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MAY 22, 2022

Memorial Day Getaways Page 6

Your News, Entertainment & Lifestyle Source

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ORGANIC GARDENS

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HOLIDAY BBQ IDEAS

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PERFECT SCV PLANTS

PLUS : CITY NEWS | OPINION | SCHOOL | ENTERTAINMENT | CALENDAR | HEALTH & FITNESS

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M AY 22, 2022

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M AY 22, 2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES 5 Join the Organic Gardening Movement 6 Memorial Day Weekend Getaways 8 Memorial Day BBQ Fixins FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8 Set Your Scene at The MAIN ENTERTAINMENT 10 Lincoln Lawyer is 3 stars FOOD 11 The Ultimate Way to Grill Chicken GARDENING 14 Jane Gates: Lavender and Rosemary Gardens SENIOR LIVING 15 A Second Wind: Grandparenting HEALTH 16 Important Nutrients for Infants HOME AND GARDEN 17 Turn Your Yard into a Vacation-Worthy Oasis 23 How to Conserve Water HOME 24 Low-Cost Ways to Revamp Living Areas KIDS & FAMILY 25 Donna’s Day: Thank a Teacher Junior Whirl • Food Fact • Did You Know • Get the Picture PUZZLES OPINION David Hegg

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9 10 11 14 15 16 17 24 25

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661-259-1234 The entire content of the Sunday Signal is copyrighted 2022 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.

M AY 22, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

Gardening

N E W S F E AT U R E

I

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

Join the Organic Gardening Movement

s veggie gardening in the Santa Clarita Valley challenging? It can be, but it’s also rewarding.

Despite droughts and blazing temperatures successful gardens abound in the SCV. In the 40 years I lived in the SCV I’ve successfully grown everything from okra to eggplant, as well as artichokes, tomatoes, beets, carrots, onions, lettuce, radishes and more in my Canyon Country garden.

The best thing about gardening in Southern California is that you can garden nearly 365 days a year.

The most popular gardening trend currently in the United States is organic gardening.

What is Organic Gardening?

Organic gardening differs from traditional gardening in two important ways: The use of agricultural chemicals and use of artificial or processed fertilizers. Organic gardening rejects the use of all artificial agricultural chemicals, including pesticides used to control insects, diseases and weeds.

Most people start growing their own vegetables to have an alternative to factory farmed food that has been exposed to unknown pesticides and fertilizers. It’s a way to control what chemicals we ingest into our bodies.

Most organic gardeners consider soils to be a living system and reject artificial chemical fertilizers as harmful to the soil and the environment.

Organic gardeners emphasize building the soil with organic matter and then rely on natural sources of supplemental nutrients. Many people garden organically because of concern over pesticide residues on food.

Start With the Soil

The quality of the soil is the most important building block to successful organic gardening. The soil in the Santa Clarita Valley is either very sandy or has high amounts of clay. Neither is ideal for successful organic gardening, but both will benefit from large amounts of organic matter tilled into the soil.

Increased soil organic matter improves soil quality and structure, improves water retention and evens out nutrient release.

Compost, Compost, Compost!

You can increase the amount of organic matter in your soil by adding compost, aged animal manures, pesticide-free grass clippings and mulches.

Peat moss is now discouraged because of damage it causes to source peat bogs; rotted sawdust is a great substitute.

Because most soil life and plant roots are located in the top 6 inches of soil, concentrate on this upper layer.

If planting in raised beds or containers there are several companies that make bags of organic con-

Organic gardens can provide healthy, safe produce without chemicals or pesticides. PHOTO COURTESY Burbee Seeds

tainer gardening soil you can use to fill the beds.

Planting Organic

It’s easier now than ever to plant organic. Certified organic seedlings and a wide variety of vegetable seeds are now available from all the commercial seed companies.

You can also find organic seeds online, everything from heirloom varieties of vegetables to nonGMO seeds are easily purchased online.

Among the top-rated online seed companies per Treehugger.com are: Uprising Seeds uprisingorganics.com Territorial Seed Company territorialseed.com Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds www.rareseeds. com/store/vegetables

Fertilizing the Organic Way

If you regularly add compost to your veggie garden soil, there might be little need to fertilize further. Another great way to fertilize your garden is by using worm castings.

Rotted grass clippings are a great source of nitrogen needed to grow most vegetables.

Examples of naturally occurring organic fertilizers include manure, slurry, earthworm castings, peat, seaweed and guano.

Examples of manufactured organic fertilizers include compost, bloodmeal, bone meal and seaweed extracts.

Earthworm castings are usually sold in bulk at garden supply stores as well as in big box garden centers and on Amazon.

Natural Pesticides

Not all “organic” pesticides are really safe for your garden. Bees are particularly sensitive to nearly all pesticides; even organic pesticides so use any pesticide with caution if bees are active in your garden. Remember you need the bees to help

pollinate your veggies.

Diatomaceous Earth is an effective natural pesticide that is a dry powder dusted on plants. Remains active for a long period as long as it is kept dry.

Neem oil is also a popular natural pesticide, however, use with caution as it can harm bees. To protect bees don’t use when plants are flowering.

Tips and Tricks • Be sure your garden has a healthy number of earthworms, even containers need earthworms.

• Water your organic garden regularly. Fruits and vegetables need an inch of water a week.

• Insects don’t like garlic, onion, chives and chrysanthemums. Grow these plants around your garden to keep bugs away.

• Soak your seeds in warm water the day before you plant.

• Add crushed eggshells to your compost pile or to the bottom of a planting hole for veggies that tend to get calcium deficient, such as tomatoes or peppers.

• Plant heat sensitive plants in the fall. Beets, radishes, lettuce, spinach, kale, carrots, Swiss chard and broccoli. Plants, like radishes, will often “bolt” or “go to seed” without producing harvests if planted in hot weather.

• Warm weather loving crops include beans, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, melons, peppers, zucchini and summer squash, pumpkin and winter squash, sweet potato, tomato and watermelon.

• Take an online course in organic gardening. YouTube is a great resource as well as the organic gardening course offered free online at grow.thrivefor good.org/enrollments. 

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M AY 22, 2022

N E W S F E AT U R E

Family Fun

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

M

emorial Day Weekend is almost here, but there’s still time to plan a fun, family weekend getaway. Memorial Day has long been considered the start of the summer BBQ, picnic, outdoor activity season. It’s also a great time to take a short jaunt from your Santa Clarita Valley neighborhood and take a break from the usual routine.

You’ll have all summer to chill in the backyard pool or BBQ for friends and family. Take this opportunity to escape with the family for a quick minivacation. Day trips, overnight camping trips or a simple picnic in the park can be just as fun as entire weekend away from home. Just make it a fun family weekend activity.

Catalina Island

If you want to go snorkeling without flying all the way to the Caribbean or another tropical locale, Catalina Island is a great choice as one of the few spots in the United States where you can do just that.

