s Clergy Council, which has already seen significant community benefit from its collaboration, could be a working model for similar law enforcement departments to build on local outreach efforts.

Getting started

One of Diez’s first tasks when he took the station’s helm last year was to ask the Community Relations Unit to reach out to local places of worship to try to determine a list of these various community gathering points. Thinking there would be maybe a

couple dozen locations, Diez quickly learned there were more than 60. “We got a hold of every single, solitary place of worship, identified them ... their location, and (contacted) the head spiritual leader of each place,” Diez said, “that’s churches, mosques, synagogues and everything in between.” When the group first got together a little over a year ago in the early days of the pandemic, the group started to meet every month on Zoom. This past summer, the group began meeting in person, with Senior Pastor Mauricio Ruiz and his wife, co-Pastor Virginia Ruiz, at Elevate Church on Main Street in Newhall hosting the first one. “It’s a way to reach out to the community,” Diez said. “These spiritual leaders have anywhere from 30 parishioners on up to 6,000 or 7,000. They can bring any concerns that their parishioners have to us, or (listen to) anything that I want to get out to them.” It’s been more than an opportunity for healthy dialogue, Diez added, noting there’s also been a sharing of resources, for everything from mental health and substance abuse help to improved security.

Elevating the visibility

For Mauricio Ruiz at Elevate Church, the outreach between the

N E W S F E AT U R E

From left, Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station Chaplain Rabbi Eric Morgenstern and SCV Sheriff’s Station Capt. Justin Diez attend a memorial tree-planting held in May at Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic. The pair worked last year to start the Clergy Council, which has become a growing means of outreach for the Sheriff’s Station. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

Clergy Council and the Coffee with a Cop events has made a huge impact in his community, where the nearby community school, Newhall Elementary, has more than 60% of its students in the English-learner category. At the recent Coffee with a Cop at Elevate Church, there were a handful of tables with deputies surrounded by members of the community talking, laughing and getting to know one another, Ruiz said. “It was great to see a lot of the leaders of churches or houses of worship be in attendance, and really caring about the fact that the goal of Capt. Diez is to promote unity in the community,” Ruiz said, adding his participation in the council is what led to the congregation taking part in the Coffee with a Cop. Outreach has been a priority for SCV Sheriff’s Station Capt. Justin Diez, who has held a number of Coffee with a Cop gatherings in person since Public Health restrictions eased.

The resulting dialogue was extremely valuable in creating a “safe space” for members of his congregation to ask questions and share concerns, regardless of whether they might be concerned about an immigration issue. “Because the most important thing is creating that space, where people can come and have a cordial conversation, and really begin to rebuild the trust with the community and police departments,” Ruiz said. “Obviously, you see the climate of our nation, with ... police officers, and we love the fact that our captain is out there promoting unity and community.”

The chaplain’s charge

For Rabbi Eric Morgenstern, chaplain for the SCV Sheriff ’s Station, who was at the station in March 2020 when Diez took over, the council was an important early collaboration with the station’s new captain that was immediately well-received by those involved, he said. See COUNCIL, page 15

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O C TO B E R 24, 2021

F R O M T H E M AY O R

Celebrating our All-Star City By Bill Miranda Santa Clarita City Mayor

t is time to celebrate Santa Clarita! After months of restrictions, we are excited to welcome the community back together for the State of the City event. Get ready to step up to the plate and see how your City knocked it out of the park in 2021! The theme for this year’s event is All-Star City, and we are ready to celebrate the new amenities, projects and programs that took “first place” this past year, despite all the challenges. We are switching things up for this year’s event. Instead of the typical luncheon, this year’s event will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 4, at the brand-new Canyon Country Community Center. Guests will get to hear from the City Council and see video updates of all the achievements, projects, programs and happenings of the past year. Returning for 2021 will be the always popular culmination video where the City Council shows off a lighter side — and their athletic ability! It is sure to be a “slam-dunk.”

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Presents Weekly Podcasts SCV Leadership and Business Solutions with Lisa and Paul Raggio

Selina Thomas SCV’s HR Guru Cary Quashen’s The Real Deal Signal News Podcast With Aron Bender New podcasts every Friday

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At this year’s event, you will learn about how the City of Santa Clarita was able to move landmark programs and projects forward, despite the pandemic. We will highlight the Canyon Country Community Center, the new Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station, The Cube – Ice and Entertainment in Santa Clarita, the Trek Bike Park of Santa Clarita and more. Plus, guests will get to hear updates on crime stats, traffic safety, homelessness, film numbers, upcoming events, important legislation, open space, parks, trails, infrastructure, transit and City services. After the program wraps up inside, the guests will be invited to take tours of the new Community Center — exploring the gymnasium, classrooms and other amenities. Then everyone will gather on the beautiful outdoor terrace for appetizers, happy hour, mixing and mingling. Guests are also welcome to tour the nine-acre site, which has many public art pieces to enjoy, a playground, event stage, half-basketball court and meandering walking trails. Tickets are still available, but we expect to sell out, so buy yours today at santa-clarita.com. A table of 10 is $400, and individual row seating is $35 each. The ticket price includes snacks, appetizers, beverages and a commemorative 2021 State of the City gift. I look forward to this event every year because it is an opportunity to share with residents the work that the City does every day on their behalf. It has been an honor to serve as your Mayor in 2021, and I am proud of the work we have done and what we have been able to accomplish. Many cities are currently dealing with budget cuts and revenue shortfalls. However, Santa Clarita is celebrating a balanced budget, a AAA Credit Rating and is opening landmark facilities in the middle of a pandemic! All of that adds up to an All-Star City that deserves an All-Star celebration. I look forward to seeing you at the State of the City! 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. 

O C TO B E R 24, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

BEAUTY

Dermatologists: how to fight fine lines, wrinkles

One hundred percent reported visibly plumper skin in just 1 night, and visibly reduced lines in 1 week.

aily life takes a toll on your skin. Ordinary stressors, toxins and pollutants — plus sunlight and light emitting from devices you use — these things can all show on your face in the form of fine lines and wrinkles. But what can you do about it? Dermatologists today agree on one solution: Boost your skin’s appearance and health with an anti-aging “must-have,” hyaluronic acid.

RoC Multi Correxion Hydrate + Plump Moisturizer with SPF 30 A multi-tasking moisturizer with SPF that is invisible on all skin tones is a must-have. This moisturizer instantly plumps and deeply hydrates your skin, reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles, while strengthening the skin’s biological protection against UV, blue light and infrared light, as well as pollution stressors. In just one week, 97% of consumers reported visibly reduced fine lines and wrinkles.

What is hyaluronic acid?

You may be surprised to learn that hyaluronic acid is found naturally in your skin. It holds water and helps keep your skin plump and hydrated. As you age, hyaluronic acid levels in your skin decline, causing skin to look dry, deflated and wrinkled. In addition to aging, declines in hyaluronic acid levels are also accelerated by UVA/UVB, pollution and blue light — the light emitted by the devices you use every day, like phones, tablets and computers. “Using a super hydrating ingredient like hyaluronic acid is a game changer,” said board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anna Guanche, M.D. “While it’s not a new ingredient in skincare, there are now new products and formulations that deliver more age defying results like immediate plumping and line smoothing for beautiful, dewy skin.”

Top products to help fight aging and boost your skin’s appearance

Here are some of the new options for your daily skincare regimen, delivering more results than other leading hyaluronic acid products, that Dr. Guanche recommends: RoC Multi Correxion Hydrate + Plump Serum Capsules After cleansing, simply twist to open the capsules and smooth serum over your face and neck, morning and night, for visibly plumper skin with a smoother, firmer and more youthful appearance.

RoC Multi Correxion Hydrate + Plump Eye Cream To provide extra care for the delicate area around your eyes, this cream uses the combination of hyaluronic acid, peptides and caffeine to regenerate collagen in your skin, improving skin density, and firming. It is proven to visibly lift and firm the eye contour area in four weeks. It also alleviates eye bags while reducing puffiness for a more wideawake look. Dr. Guanche recommends using the Hydrate + Plump Moisturizer with SPF 30 in the morning, then the Hydrate + Plump Serum Capsules at night to dramatically improve the look and feel of your skin. (BPT) 

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

Bond eclipses ‘Venom’ as top box-office draw 1. No Time to Die (PG-13) Daniel Craig, Ana de Armas

2. Venom: Let There be Carnage (PG-13) Tom Hardy, Woody Harrelson

3. The Addams Family 2 (PG) animated 4. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (PG-13) Simu Liu, Awkwafina

5. The Many Saints of Newark (R) Alessandro Nivola, Leslie Odom Jr.

6. Free Guy (PG-13) Ryan Reynolds, Jodie

Comer 7. Dear Evan Hansen (PG-13) Ben Platt, Julianne Moore 8. L amb (R) Noomi Rapace, Hilmir Snaer Guonason 9. Candyman (R) Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Teyonah Parris 10. Met Opera: Boris Godunov (NR) Bass Rene Pape

— Source Box Office Mojo

O C TO B E R 24, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

FOOD

Pumpkins Pumpkins Pumpkins everywhere … now what?

ctober brings us pumpkins for carving and pumpkins for decorating the front porch. But what else does this mean? Pumpkin bread, spice pumpkin cakes and pumpkin seeds.

Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips

This recipe is easy to make and provides an opportunity to get the little ones involved in the kitchen. For example, they can stir and pour those yummy chocolate chips into the batter. Made start to finish in less than an hour, this dessert gives you more time to rake leaves, carve pumpkins and cuddle up by the fireplace. It can be a perfect treat for get-togethers from parties and events to just a couple friends enjoying each other’s company. It’s light and moist with a crisp exterior. The signature pumpkin taste blends with the sweet chocolate to create a unique taste perfect for fall. Prep time 10 minutes Cook time 45-50 minutes Servings 12 Nonstick cooking spray 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 1 cup canned pumpkin 1/3 cup brown sugar

For a video showing how to make this recipe, visit www.SignalSCV.com.