By taking the hour trip via passenger boat service from Long Beach, you can enjoy clear waters filled with an array of marine life. In fact, Lover’s Cove is known for having one of the heaviest concentrations of fish found off the west coast and has even ranked among the top 10 best places in the world for snorkeling.

Sea stars, eels, anemones, octopi and Garibaldi fish are just a few of the creatures you’re likely to see. Dolphins and sea lions are also a common Catalina Island

Weekend Getaways

sight. The island’s many other activity options include glass-bottom boat tours, kayaking, standup paddleboarding, zip lining or searching for the famed Catalina Island bison.

For more information on Catalina Island visit www.visitcatalinaisland.com/things-to-do.

Palm Springs

In Palm Springs swimsuit season is in full swing and Memorial Day marks the end of “comfortable” temps out in the desert. You’ll find nonstop sunshine so pack plenty of sunscreen.

The best part of Palm Springs is that mom and dad can relax while letting the kids splash about in the hotel pool.

When it’s time to eat there is practically an endless number of acclaimed eateries like Copley’s on Palm Canyon.

This desert oasis with a glamourous past is also an ideal base for exploring the spectacular desert landscape at Joshua Tree National Park, with miles and miles of amazing hiking trails and mountain bike treks as well as being one of the best spots in California for rock climbing.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world’s largest rotating tram car, travels over two-and-onehalf miles along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon, transporting riders to the pristine wilderness of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park.

During your approximately 10-minute journey, tram cars rotate slowly, offering picturesque and spectacular vistas of the valley floor below. Once you reach the Mountain Station, elevation 8,516 feet, enjoy two restaurants, observation decks, natural history museum, two documentary theaters,

Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is a coastal treasure on the Palos Verdes Peninsula contains an ecological preserve and is known for its outstanding tide pools.

PHOTO COURTESY VISIT CALIFORNIA BEACHES

gift shop and over 50 miles of hiking trails.

You’ll want to stick around town on the holiday, as each Memorial Day the Palm Springs Air Museum hosts the Annual Memorial Day Air Fair and Flower Drop, commemorating the important role of those who fought in World War II with a flower drop from its B-25 aircraft. Thousands of white and red carnations represent those who gave the

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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

N E W S F E AT U R E greatest sacrifice for their country.

For more information visit visit palmsprings.com.

The Ocean

From San Diego to Santa Barbara, you can’t go wrong with an ocean view getaway. Kids love the beach.

They love the sand, the surf and the tidepools.

One of the great benefits of living in the Santa Clarita Valley is the opportunity to take a short drive to Ventura, only 40 minutes away or a slightly longer jaunt of an hour or more to reach a beach. You can spend a weekend or just an afternoon.

Harbor Cove Beach, or Mother’s Beach, is a favorite among families with young children because the harbor’s breakwaters provide safety from big swells.

The beach also has beautiful views of the entire Ventura coastline and hills, small lapping waves, and windblown sand dunes. It’s the perfect spot for waterfront activities like kayaking and flying kites. Ventura Harbor Village is conveniently right across the street, so you’re smack dab in the middle of everything.

You can make a day of it with restaurants, ice cream shops, an ar-

cade and the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center literally just across the street from Harbor Cove Beach. Pretty much everything your family needs is here; including lots of free parking, lifeguards, showers, and restrooms.

For more information on Ventura Beaches visit visitventuraca.com/ beaches-and-surfing Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is a coastal treasure on the Palos Verdes Peninsula contains an ecological preserve and is known for its outstanding tide pools. Trails meander on the bluff out to excellent views from two prominent points. Below these points are three separate coves with beaches and tide pools.

Out at the end and right at the base of the points there are amazing rock tunnels where waves rush in and crash through. It is worth checking tide charts to visit these beaches at low tide for the tide pools and the tunnels.

For the best beaches with tidepools visit www.californiabeaches.com/map/ best-tide-pools-in-southern-california. 

Harbor Cove Beach in Ventura is a favorite among families with young children because the harbor’s breakwaters provide safety from big swells. COURTESY VISIT CALIFORNIA

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M AY 22, 2022

N E W S F E AT U R E S

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

M

emorial Day weekend is the official start of the summer grilling season. Time to fill up those propane tanks for your gas barbecue and gather your ingredients for your signature barbecue “rub.”

Mr. Buttelman’s Signature Baby Back Pork Ribs My husband makes the best ribs I’ve ever eaten. He’s taken a few years to perfect his “rub” and his grilling technique. All great BBQ starts with a fantastic rub. We use this on everything, ribs, steaks, chicken, even corn!

Experiment with flavors you like and create your own signature dry rubs for meat, chicken and seafood.

The day before 1 rack of pork baby back ribs (remove the tough membrane from the back of the ribs by using a knife to pry up a corner of the membrane, then pull it down the entire length of the ribs. This is a must).

Dry Rub 6 1 1 1 1 1 1

tbsp brown sugar tbsp salt tbsp dry mustard tsp black pepper tbsp garlic powder tbsp onion powder tsp cayenne pepper (if you like it really spicy you can use up to 1 tbsp) 1 tbsp chili powder

Mix all the ingredients together and slather generously over front and back of ribs. Work the dry rub into the meat.

package, then pierce it in several places with a bamboo skewer.

Lift the grate and place the foil packet of hickory chips near the flame. Replace the grate and lay the rack of ribs over the burner or burners that aren’t lit. Close lid.

Cook baby back ribs for 3 to 4 hours.

Low and slow, as the pit masters’ say.

The ribs are done when a rib bone rotates easily if you grasp the end and wiggle it back and forth. Cook until internal temperature reads 185F on an instant read meat thermometer.

Brush the ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce, and crank up the heat on your grill to 450F. Cook the ribs for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce and make it stick to the ribs. Serve.

Note Ribs can cook faster or slower so keep an eye on them and check the internal temp often.

My favorite Coleslaw

For one cup of dressing use 3/4 1/4 1 1 2

cup of mayonnaise cup of sour cream tbsp apple cider vinegar tbsp lemon juice tbsp sugar

Celery seed, salt and pepper to taste Stir together until the sugar dissolves.

Thin with milk or cream to desired thickness, season to taste with celery seed, salt and pepper.

Add more vinegar or sugar to adjust to your taste preference.

Grilled Mexican Street Corn 4 1/2 1 1/2 1/4 1

Wrap the ribs in foil and place in refrigerator until ready to BBQ. The next day Heat grill to 225F.

ears corn cup mayonnaise cups sour cream cup chopped cilantro cup grated Parmesan

One lime, cut in half, to squeeze over cooked corn

If you have a two-burner grill, light only one side and leave the other off.

If you have a three- or four-burner grill, light the outside burners but leave the middle off.

Fold a double layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil and place a handful of hickory chips in the middle. Wrap the wood in the foil, making a compact

parted friend Chris Dougherty.