1/3 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup vegetable oil 3 eggs, at room temperature 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray 8-by-4-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and line with parchment paper. Set aside. In large bowl, whisk flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda and pumpkin spice. Set aside.

In medium bowl, combine canned pumpkin, brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla extract. Stir together. Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients; mix until combined. Fold in chocolate chips. Pour batter into loaf pan. Bake 45-50 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool at least 10 minutes in pan before removing to wire rack to finish cooling. (Family Features) 

Spiced Pumpkin Cake

Roasting Pumpkin Seeds 1. Seed the pumpkin: Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Using a spoon, scrape the pulp and seeds out of your pumpkin into a bowl. 2. Clean the seeds: Separate the seeds from the stringy pulp, rinse the seeds in a colander under cold water, then shake dry. Don’t blot with paper towels; the seeds will stick. 3. Dry them: Spread the seeds in a single layer on an oiled baking sheet and roast 30 minutes to dry them out. 4. Add spices: Toss the seeds with olive oil, salt and your choice of

spices (see below). Return to the oven and bake until crisp and golden, about 20 more minutes. 5. Sweet Toss with cinnamon and sugar (do not use salt in step 4). 6. Indian Toss with garam masala; mix with currants after roasting. 7. Spanish Toss with smoked paprika; mix with slivered almonds after roasting. 8. Italian Toss with grated parmesan and dried oregano. 9. Barbecue Toss with brown sugar, chipotle chile powder and ground cumin. (MC) 

Serves: 12 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for the pan 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more for the pan 5 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 11/2 teaspoons baking powder 3/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 11/2 cups granulated sugar 3 large eggs 1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree 1/2 cup whole milk 1/4 cup molasses 11/4 cups confectioners’ sugar 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Heat oven to 350 F. Butter and flour a 12-cup bundt pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar on medium-high heat until fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. One at a time, beat in the eggs. Beat in the pumpkin puree, milk, and molasses (the mixture may appear curdled). Reduce the mixer speed to low; gradually add the flour mixture and mix until just combined (do not overmix). Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 55 to 65 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely. In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cake. Let set before serving. This cake can be baked and glazed up to one day in advance. (MC) 

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O C TO B E R 24, 2021

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

Roeper recommendations for upcoming shows By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

ere are the rest of the “award-season” shows that Richard Roeper is looking forward to between now and Thanksgiving. In chronological order.

‘The Harder They Fall’ (Nov. 3) Fresh off “Concrete Cowboy” on Netflix, Idris Elba is back in the saddle (and back on Netflix) as a killer named Rufus Buck who is released from prison and is the target of a eatres • Santa Clarita adsource@exhibitorads.com manhunt led by theSignal outlaw Nat Love (Jonathan Majors), whose parents p. 888.737.2812 f. 203.438.1206 Red Notice were murdered by Buck. With Zazie October 24-28, 2021 date: Sunday-Thursday, Beetz, Lakeith Stanfield, Delroy Linand Regina King, and music of the most interesting actors of her Stewart as theAM actress from the “Twidelivery do date: Tuesday, October 19,by2021 at 10:42:08 CASCS_LEM1024-1028.qxp Jay-Z (who is also a producer on the light” movies simply hasn’t been pay- generation. In “Spencer,” directed by Pablo Larrain (“Jackie”), Stewart has film), this could be an exciting new ing attention, as Stewart has carved a potential Oscar nomination coming addition to the tradition of the great out a marvelous career in films such her way as she plays Diana, Princess American Western. as “The Runaways,” “Personal Shopof Wales, during the period when she per,” “Still Alice” and “Certain Wom‘Spencer’ (Nov. 5) Anyone who still refers to Kristen en” and has established herself as one is making the decision to leave Prince Charles.

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‘Red Notice’ (Nov. 12) Dwayne Johnson stars as a top FBI profiler who finds himself working with an infamous con artist (Ryan Reynolds) to track down the world’s greatest thief (Gal Gadot). This sounds like awfully familiar territory, but this is reportedly the biggest Netflix movie ever, and that might be a good thing — plus we have that power trio headlining the cast, so this could make for some escapist entertainment on a cold November evening. Do we call that Netflix and warm? ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ (Nov. 19) On this timeline, the well-intentioned but regrettable “Ghostbusters” (2016) doesn’t exist, as “Afterlife” is a three-quel to the 1984 classic and the 1989 follow-up, which was cleverly titled “Ghostbusters II.” Jason Reitman, son of original “Ghostbusters” director Ivan Reitman and an accomplished filmmaker in his own right (“Juno,” “Up in the Air,” “Young Adult”), helms the story, set 30-plus years after the original, with Carrie Coon as the daughter of the late Dr. Egon Spengler, and boy, do we miss Harold Ramis. The cast also features Finn Wolfhard, Paul Rudd and

Spencer PHOTOS COURTESY IMDB

Mckenna Grace — with Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver and Annie Potts reprising their original roles. Now THAT’S who you’re gonna call! ‘King Richard’ (Nov. 19) No, this isn’t a 12th-century biopic about the King of England. The title character is Richard Williams, who will be played by Will Smith, and if you’re asking “Who is Richard Williams?” he’s the father of Venus and Serena Williams, who had a vision to take his daughters (played by Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton) from Compton to historic greatness. 

Mini-Review ‘Dune’

1/2 (out of four) 

Warner Bros. presents a film directed by Denis Villeneuve and written by Villeneuve, Jon Spaihts and Eric Roth. Rated PG-13. In theaters and on HBO Max.

he jaw-dropping visuals and pulse-pounding sound editing in Denis Villeneuve’s stunningly gorgeous “Dune” are so awesome they make up for the slow-moving and quite familiar storyline. The movie ends at the halfway point of the story, but now that the stage has been set in such lavish and epic fashion, it’s not unreasonable to expect the remainder of the journey to be even more impressive. 

O C TO B E R 24, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

SENIORLIVING

When weight loss may be worrisome

ieting is a way of life for many people. The Boston Medical Center says an estimated 45 million Americans go on a diet each year, spending $33 billion annually on weight loss products. However, for one segment of the population — the elderly — weight loss can be a sign of something wrong. The Mayo Clinic says that malnutrition is a serious health concern among seniors. Inadequate nutrition can result in weight loss that has far-reaching health effects. These include a compromised immune system, which increases the risk of infections, poor wound healing and muscle weakness that can result in falls and fractures. Malnutrition can also lead to further disinterest in eating, which only compounds a weight loss problem. Weight loss and loss of appetite are common among seniors, particularly those with dementia. Learning to recognize weight loss signs in the elderly can help others act promptly to correct the problem. According to senior care advocate and placement center A Place for Mom, the senior population is at risk of malnourishment for several reasons, including: • lack of energy to cook, • specific health conditions that impact ability to prepare or acquire meals, • lack of appetite attributed to decreased taste bud function or depression, • inability to afford quality foods, and • side effects of certain medications.

Unfortunately, malnutrition is a very common, yet widely undiagnosed, problem among seniors. If a friend or loved one has visible bones under the skin; loose dentures; loose rings on fingers; has dropped clothing sizes; or is leaving food on his or her plate, they may be suffering from malnourishment. Concerned loved ones can take several steps to determine if their friend or family member is malnourished.

If hearing loss has made you feel more isolated and anxious the past year, we’re here to help! Seniors may need some help with meals to ensure they do not suffer the effects of malnutrition.

• Observe loved ones’ eating habits at home to see how they are eating. Routinely check the refrigerator and pantry to see which foods your loved one is eating. In a nursing home setting, check with a nursing administrator to see how mealtimes are going. • Speak with doctors to see if weight loss is a side effect of medications or another health concern. Bring up any concerns you have about malnutrition. • Provide finger food or easy-tomanage foods for seniors who have lost dexterity so they’re still able to feed themselves. • Encourage foods that are fortified with nutrients. Supplementation with nutritional shakes can help fill the void. • Make meals social events so that the concept of gathering around the table for food is fun. • Mild or moderate exercise can stir up one’s appetite. Walking or chairbased exercises can help make people more interested in food. • Introduce new foods that can whet the appetite. Weight loss can benefit some people. But among the elderly, weight loss may be a byproduct of malnutrition. (MC) 

Call today to schedule a FREE, SAFE HEARING SCREENING and start fully living again! If these past few month have taught us anything, it’s the importance of staying connected, informed and safe — and hearing is key to all three!

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H E A LT H

Each type of breast cancer is a different battle

illions of women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, more than 2.3 million women across the globe were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. The BCRF also notes that breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in 140 of 184 countries. Breast cancer statistics can give the impression that each of the millions of women diagnosed with the disease is fighting the same battle, but breast cancer is something of an umbrella term. In fact, there are various types of breast cancer, including ductal carcinoma in situ, invasive ductal carcinoma, inflammatory breast cancer and metastatic breast cancer. Learning about each type of breast cancer can help women and their families gain a greater understanding of this disease.

Ductal carcinoma in situ

DCIS is a non-invasive cancer that is diagnosed when abnormal cells have been found in the lining of the breast milk duct. The National Breast Cancer Foundation notes that DCIS is a highly treatable cancer. That’s because it hasn’t spread beyond the milk duct into any surrounding breast tissue. The American Cancer Society notes that roughly 20%

Inflammatory breast cancer

The NBCF describes IBC as an “aggressive and fast growing breast cancer.” Breastcancer.org notes that IBC is rare, as data from the ACS indicates that only about 1% of all breast cancers in the U.S. are inflammatory breast cancers. Many breast cancers begin with the formation of a lump, but Breastcancer.org reports that IBC usually begins with reddening and swelling of the breast, and symptoms can worsen considerably within days or even hours.

Metastatic breast cancer

of new breast cancer cases are instances of DCIS.