Exact ratio of cabbage to carrots and other veggies is up to the individual.

Shred a small head of cabbage and put it in a bowl. Add small bag of shredded carrots and mix.

You can also add finely chopped celery, grated onion (only a teaspoon or two), green onion, chopped broccoli or cauliflower, really any vegetable that does not contain excess water.

Red chili powder, to taste

This is my favorite homemade coleslaw recipe, courtesy of my dear, de-

Remove husks of the corn and grill the corn until slightly charred on all sides. Mix mayonnaise, sour cream and cilantro together. Remove corn from grill and slather with the mayonnaise mix. Squeeze lime juice over

the corn and shower with Parmesan.

Season with chili powder.

Michele’s Homemade Potato Salad I don’t make this as much as I once did. It’s a lot of chopping and I find that after I’ve slaved away on this potato salad it disappears so fast there are rarely any leftovers.

5 2 1/2 4 1 1

large potatoes (Yukons or Russets) hard-boiled eggs, chopped cup chopped celery green onions, chopped can whole, large olives, sliced 8 oz. jar whole green olives with pimento, sliced 6 large radishes, sliced

Dressing 3/4 1 1 2 1 1

cup mayonnaise tbsp prepared mustard tbsp lemon juice tbsp dill weed tsp celery salt tsp salt

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes.

Drain, cool, peel and chop.

In a large bowl, combine potatoes, eggs, celery, onion, olives and radishes.

In small bowl mix together mayo, mustard, lemon juice, dill weed, celery salt and salt.

Add to potato mixture. Mix well.

Chill 1 hour before serving. 

M AY 22, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Set Your Scene at The MAIN!

By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

W

hether you are an art lover, theater aficionado or a resident looking for a fun night out on the town, we have everything you need at the City of Santa Clarita’s premier Arts and Entertainment District — Old Town Newhall. Start your night off by enjoying a delicious dinner at one of the many local restaurants lining Main Street and then head over to The MAIN to sit back and watch one of their many productions.

Everything you and your loved ones need to have a great night is right here in our City.

The MAIN (24266 Main Street) is a multi-use arts center that features comedy, music, film, a monthly rotating art gallery and more. Residents can look forward to entertaining productions that will make you laugh, cry and everything in between. Here are the upcoming shows you can enjoy in the next couple months.

Tonight, you can catch the showing of “Nancy Who? The Girl Detective Without A Clue!” presented by JR Crow Productions. This engaging play

follows Nancy, a crime-solving teenage detective with a keen eye for observation and the ability to act on a hunch. Wits, experience and an arsenal of tools should help her and her friends solve the mystery! Audience members can even get involved and help her find clues. Every attendee will also have the opportunity to get a mini spyglass.

Next weekend is the last showing of this parody and I encourage each and every one of you to get out of your comfort zone and enjoy a night full of laughter.

The beauty of The MAIN is that it offers a variety of shows for everyone. One production guaranteed to capture your attention is one of my personal favorites, the “10 by 10 Variety Show.”

The production is a chance for a selection of ten entertainers to take the stage for a ten-minute performance of their choosing. Audience members can enjoy storytelling, magic, comedy, improv, music and more at this ever-changing event. The best part is that it is FREE! The 10 by 10 Variety Show is offered every first Thursday of the month.

While you’re enjoying your time at The MAIN, be sure to stroll around the lobby to check out the revolving art gallery. This month, surreal worlds of light and shade contrast one another in the new gallery, “Silver and Shadows.”

This exhibit features different mediums including acrylic, found items, mixed media and more.

The art will be on display until May 29.

Old Town Newhall is bustling with dining, sipping, shopping and entertainment, and The MAIN is a key contributor. Between the atmosphere, the laughs and the unique blend of performances, there is nothing quite like it.

After your first visit you will keep going back for more unique entertainment options. I encourage you to enjoy all of the exceptional talent the theatre offers. You can learn more about shows at The MAIN and purchase tickets by visiting atthemain. org.

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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M AY 22, 2022

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

David E. Kelley Brings Courtroom Drama Finesse to Lincoln Lawyer

Connelly’s five “Lincoln Lawyer” novels (the first was made into a 2011 feature film starring Matthew ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ McConaughey), this is a slick, easily (out of four) digested and well-acted legal thrillA 10-episode series Thursdays on er featuring an outstanding ensemble Paramount+. cast and a juicy, lurid murder mystery that keeps us guessing throughout he 10-part Netflix original — not that we can’t see some of the series “The Lincoln Lawtwists coming a mile down the road. yer” is set in the present That’s even part of the fun of shows day, and the title character such as this one; we feel smarter than is indeed an attorney, but it has the most of the people in the room, excomfort-viewing vibe of the clascept, of course, our hero, who’s always sic hourlong cop and private-eye one step ahead of everyone else, even dramas of the 1970s and 1980s, e.g., when it appears as if he’s stumbled atres • Santa Clarita Signal adsource@exhibitorads.com “The Rockford Files, ” “McCloud,” down yet another rabbit hole.

“Magnum, P.I.” and “Baretta.” It conp. 888.737.2812 f. 203.438.1206 5.9” Manuel Garcia-Rulfo has a kind tains many of the familiar elements of effortless charm and creates inPHOTO COURTESY IMDB date: Sunday-Thursday, and characters from those May shows, 22-26, 2022 stant empathy with his portrayal of includingTuesday, the likable antihero, the at 11:40:01 ably no AM coincidence, given the showdelivery date: May 17, 2022 CASCS_LEM0522-0526.qxp the flawed but goodhearted defense traditional authority figures who are runner is the prolific David E. Kelley, attorney Mickey Haller, first seen on always throwing up obstacles, the whose credits include “Boston Pubthe beach in Los Angeles, staring out rogue sidekick and the rotating gallic,” “Ally McBeal,” “Picket Fences,” at the waves and reliving a near-falery of colorful suspects.

“Chicago Hope,” “The Practice,” “Big tal accident from a year and a half It’s Netflix, but it feels like old-fash- Sky” and we’re just getting warmed ago. Mickey essentially fell off the ioned network TV — and that’s prob- up. Based on the second of Michael grid — but now he’s back in the game after a former colleague, defense attorney Jerry Vincent, was murdered in a parking garage and, for reasons TM unknown, left his entire potentially lucrative practice to Mickey.

Presiding Judge Mary Holder (the always terrific LisaGay Hamilton) 22500 Lyons Ave. info Line 310.478.3836 expresses skepticism about Mickey’s ability to handle the caseload, given his recent history, but he attempts DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA B 1:20 2:20 4:20 6:30 7:20 to reassure her, saying, “I was in an The much-anticipated cinematic return of the global phenomenon reunites the beloved cast as they go on a grand journey to the South of France to uncover the mystery of the Dowager Countess’ newly inherited villa. accident. … I had multiple surgeries MEN E 1:30 4:30 7:30 and there were complications. I took In the aftermath of a personal tragedy, Harper retreats alone to the beautiful English countryside, hoping to have found a place to heal. painkillers, got addicted to them.