Invasive ductal carcinoma

IDC is the most common type of breast cancer. The NBCF reports that between 70 and 80% of all breast cancer diagnoses are instances of IDC. An IDC diagnosis means that cancer began growing in the milk ducts but has since spread into other parts of the breast tissue. This is why IDC is characterized as “invasive.” Though IDC can affect people, including men, of any age, the ACS notes that the majority of IDC cases are in women age 55 and older.

Metastatic breast cancer may be referred to as stage IV breast cancer. When a woman is diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, that means the cancer has spread, or metastasized, into other parts of the body. The NBCF indicates that metastatic breast cancer usually spreads to the lungs, liver, bones, or brain. Symptoms of metastatic breast cancer vary depending on where the cancer has spread. For example, if the cancer has spread to the lungs, women may experience a chronic cough or be unable to get a full breath. These are not the only types of breast cancer. A more extensive breakdown of the various types of breast cancer can be found at www.breastcancer.org/ symptoms/types. (MC) 

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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

N E W S F E AT U R E

COUNCIL

Continued from page 7

“The first thing was that the (Sheriff ’s) Department was reaching out, and that was very well-received,” said Morgenstern, who arrived at the SCV station as chaplain in April 2017 under Capt. Robert Lewis. “(The Clergy Council) really appreciated the fact that Capt. Diez. took the time to meet with them, talk with them and explain what’s going on, within the department, within the city, and that he was open to being available for them throughout the COVID situation, throughout the tensions amongst religious groups during the COVID situation — and it became a buffer for (religious groups), where they could talk about getting support from the deputies and the various teams who would come out, and advise, and help the religious communities that are out here in this valley.” He added: “And that was invaluable, because it was about that time that the government was giving churches, synagogues and mosques funding, if you qualified for it, for security purposes.” Information sharing and partnerships became characteristics of the council early on, according to members, with Morgenstern also crediting members of the council like Laura Bloom of the Salvation Army, who helped with the notifications for the meetings. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church was also a member that was able to discuss security questions with the station. Morgenstern said a number of members of the council have expressed gratitude to him just for creating an atmosphere that lets the council grow. It also allows religious leaders to learn more about community resources that are available to parishioners who might be experiencing anything from addiction to domestic violence to homeless, and a range of other potential concerns. “(Clergy Council members) really appreciate the bonding, the coming together, the fellowship and the sharing — with not only each other, but including the (Sheriff ’s) Department as a whole,” Morgenstern added. “They really love this community, and its citizens.”

Capt. Justin Diez addresses a crowd gathered at City Hall in June 2020. During nationwide protests that followed the murder of George Floyd, Diez said the Clergy Council brought a calming and spiritual presence that helped ease community tensions.

Sharing tools, resources

Abdo Jaber of the Islamic Center of Santa Clarita Valley recently expressed gratitude for the Clergy Council’s assistance, as his congregation received a number of practical benefits from being a part of the group. While much of last year the group was prompted to meet virtually due to COVID-19 concerns, in-person worship has now resumed at their facility on Bouquet Canyon Road, which recently received about $200,000 in security upgrades, such as cameras and more secure entry points. Jaber said discussion at a Clergy Council meeting played a big role in his grant application, as well as help from the SCV Sheriff ’s Station, part of a dialogue made easier by the regular meetings. He’s now using the group to share the info he learned and trying to help others apply for the Department of Homeland Security grants, which are offered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the state’s Office of Emergency Services. “(The Clergy Council meetings) have been very valuable and we’ve

been able to get more information that way,” Jaber said, adding that the grant process was a bit daunting, but helped the center with “new doors, new windows and new lighting.” “We’ve been exchanging that information,” Jaber said. “We’re hopeful that many, many places in Santa Clarita will take advantage of it in the community.”

The impact and potential

During an especially tumultuous year for the country in 2020, which Santa Clarita obviously was not immune from in terms of pestilence and protests, Diez was able to have conversations with large pockets of the community in order to share perspective and have leaders speak out in support of law enforcement — particularly during the national reactions to the trial over George Floyd’s murder, as well as an incident in which deputies were filmed drawing their firearms at a group of teenagers following a series of 911 calls. “I reached out to (the Clergy Council) as a group, and asked them to respond to the protest for spiritual guidance, and a lot of them did,” Diez

said, noting about a half-dozen of the leaders from a few different places of worship came out and addressed the crowd on the station’s behalf on three separate occasions, when there were relatively large local protests. Having the presence of spiritual leaders during that time helped add a calming presence to very tense situations, Diez said. The dialogue from the council helped leaders from the various local religious communities bring the same sense of security and calm to the protest that Morgenstern brings to the station as chaplain, he added. The Clergy Council meets in person each month now, each time at a different location, and Diez considers the opportunity an invaluable one in terms of being able to work directly with the community. “If I can meet with this group once a month,” Diez said, “and disseminate information to them, and they can, in theory, disseminate that information to their parishioners — that’s huge, that’s a far reach.” The next meeting is scheduled to take place at the new Sheriff ’s Station in mid-November. The date is to be determined. 

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Restaurant Guide Celebr

ating 28 YEA in Busin RS e ss!

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1) Individual Cheese Pizza...............................................$4.50 2) Italian Feast For One..................................................$10.25 Slice of Cheese Pizza, Spaghetti, Garlic Bread and a dinner salad.

3) Soup and Dinner Salad ..................................................$8.25 4) Individual One Topping Pizza and Dinner Salad ........$9.95 5) Spaghetti & Dinner Salad ............................................$10.25 6) Full Lasagna & Dinner Salad ....................................$11.50 7) Meatball Sub, Italian Link Sub, or Deli Sandwich .......$10.50

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O C TO B E R 24, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 7

Spend $35 and Get $5 OFF! *not to be combined with any other offers Expires 11-15-21 Open 7 days - 7am - 9pm

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EXP. 11-24-21

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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 8

N E W S F E AT U R E

BIKING

Continued from page 6

Rentals and Tours, visit parkwide.com. Discounts are offered if you book online.

Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf Info www. seemonterey.com/ things-to-do/ attractions/bike-rides/

Fisherman’s Wharf to Lovers Point

Big Sur Adventures offers several different e-bike tours including the “Big Little Lies” tour where you visit various filming locations.

Difficulty Beginner Length 18 miles Soak in the best sights of Monterey’s coastline with a simple ride along the bike path that runs from Fisherman’s Wharf out to Lovers Point. The bike path, officially known as the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, extends from Castroville in the north to Pacific Grove in the south, but the stretch between Fisherman’s Wharf and Lovers Point is hands-down the most popular section.

Fort Ord National Monument

Difficulty All skill levels Length 86 miles of trails Info www.seemonterey.com/things-to-do/attractions/bike-rides/ The former Fort Ord military base offers 86 miles of trails on its 7,200 acres. There are several trails available ranging from basic to expert. Check out these possibilities with more offered on the website.

Cabrillo Bicycle Path • Santa Barbara

Difficulty Flat and easy Length 4.5 miles Info https://santabarbaraca.com/plan-your-trip/know-before-you-go/transportation/getting-around-by-bike/ The most popular bike path in Santa Barbara, Cabrillo Bike Path runs from Leadbetter Beach to Butterfly Beach. At approximately 4.5 miles long, paved and flat, Cabrillo Bike Marvin Braude Bike Trail in Santa Monica. Path is a great option for families and easygoing rides. Make your way up to Shoreline Park, which overlooks the lovely seaside. And feel free to savor the view with a picnic. Walk off your picnic feast with a short hike down Thousand Steps that leads to Leadbetter Beach, where you’ll find locals surfing the perfect beach break just about every day of the week. 

O C TO B E R 24, 2021

HOME

Home maintenance projects for the weekend

ome maintenance. The very words might evoke thoughts of an entire weekend spent laboring at home instead of relaxing in it, but that doesn’t always have to be the case. “Not every home maintenance project has to be a large undertaking or one that takes up all of your free time,” said Christopher O’Rourke, Mercury Insurance vice president of property claims. “There are small weekend projects that can save you time, worry and money in the long run.” Here are a few home maintenance projects you can do this weekend that will save you the headache of costly repairs later on.

Clean refrigerator coils

To keep your refrigerator properly working, it’s best to clean the coolant coils every six months. Coolant coils, which can be located on the back or bottom of the refrigerator, keep warm air out. When the coils are covered with dust, dirt or hair they aren’t able to release heat efficiently. In turn, the coils work harder and longer, using more energy and shortening the life of the appliance. This might end up costing you more in the form of a higher energy bill or purchase of a new refrigerator. Clean your refrigerator coils with a vacuum and coil cleaning brush. Coil cleaning brushes can be found at appliance stores or online for $10 or less.

Check caulking

Caulking is customary around wet areas like bathtubs and sinks to keep water from seeping into the wall, but it is also used around windows and doors to prevent air from escaping. Check for significant air temperature differences near windows and walls and use a digital thermometer to verify air leaks. Make sure to also check areas where vents and plumbing fixtures meet the outside wall. Old caulking can dry out and crack, making it vulnerable to air and water leaks. If you notice dry or cracked caulking, remove as much of it as possible and reseal. Caulking gun sets that include the sealant, scraping and

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Examine the roof

The first step of roof inspection is to check the inside of your home. Look for damp spots or water stains on the ceiling or for cracked plaster along the wall. These can be signs of water damage. At ground level do a visual examination of your roof ’s exterior for any cracked or missing shingles. Notice if you have to trim back tree branches that may make contact as they can damage your roof ’s exterior. If you suspect any type of damage, contact an experienced roofer who can perform a thorough inspection.

Clean the gutters

Gutters are necessary to direct water away from your home’s foundation. Their exposure to the elements means that they need to be cleaned and inspected regularly. While cleaning out dirt and leaves, make sure the gutters are securely attached to your house. “Gutters that are free of dirt and debris will keep rain from running down the sides of your home and coming in through the foundation,” said O’Rourke. “Routine maintenance means lower homeowner costs by addressing small issues before they become problematic.”