FIRESTARTER E 4:30 PM A girl with extraordinary pyrokinetic powers fights to protect her family and herself from sinister forces that seek to capture and That’s over now. I got help, got clean; control her. so whatever concerns you may have DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS C about my reputation —” 1:10 4:10 7:10 “It’s MY reputation I’m concerned Journey into the unknown with Doctor Strange, who, with the help of mystical allies both old and new, traverses the mind-bending and dangerous alternate realities of the Multiverse to confront a mysterious new adversary. about,” says the judge. “I’m the one THE BAD GUYS B 1:20 4:20 7:00 that has to sign off on you, or not.”

After a lifetime of pulling legendary heists, five notorious bad guys attempt their most challenging job yet - going good. Nobody has ever failed so hard at trying to be good as The Bad Guys.

Of course, Judge Holder does sign THE DUKE E 4:00 PM off on Mickey picking up all of JerThe Duke is set in 1961 when Kempton Bunton, a 60-year old taxi driver, stole Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London. ry’s cases, including the high-profile THE NORTHMAN E 1:00 7:00 murder trial of hot-shot tech zilThe Northman is an action-filled epic that follows a young Viking prince on his quest to avenge his father’s murder. lionaire Trevor Elliott (Christopher THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT E Gorham), who made his fortune after Sun: 1:15 7:20; Mon: 1:15 PM; Tue: 7:20 PM; Wed: 1:15 7:20; writing the first code that gave lifelike Thu: 1:15 PM Nicolas Cage stars as...Nicolas Cage in the action-comedy THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT. Creatively unfulfilled and eyes to action video game characters, facing financial ruin, the fictionalized version of Cage must accept a $1 million offer to attend the birthday of a super fan. and how’s THAT for a modern way SHORT FILM PROGRAM I Mon: 7:30 PM; Tue: 1:00 PM to make a buck! Elliott is accused of TOP GUN: MAVERICK C Thu: 7:10 PM After more than thirty years of service as one of the Navy’s top aviators, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell is pushing the envelope as a shooting and killing his wife and her courageous test pilot. yoga instructor after coming home FOR 5/22/20225/26/2022 ONLY WWW.LAEMMLE.COM one afternoon and finding them in

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer



T

NEWHALL

Bringing the Finest in Film to the SCV!

bed together, and the consensus is he’s guilty as guilty can be. He’s also an obnoxious tool, but Mickey is the man, and Mickey will look past Elliott’s odious personality and the seemingly airtight case against him and dig deep to see if there’s some way, any possible way, Elliott can be found not guilty.

Oh, and Elliott insists that the trial not be postponed, because he wants his name and his image and his brand restored ASAP. Self-entitled murder suspects: They’re the worst.

Kelley and co-writer Ted Humphrey seamlessly introduce a number of key characters into the proceedings, starting with Becki Newton’s Lorna, who runs Mickey’s suddenly busy office and is his second wife, and Neve Campbell’s Maggie McPherson, a prosecutor who is Mickey’s FIRST wife and the mother of their teenage daughter, Hayley (Krista Warner).

Mickey’s best friend and dramatic/ comedic private eye sidekick is the Zen motorcyclist Cisco (Angus Sampson), who recently has become engaged to Lorna, and Mickey seems fine with that, because he and Lorna work better as friends than romantic partners. (Also, it’s clear Mickey is still in love with Maggie, and how can you not be? It’s Neve Campbell, man!)

Jazz Raycole turns in fine work as Izzy, who, like Mickey, is a recovering drug addict and is hired to drive him around Los Angeles in his Lincoln SUV as he works multiple cases simultaneously — but the major focus is the slimy tech exec and the increasingly labyrinthine circumstances surrounding that double murder.

“The Lincoln Lawyer” has a visually appealing style and makes good use of the L.A. locations, from its sun-dappled afternoons to the noirish nights when, if you’re not careful, someone might clobber you over the head and tell you it’s nothing personal. As you’d expect, there’s no shortage of courtroom scenes, complete with the world-weary judge who keeps telling both attorneys they’re on thin ice and reluctantly allows one or two follow-up questions, but this better be relevant or there will be hell to pay.

You know how it goes. We all know how it goes. Sometimes it’s enough just to enjoy the trip. 

Copyright 2020 Chicago Sun-Times

M AY 22, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

FOOD

The Ultimate Way To Grill Chicken

G

rilled chicken breasts can be the epitome of boring. Too often they’re dried out or rubbery. But when soaked in a super-quick marinade — with balsamic, brown sugar, and dried thyme — you’re guaranteed deliciousness.

How long can I keep the chicken in the marinade?

We’d recommend no longer than 12 hours. Technically (according to the USDA) you can keep raw chicken refrigerated for up to 2 days, but we don’t recommend marinating that long. You’re likely to get mushy chicken.

How do I keep the chicken from sticking on the grill?

As long as you give each side enough time, it shouldn’t. When your chicken gets those nice charred lines, it naturally releases from your grill grates. If you try to flip and the chicken feels stuck, try giving it another minute or two. It’ll release naturally, when it’s ready. … But we like to preheat, oil, and repeat just in case.

1. Turn the grill to high (if using gas) and close the lid. Let it preheat for about 10 minutes.

2. Dip a folded paper towel in a bit of oil, open the lid, and using tongs, quickly brush the grill grates with oil. Close the lid, keeping it on high heat for about 20 seconds.

3. Repeat this one more time until you are ready to cook the chicken. By oiling and heating the grill grate, you are essentially creating a nonstick surface. Pretty amazing, right?

What should the internal temperature of my chicken be?

According to the FDA, all chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°. We prefer our chicken breasts closer to 150° because we’re rule breakers. 😉Jokes aside, the real reason

we don’t go all the way to 165° is because boneless skinless chicken breasts have basically no fat, so in order to maintain some juiciness we pull them a little early.

Can I adapt the marinade?

Absolutely! Swap in a different acid for balsamic like champagne vinegar or lemon juice. Try different dried or fresh herbs like cilantro or oregano.

You could even sub out the brown sugar for honey or agave. We love the marinade on our cilantro-lime chicken, which you can sub in entirely for this one. Also feel free to add in your favorite spices or even hot sauce. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect blank canvas to experiment.

How hot should my grill be for chicken breasts?

Depending on the size of your chicken breasts, a two-zone (that means two temperature) fire is the way to go. If you have really small chicken breasts, you can get away with a medium-high heat, because by the time you have nice grill marks on both sides the chicken will be cooked through as well. For larger chicken breasts, get your sear marks on both sides over high heat, then move them to a medium-low heat to finish cooking.

What should I serve with this?