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Programmable thermostats are both a money and energy saver. They allow you to set a comfortable temperature when you’re home and can be scheduled to lower the temperature while you’re away, helping you save money by cutting down energy usage. “Programmable thermostats allow homeowners to set the heating and cooling of their home to their schedule,” said O’Rourke. “It’s one less thing for homeowners to worry about and they are fairly easy to install.” Your home is not only your sanctuary, it’s your commitment. Assessing your homeowners’ coverage and understanding your policy is a simple household task you can accomplish this weekend and one that can save you money. (BPT) 

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O C TO B E R 24, 2021

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GARDENING

Safely freezing your garden vegetables

o say that COVID-19 transformed daily life would be an understatement. One aspect of daily life that changed considerably is the way people shop for food. Many people began shopping in bulk to reduce trips to the grocery store. And, in anticipation of some food shortages, many have turned to stocking up. Large packages of meat and poultry can be broken down and frozen easily. But what about the fresh produce that many people rely on for important nutrients? Fresh vegetables only last so long, so people need to learn how to safely freeze fresh vegetables to avoid throwing them out. To freeze vegetables properly so they retain their flavor and texture, it is important to freeze them within a few hours of picking them from a garden or taking them home from the

Tips for a healthy garden

he U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends the following for building a healthy

garden.

Add compost it is a great way to improve soil structure and its water holding capacity. A couple of inches should be added each year to your garden. Drip irrigation When watering your garden, it’s best to use drip irrigation or a soaker hose instead of a sprinkler. The leaves stay dry, minimizing diseases and it reduces evaporation. No space? Want to start a garden but don’t have the space? Consider container gardening. They fit well on patios or decks, and tomatoes, greens and squash can grow in them. — Courtesy USDA

Vegetables that freeze well with blanching include broccoli, kale and spinach.

store or farmer’s market. Certain vegetables can be frozen in their raw state. The texture might change slightly upon thawing, but they will remain flavorful. Other vegetables may require blanching before freezing. Blanching requires scalding vegetables in boiling water or steam for a brief time. Blanching helps stop the enzymes that cause vegetables to decay, a process that can occur even in frozen storage. Items that do well with blanching include spinach, kale, winter squash, and broccoli, according to HGTV. com. Another way to freeze produce is to remove the air that can compromise the food. You can do so by filling containers or bags and pushing out the extra air. Vacuum sealers can work to remove the air and help preserve items in the freezer longer; otherwise, use a tray pack method to freeze items. Place chilled and drained blanched vegetables in shallow trays or pans. Freeze them until the vegetables are firm and then quickly fill freezer bags or containers, says the National Center for Home Food Preservation. Remember to label and date containers so items can be used in the order in which they were packed. Most vegetables maintain high quality for eight to 12 months at 0 degrees F or lower, according to the University of Georgia. Freezing fresh vegetables is an option when stocking up on essentials. Flavor and texture can be retained and items will not need to be discarded before they can be eaten. (MC) 

O C TO B E R 24, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 1

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

‘World’s Best Granola’ is kid-friendly recipe By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

omemade granola is tasty to eat any time of day, but in our family it’s a staple for fall breakfasts with nonfat plain yogurt and fresh fruit. Not only is granola a nutritious start to the day with its wholesome blend of heart-healthy oats and chopped nuts, but a handful makes a satisfying after-school treat with a glass of milk. Don’t forget that a few spoonfuls add crunch to a scoop of ice cream for an evening dessert. Granola is so easy to prepare that you and your kids can make this recipe in a jiffy — just under an hour. While one child measures and stirs together the dry ingredients in a big bowl, another can measure, pour and stir the liquids in another. Combine all of the ingredients in the big bowl, and voila! The just-

sweet-enough mixture is ready for you to spread on a baking sheet and place in the oven. Give it a try and see why the fresh taste of this homemade granola rivals any packaged mixture.

in an airtight container. Makes about 5 cups. Note If you wish, substitute 1/4 cup pure maple syrup and 1/4 cup honey for the brown sugar, and combine with liquid ingredients before tossing with dry ingredients.

World’s Best Granola

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick-cooking) 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup coarsely chopped almonds 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans 1/4 cup canola oil 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 2 egg whites, slightly beaten 1/2 cup raisins

Here’s the fun: 1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. 2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, or spray with nonstick spray.

Creative tip Let kids draw a label to tape or glue to the outside of a plastic storage container or glass jar. It might say “The Johnsons’ World’s Best Granola.” 3. Combine the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, salt and nuts in a large mixing bowl. 4. Stir together the oil, vanilla and egg whites in a small bowl. Add to dry ingredients and toss well. 5. Spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, about 25-30 minutes. Cool completely; stir in raisins and store

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

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CROSSWORD TIME

O C TO B E R 24, 2021

Opinion

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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

Check-Swing Misery The Giants and Dodgers squared off (Oct. 14). The most storied game in their combative history will be one more story. I am a tried-and-true blue Dodger fan, but the game should not have ended that way. To me, it was almost like the game was called in the fifth inning because of rain. Whomever was ahead at that time was the victor. The game should have continued, but it didn’t. Despite the heroics, it was not a glorified win. The stamp of victory was an examination point. I am so glad the Dodgers won, but so sorry the game ended that way, for both teams. I could hear the Dodgers, “Glad it’s over and we are moving on.” Whereas, the Giants were feeling, “We didn’t play well enough to win, but give us one more strike to prove it.’” Tony Matthess Newhall