Well, since you’ve already got the grill going, how

about some grilled corn, grilled asparagus, and maybe a grilled pineapple sundae for dessert? (Can you tell we’re excited for grilling season? 😅) Yields 4 Servings Prep Time 0 Hours 15 Mins Total Time 0 Hours 45 Mins

Ingredients 1/4 c. balsamic vinegar 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 2 tbsp. brown sugar 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp. dried thyme 1 tsp. dried rosemary 4 chicken breasts

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

Directions In a medium bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, garlic, and dried herbs, and season generously with salt and pepper.

Reserve ¼ cup.

Add chicken to the bowl and toss to combine. Let marinate at least 20 minutes and up to overnight.

Preheat grill to medium high. Add chicken and grill, basting with reserved marinade, until cooked through, 6 minutes per side.

Garnish with parsley before serving. (Delish. com) 

1 2 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M AY 22, 2022

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

The Sharks Are Coming — Jack Russell’s Great White

T

he Southern California blues/hard rock band Great White first took a bite out of the rock scene in 1984 and since then has achieved worldwide success, encompassing sales of over six million records.

They received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Hard Rock Performance for the song “Once Bitten, Twice Shy” and earned a double platinum certification for the album “…Twice Shy.” The late 80’s were boom years for the band, marked by non-stop touring with some of the biggest bands

like “Face The Day”, “Rock Me” and “Save Your Love” into international hits, can also be found in the band’s newer material.

Opening set by Liquid Circus

of the era and playing also in Europe and Japan.

Great White also recorded “Hooked”, which was certified gold and “Psycho City.” The soulful, blues-based signature sound, that turned songs

You can see Jack Russell’s Great White live at The Canyon Santa Clarita on June 11. Tickets are available online through AXS, over the phone at (888) 645-5006, and in person at the Canyon Santa Clarita box office. For more information, visit www.where musicmeetsthesoul.com. 

M AY 22, 2022 SPORTS

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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

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1 4 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

Lavender and Rosemary Perfect plants for the SCV garden

GARDENING

By Jane Gates Signal Staff Writer

O

ur upper chaparral climate offers hot, dry summers, and cooler and variably moist winters. Although the soil varies in clay, stone and sand content, all our native soil is lacking in organics. Two excellent plants that actually enjoy our environment are Lavender (Lavendula) and Rosemary (Rosmarinus).

These plants are remarkably adaptable to our lean soils and thrive where the sun would burn most other plants. They will also accept a little dappled shade.

During blooming season, lavender and rosemary plants are covered with small blue, purple, pink or white flowers. Both types of plants are woody shrubs that remain evergreen through the winter. Use them singly, as a group or to form a nice backdrop for other flowering plants.

Some lavender plants can grow into 5-foot-tall shrubs, while dwarf varieties can stay as low as 18 inches.

We have been experiencing relatively warm winters, particularly at night, for the past several years. If you recently planted lavender in your garden, there is a good chance almost any variety will have fared well.

In the past, however, it has not been abnormal for temperatures to drop into the low twenties or even the high teens in colder areas.

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Whether things go warmer, cooler or stay the same, probably the most resilient lavender for the Santa Clarita Valley is the Spanish lavender, Lavendula stoeches.

This is a medium-sized plant, usually staying at about 2 to 3 feet in height, so it fits easily into many landscape designs. The flowers are showy with what look like tall, colorful feathers topping the spike of blooms.

Although Spanish lavender is most commonly found with reddish purple flowers, there are now hybrids that offer purples, pinks, whites, greens and combinations of any of these colors. There are larger and smaller sized shrubs, too.

Garden rosemary can grow to 4-feet tall and spread 6-feet wide, or you can find varieties that stay low, mounding or trailing along the ground. The creepers are ideal to use as ground covers to carpet large areas or to have spill over the edges of walls or pots.

Rosemary can sprawl and become woody. It doesn’t hurt to do some regular, judicious pruning to keep the plants shapely.

There are also smaller growing varieties such as the sky-blue flowered “Ken Taylor” that stays at about 2-feet tall and need little or no pruning.

Low, trailing rosemary plants can be found blooming in pale lilac, white or brilliant blues. They offer a good solution for covering hills or cascading over rocks and walls.

Both lavender and rosemary work well in the general garden or the herb garden. They can be used for scent at any time of year, and a dog or cat, who has been romping through the garden in rosemary or lavender, will come back into the house smelling absolutely wonderful!

Even decorative rosemary plants in bright leaf or flower colors, are all fine for cooking or for making herbal teas. Creeping varieties are also edible, although each variety will have a slightly different flavor.

Rosemary and lavender offer multiple uses for crafts, cleansing, aroma therapy, medicinal oils, decor and sachets.

A close up of the leaves and flowers of the Spanish Lavender, (Lavendula stoeches).

Pink and blue flowering rosemary plants.

Some varieties of English Lavender can form large shrubs.

Plant lavender and rosemary in your garden for beauty, scent and practical use. They are easy to grow and do well in areas of the chaparral or desert where many other plants would burn and shrivel. They adapt well in our chaparral landscapes, don’t need a lot of water, demand lit-

tle attention and rarely are bothered by pests. What’s not to love when it comes to adding lavender and rosemary to your garden?

For more information about gardening in the Santa Clarita Valley, visit Jane Gates on YouTube at https://you tube.com/user/Janieg8s. 

M AY 22, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

SENIORLIVING A SECOND WIND

Rewards of Being — and Having — Grandparents

By Mary Petersen Signal Staff Writer

A

baby’s on the way, but he is in no rush to get here.

My daughter is expecting her second.

The night she went to the hospital for an unplanned visit, I stayed with big brother who’s almost four. When he awoke in the morning, his parents were gone, but he found me cuddled next to his bed on the floor.

I helped him get dressed, eat breakfast, then took him to preschool. Since his mom and dad were required to stay two nights, we brought him to the hospital where Dad met us outside and Mom waved at us through a 3rd story window. I wanted him to know that his parents hadn’t just disappeared.

He stayed at our house that night without complaints or tears, his first night away from his parents.

In the morning my daughter called, released to return home, still no baby. She thanked us for the care we gave our little guy, grateful for our close relationship with him.

We’re delighted to lend a hand and would do anything to make their parenting job a bit easier.

The more social support we can give to sometimes frazzled parents, the more energy they have to effectively parent. It takes a village.

Grandparenting has always been an important extension of parenting, especially in certain cultures. But in modern times, with average lifespans increasing, grandparents will be in their grandchildren’s lives even longer than in previous generations.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the number of grandparents rose 21% from 2001 to 2017.

We are playing a significant role as secondary caregivers.

Research at the University of Oxford confirms that grandparents play a vital role in children’s wellbeing.

The study of more than 1,500 children indicated that those with a high level of grandparental involvement had fewer emotional and behavioral problems.

The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids published an article highlighting the role that grandparents play in preventing grandchildren from underage drinking and using drugs.

One of the most important needs children have in developing healthy minds and bodies is feeling that they belong, that they have a community and family history.

In the role of storyteller and history keeper, grandparents help children cultivate a positive identity and sense of purpose. We keep kids connected. Enveloping them in unwavering support helps our grandchildren grow and mature with integrity, confidence and resilience.

As grandparents accompany children on their journey through life, sharing wisdom, humor and experiences, both are gratified. Being actively engaged with our grandchildren helps us see the world through fresh eyes and ensures that we never stop learning.

The bond we share with them as we read, play and explore is also creating a legacy by which we will be remembered.

We delight in the blessings that our precocious rascal has brought to our lives. We patiently await the arrival of little brother, knowing that he will provide a new set of challenges and worries but also a deep, overwhelming joy.

We welcome the life-changing opportunity to bond with this little human who reminds us of the miraculous abundance in life.

Mary Petersen is a retired COC English instructor, a 30-year SCV resident and two-time breast cancer survivor. 

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1 6 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M AY 22, 2022

H E A LT H

Six Foods with Important Nutrients for Infants

A

t nearly all hours of the day, parents of infants have a lot to think about, including being conscious of what their little ones are eating.

From birth and beyond, proper nutrition is fundamental for continued health.

According to the World Health Organization, optimal feeding during the first three years of life is important for reducing the risk of chronic disease and promoting regular mental and physical development. When it comes to healthy eating for infants, ensuring nutritional needs are met with a variety of foods.

Consider these sources of important nutrients recommended by the experts at Plum Organics.

Orange Fruits and Vegetables

Offering a combination of mildly sweet and savory flavors, orange fruits and vegetables including butternut squash, pumpkin, carrot and sweet potato provide multiple

important nutrients. They’re great sources of beta-carotene, which is a carotenoid that’s converted into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is essential for a robust immune system, healthy skin and optimal vision in dim light. Additionally, these fruits and veggies provide potassium that helps maintain the body’s fluid balance and in turn is important in controlling blood pressure.

Meat, Poultry, Eggs, Beans and Legumes

This group of foods provides savory flavors for baby to enjoy along with a multitude of important nutrients including: Choline plays an important role in metabolism and early brain development.

Protein essential for growth and development as well as optimal functioning of the body.

Iron supports brain development, immune function and overall growth.

Caring.

Compassionate.

Committed.

henrymayo.com/care

it helps the body better absorb nonheme iron from plant foods. When feeding your baby iron-rich foods like beans, whole grains, nuts or seeds in infant-safe forms, pair them with a fruit or vegetable high in vitamin C for optimal iron absorption.

PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES

Zinc supports immune function and overall growth.

Fish

Along with providing nutrients like protein and choline, fish offers interesting new flavors for babies.

Plus, fish contains DHA, an essential fatty acid important for eye and brain development during infancy and vitamin D, an essential nutrient that supports healthy bones and teeth.

Broccoli, Cauliflower and Spinach

Along with the introduction of slightly bitter flavors, veggies like these also provide vitamin C, an essential antioxidant that’s of particular importance during infancy because

Whole Grains

Amaranth, barley, quinoa and iron-fortified cereals offer nutty, mildly sweet and savory flavors as well as dietary benefits including iron, zinc, protein and potassium, plus dietary fiber that helps support digestive health and healthy bowel function.

Coconut Cream and Yogurt

Mild, slightly sweet flavors like coconut cream and full-fat Greek yogurt also provide fats essential for overall growth and neurological development. Plus, fat is an important source of energy for on-the-go infants.

For more information on the nutrients infants need, visit plumorganics. com. (Family Features) 

M AY 22, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 7

Turn Your Yard Into a Vacation-Worthy Oasis

W

arm weather means more time to relax outdoors. For those homeowners lucky enough to have entertaining spaces outside, spring and summer provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy fresh air under the sun or stars.

Over the last few years, families have become especially familiar with what works about their yards and where there is room for improvement. Pandemic-related travel restrictions and early stay-at-home mandates resulted in plenty of time spent in backyards on staycations. Even though many such restrictions have been lifted, homeowners may have seen the benefits of having functional respites right outside their doors.

A backyard renovation can cost any-

where from $5,000 to $50,000. The American Society of Landscape Architects suggests homeowners budget the cost of a major landscaping project at between 5 and 10% of their home’s value. Large or small, here are ways to make an outdoor oasis at home.

Create livin g privacy

Living in close proximity to neighbors may make privacy harder to come by. Wood or vinyl fences, however effective, may not provide the all-natural look many people desire.

Vertical gardening, which trains easycare vines like English ivy, Clematis or various climbing roses to grow on trellis or fencing adds greenery and privacy. Hedges and fast-growing shrubs also can be used for natural barriers.

See OASIS, page 20

A

ALLBRiGHT Concrete Coatings

re you thinking about painting your home or coating your concrete floor?

Surface preparation is critical.

Even the best do-it-yourself paints and concrete coating products can chip and peel prematurely, primarily because of the wrong preparation.

Sometimes, it is because of deeper issues underneath the wood, stucco, drywall and within the concrete itself. This is why professional painters and installers start with the proper preparation. When it comes to painting the exterior of your home, it is always a good idea to pressure wash it first, and I’m not talking about using a household garden hose.

This is an important step and you don’t want to use low-grade equipment or the wrong technique. ALLBRiGHT Painting uses its industrialgrade pressure washers to remove dirt, grime and loose peeling paint.

Next, it’s just as essential to use the

correct patching and priming materials. If you use the wrong ones or don’t sand properly, you will have premature peeling paint.

When it comes to your concrete floors like garages, outside walkways, back patios and pool decks, you want to make sure you start on the right foot. Even before you can begin the prep work, a moisture test and concrete hardness test are necessary before considering which prep work is suitable for your surface.

ALLBRiGHT Concrete Coatings are specialists when it comes to preparing your concrete floors. Grinding the surface using ALLBRiGHT’s 600-lb, diamond-bit grinders and triple HEPA filtered vacuums to collect the dust is what we start with, and it is what is best for coating adhesion.

ALLBRiGHT Concrete Coatings can be reached at (661) 2941159. 

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1 8 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M AY 22, 2022

HOME&GARDEN

There’s no place like an Aldik Home

S

tep inside the most beautiful store in Los Angeles and relax in an oasis of natural beauty. Gorgeous patio furniture is surrounded by a kaleidoscope of colors: silk flowers and plants in every shape and hue. Wander amongst lifelike silk trees — hand-made with real trunks — and gaze upon near endless floral arrangements that look and feel real. There’s no place like Aldik Home.

When shopping for outdoor patio furniture, Aldik Home is a top destination with its stunning Summer Classics collection. All pieces are meticulously crafted of premium materials, using both age-old building methods and state-of-the-art finishing processes to ensure they will last for years to come. Other manufacturers may be better known but their

craftsmanship, durability, and comfort does not compare to that of Summer Classics.