Horton’s Home Run This is the second time I read Gary Horton’s column (Sept. 1) and totally agreed with every single word he wrote. Paragraph after paragraph of stunning truth and reality – he even gave credit where credit’s due, and to President Donald Trump no less. Lois Eisenberg must be shaking with rage. You’re damned right, Gary. “No more foreign wars…time to get our own house in order before we worry about ‘nation building’ elsewhere.” As if it’s our job to build nations. And while we’re on the topic of nation building, I don’t think we’re even done with our own – if we were, then people like Gary Horton and myself probably wouldn’t have anything to point at and complain about. We still have tons of system glitches to work out right here at home, and it sometimes makes me wonder if our foreign wars are not actually intended to distract us from that unpleasant and embarrassing truth. But, my God, to hit the nail so square on the head as that. You really hit a home run this morning, Gary, a veritable hole-in-one. I could not have written it better myself, and for that I thank you. Arthur G. Saginian Santa Clarita 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

Making the Most of an Uphill Climb By David Hegg

ears ago, I listened as a world-champion bicycle rider was being interviewed following one of the Tour de France stages. When asked his strategy, he explained, “I always try to make up time when going uphill. While most riders are just trying to keep their position, I really press to advance. Of course, it means I have to train extra hard to take advantage of the greatest challenges on the course.” I’ll never forget that interview, or the principle I drew from it: Always see challenges as opportunities and hit them head-on. In this world where things break, people disappoint, viruses ravage and rule, and problems are woven into the fabric of life, there is no such thing as challenge-free living. We all face the uphill climb at some point, and for some it is a long, hard pull. But more important than the problem is our attitude toward it, and our determination to acknowledge it, understand its nature and complexity, and devise a plan to hit it head-on before we ever allow it to run us over. I feel it just like you do. COVID-19 has been a tyrant, and we’re now aware that it has had some willing accomplices. We’re being treated like children who have no life experience, no education, no problem-solving abilities, and certainly not enough smarts to make wise choices for ourselves. But more important than anything being done to us is the manner in which we will respond to the challenges before us. As I’ve said before in this space, so much of life is about how we respond to the circumstances and opportunities that come our way. When some folks are faced with problems, trials, and the challenges of life, they become incensed. They live in the fantasy world of problem-free living as though they’ve been promised a life without difficulty. When something breaks, they get mad. When things don’t go as planned, they are shocked and frustrated. They never come to grips with the reality of a traffic-clogged morning commute, or that brakes wear out, dogs bark, waiters mess up orders, teams lose, and politicians politicize and even weaponize all kinds of things. Where life’s obstacles are concerned, these folks under-prepare and over-react, and frankly, it doesn’t help one bit. The rest of us end up having to put up with it. But we don’t have to like it, or worse, join them in it. On the other end of the spectrum are those who embrace their problems to the point they become identified by them. Over time they have stopped being individuals with robust lives and dreams and have become

the sum total of all the bad things they have experienced. They don’t face their problems, they become them. Think those who have bought into the fear so much that they wear their masks while jogging, driving alone, or even while walking their dogs. Argh! And if you dare suggest that their maladies and fears don’t have to suppress their lives, they will immediately give you a hundred reasons why your ideas won’t work. Seems they don’t have an identity without adversity. Another segment of our society thinks the best way to solve problems is to ignore them. As Linus, the great philosopher of Peanuts fame, once said, “No problem is so big or so complicated that it can’t be run away from.” You might call this the “head in the sand” approach to difficulty. These are the folks who go for months ignoring their “check engine” light, that dripping faucet, and the difficult service question from their biggest customer. During the pandemic, the enormity of news and opinions and regulations and mandates has driven them into their own cone of silence from which they hardly ever emerge. They hope problems will solve themselves, or simply be forgotten as new situations arise. We all realize the folly of allowing the trials of life to rule over us, and yet it takes strength of character to recognize each situation for what it is and face it headon. Procrastination is never the best plan, and neither is over-reaction. When problems arise, it will help if we’ve already decided to face them honestly, analyze them carefully, and pursue an ethical course in solving them. Sometimes the solution will be patient endurance, while at other times direct action is needed. Regardless, it will always be best to admit the reality of the situation, understand our responsibility in it, and try to turn the challenge into an opportunity for personal growth. I truly believe many will come out the other side of COVID-19 as better people, stronger people, more community-minded people, and more compassionate people. On the other hand, I also believe we’re on the verge of an eruption of anger on the part of those who refuse to allow this season of adversity to make them better people. I pray for unity, but I also know it doesn’t come unless we respond to our challenges together, in humility and courage. So, let’s be people who make up time on the uphill climb. After all, if there’s ever to be a time when we can coast, we’ll have to make it to the top of the mountain first. Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.

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