Whether you’re looking for the natural beauty of teak, the smooth lines of wrought aluminum, or the durability and style of resin wicker, Summer Classics has it all in spades. Not only is this furniture stylish and sophisticated but it is also incredibly comfortable. Surround yourself in comfort in a Majorca lounge chair or bask in the beauty of the Croquet Teak collection. It’s difficult to find something comparable on the market.

With more than 160 fabric choices and multiple frame color choices it’s easier than ever to create your dream outdoor furniture.

Looking to reimagine your entire outdoor space? Aldik Home showcases umbrellas from Treasure Garden,

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fire tables from American Fyre Designs, and more accessories like rugs and pillows. Come see why there’s no place like Aldik Home.

Aldik Home is located at 7651 Sepulveda Boulevard, Van Nuys, CA 91405. They can be reached at (818) 988-5970; AldikHome.com 

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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 9

2 0 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M AY 22, 2022

HOME&GARDEN

OASIS

lanterns, cascading water features, and bird feeders to attract the sounds of nature. (MC) 

Continued from page 17

Install a pool

Pools are the ultimate spots to cool off on hot days. An elaborately shaped inground pool can blend in with the landscape and offer the ultimate hang-out zone. However, aboveground pools also serve the purpose and are more budget-friendly. Stock tank pools are popular among those who want minimal pool expenditure or have small spaces to work with.

Stock tanks are metal vessels traditionally used as watering holes for livestock. They also can be Òadult kiddie poolsÓ when combined with some plumbing. Galvanized steel frames make them sturdy. With floats and other accessories, they can become the perfect oasis.

Provide outdoor atmosphere

Create a bespoke bistro vibe by using freestanding planters and posts along with hanging lights to make an intimate outdoor hangout spot

recycle USED OIL

O at night. For those with permanent structures, like a deck or a gazebo, lights can be strung across the area or on railings or edging.

tables, a private seating area can be crafted and utilized for any number of entertaining desires.

Extend the living space

Few things evoke feelings of relaxation better than a hammock. Fitted between two trees (or two posts if trees are sparse), a hammock is an ideal place to grab a nap or read a book.

Additional oasis-inspired ideas include outdoor kitchens, letting up

Decks and patios can help make outdoor entertaining areas more comfortable by eliminating the need to sit on the grass or gravel. Plus, they add another ÒroomÓ to the home.

When paired with weatherproof patio furniture, such as sofas, loungers and

Santa Clarita

Hang a hammock

utdoor remodels and landscaping projects can add valuable curb appeal to homes. The National Association of Realtors and the National Association of Landscape Professionals agree that certain projects offer significant returns when selling a home.

These are the 10 most appealing outdoor features to buyers.

• Standard lawn care • Overall landscape upgrade • New patio • New wood deck • Softscaping • Sod lawn • Seed lawn • Outdoor firepit • Outdoor fireplace • New pool (MC) 

RECYCLES!

Certified Used Motor Oil Collection Centers The City of Santa Clarita has more than 20 state-certified locations, which recycle used motor oil and filters for FREE. Find a center near you and make the clean choice by taking your oil and filters for FREE and proper disposal.

AAMCO Transmissions 25845 Railroad Ave. (661) 259-3013 Auto Nation Chevrolet 23649 Valencia Blvd.

(661) 877-4076 AutoZone 24820 Orchard Village Rd. (661) 222-9053 AutoZone 19327 Soledad Canyon Rd. (661) 299-5384 AutoZone 23046 Soledad Canyon Rd. (661) 284-5680 The Dip Stick 23755 Newhall Ave. Unit A (661) 259-7822

Firestone Complete Auto Care 23100 Lyons Ave. (661) 799-9798 G & M Auto Repair 27260 Camp Plenty Road (661) 251-6736 Halsey’s Auto Service 27565 Sierra Highway (661) 251-2327 Hello Nissan Valencia 24111 Creekside Road (661) 255-2020 Jiffy Lube 20703 Soledad Canyon Rd. (661) 251-6836 Jiffy Lube 18533 Via Princessa (661) 299-2208

Mario the Mechanic 27266 Camp Plenty Rd. (661) 252-2740 Mini of Valencia 24135 Creekside Rd. (661) 286-2600 Mountain View Tire 23440 Lyons Ave. (877) 872-0132 Napa Auto Parts 20541 Soledad Canyon Rd. (661) 252-8011 Oil Stop, Inc. 23500 Valencia Blvd.

(661) 288-2500 O’Reilly Auto Parts 26850 Sierra Hwy. (661) 299-9270

O’Reilly Auto Parts 23323 Lyons Ave. (661) 222-7367 Parkway Cadillac Buick GMC 24055 Creekside Rd. (661) 253-4441 Parkway Hyundai 24050 Creekside Rd. (661) 731-4524 Pep Boys 20600 Golden Triangle Rd. (661) 251-8004 R & S Automotive 24773 Valley St. (661) 254-4589 Valencia Auto Care Center 24233 Creekside Rd. (661) 255-3448

To find the nearest location to recycle your used motor oil and filters or other household hazardous waste materials, call

1-888-CLEANLA or visit

GreenSantaClarita.com Funded By

M AY 22, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 1

HOME&GARDEN

Motor Oil is Hazardous Waste

SHOWER DOOR SPECIALIST

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Our actions can have a direct effect on Santa Clarita’s environment, including the Santa Clara River. Santa Clarita has more than twenty certified collection centers to properly dispose of used motor oil and filters for FREE! Disposal of these items is available year-round.

When you do the right thing, you help keep our City clean. Visit GreenSantaClarita.com for locations near you. This message is funded by CalRecycle. 

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Lawn Professionals Help Address Insect Infestations

T

he National Association of Landscape Professionals notes that lawns can support a significant number of insects feeding on them because the grass grows much faster than the insects can damage it.

But noticeable damage, such as brown patches in the grass, severed roots and grass that is easily pulled up, indicate that insect infestations are significant enough to require intervention.

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Infestation prevention involves a handful of strategies, not the least of which is ensuring a lawn is properly cared for. Such care delivers nutrients to the lawn and reduces its risk of becoming undernourished.

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2 2 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M AY 22, 2022

HOME&GARDEN

W

e are delighted to inform you that CBC Cleaning and Restoration and Scope Environmental have joined forces.

The same excellent service, the same great technicians, the same friendly office staff that you have worked with for years will still be servicing your cleaning and restoration needs.

Now we can arrive sooner, travel

farther, and schedule faster as a result of this alliance.

So if a new uniform arrives at your door, please know they are part of the family and will provide you with the same exceptional level of service you have grown to love through the years.

If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to us anytime! Scope Environmental (888-504-5525) | CBC Cleaning (661-294-2221) 

Molly Maid of Santa Clarita

M

any of the employees with Molly Maid of Santa Clarita have been with the company for more than 20 years, and a lot of clients feel their housecleaners are part of their families. John’s clients know they can depend on, and trust, everyone at Molly Maid and can attest to the exceptional cleaning services they provide.

John’s biggest inspiration for his job are his employees. They show up to work every day and clean up to four houses in an 8-hour work day.

Day in and day out, week after week, John’s team cleans houses throughout the Santa Clarita Valley using the best products available. Cleaning isn’t always valued as much as it should be, and John is thankful for his employees who put cleanliness and healthiness above everything else while doing their jobs.

When COVID-19 spread to the United States, John and the rest of the staff at Molly Maid Santa Clarita knew they had to implement strict policies to safeguard their clients

and the employees at Molly Maid.

Before every cleaner goes to work, their temperatures are taken and masks and gloves are always worn while cleaning clients’ homes.

During this incredibly challenging time, everyone at Molly Maid of Santa Clarita wants to bring peace of mind to people who require house cleaning services.

John has resided in LA County for 23 years and absolutely loves helping the residents of Santa Clarita. He loves what his company stands for and enjoys the time spent with his clients.

John and the rest of the employees at Molly Maid of Santa Clarita would like to warn readers that if they hire Molly Maid, they will become dependent on their amazing, reliable and unparalleled cleaning services.

If you mention this article, you will receive $50 off your first cleaning. See how different your home can be after hiring Molly Maid of Santa Clarita. Call (661) 298-1800 to schedule your cleaning today! 

M AY 22, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 3

HOME&GARDEN

How to Conserve Water as Temperatures Rise

S

pring and summer are synonymous with increased hours of sunlight, warm temperatures and, oftentimes, an increased reliance on water to feed recreational pursuits and lawn and garden needs.

The Water Information Program states that 3.9 trillion gallons of water are consumed in the United States each month and the average person uses 176 gallons of water per day.

Water conservation may be essential when the risk for weather-related drought looms. Practicing year-round conservation efforts can help ensure smart usage of local watersheds, lakes and reservoirs and help maintain these water sources for years to come. It also helps the average person reduce his or her carbon footprint while saving people a little money along the way.

Explore these water-saving tips Collect shower water in a bucket

while you are waiting for the water to heat up. Use that water to irrigate plants around the house or even outdoors.

Check for leaks around the house.

Put a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank and see if it spreads into the bowl within a half-hour. If it does, that means a leak is present and gallons of water may be being wasted.

Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator. This way, when you come inside from the heat you’ll have a cold drink at the ready and will not have to run the tap to fill a glass.

Install a lawn irrigation system so that you can maximize the amount of water that gets to the roots. Arrange the sprinkler heads so surrounding driveways and sidewalks are not getting “watered” as well.

Aerate lawns and garden beds so the water reaches the roots rather than running off the surface of the dirt.

Employ rain barrels to collect rain

water runoff. Rain barrels can help to repurpose rain water rather than simply allowing it to wash into storm drains.

Reduce reliance on sprinklers and hoses for summer recreation. Instead, rely on pools and other devices that use recirculating pumps.

Inedible plants can benefit from

the nutrient-rich water siphoned out of a home aquarium when cleaning the tank.

The conservation guide Earth Easy says one way to cut down on water use is to turn off the shower after soaping up, then turn it back on to rinse. A four-minute shower can use between 20 and 40 gallons of water.

(MC) 

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2 4 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

M AY 22, 2022

HOME

Low-Cost Ways to Revamp Living Areas

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ome improvement projects require substantial financial investment. But just because a homeowner wants to bring a fresh look indoors doesn’t mean he or she has to break the bank along the way.

Living rooms are some of the most frequently used spaces in a home, and they can use an update from time to time to stay on trend or to make the area more functional for a changing family dynamic. Here are some budget-friendly ideas for breathing new life into living room designs.

• Establish the budget.

Homeowners should figure out how many dollars they can designate to a living room makeover before purchasing supplies or hiring out the work. Figure out the scope of the remodel, visit stores or suppliers to price out materials, get estimates from contractors, and then plan for some unforeseen circumstances along the way to determine if this type of renovation is affordable. If not, scale things back until the project more closely aligns with your budget.

• Change the paint color.

Lighter and brighter colors are on trend. A can or two of paint can do wonders for updating a space without a large financial commitment.

Pair that new paint color with new window coverings and complementary throw pillows to pull the theme together with minimal expense.

• Update the flooring.

Tired, outdated carpeting or other flooring can use an overhaul. While solid hardwood flooring may be preferable, there are many types of laminate flooring that mimic the looks of popular wood colors and styles for a fraction of the cost. Plus, many are sold at home improvement retailers and even at warehouse clubs or online for reasonable prices. Laminate flooring also may be a potential DIY job for a skilled homeowner, saving even more money.

• Introduce a fireplace.

Fireplaces were once hot commodities, but that popularity waned in the 1970s and 1980s. Homeowners with chimneys may discover a fireplace

was boarded over and the bare bones still exist that can be renovated to bring back character. There also are ventless freestanding units that are quite affordable that can mimic the look of a built-in fireplace.

• Reupholster instead of replace furniture.

There’s no need to throw away quality furniture if the fabric is the only thing impeding design. New upholstery or even a slipcover can update designs.

• Conquer clutter.

Rather than adding something to the living room, remove clutter to give the room a more airy feel. This can instantly change the look of the room. Use cord covers to tame plugs for electronics and remove unnecessary furniture from the room.

• Improve lighting.

Another easy and often inexpensive fix is to change lighting fixtures, including using brighter, more energy efficient LED bulbs, and to assess lighting needs to eliminate dark corners of rooms that can make the space seem drab.

Living room spaces in need of an update often can benefit from improvements that go easy on the wallet. (MC) 

M AY 22, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 5

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Give Jars in Bloom to Thank a Teacher

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

A

s the school year winds down, it’s time to show appreciation to a special teacher. Here’s a springy idea: Arrange a casual bouquet of flowers with offshoots of your child’s creativity.

First, choose some flowers and greens, such as hosta leaves and herbs for fragrance from your garden, or purchase a bouquet at your market.

Let your child trim the stems, loosely arrange the blooms and greens in his hand, and then head for the recycle bin.

The perfect “vase” for the blooms just may be lurking behind a milk carton. I’m thinking pint-size pasta-sauce jars, but any glass pickle, mayonnaise or fruit jar makes a casual and charming “jar in bloom.”

Simply wash with soapy water, re-

move the label, tie twine around the rim, and set the bouquet inside. Add some water and a card, and it’s ready to give.

It’s also fun for kids to decorate and personalize the jars before adding the flowers. Here are some handmade arty ideas using nontoxic paint pens, ribbon, wire, beads or anything that catches your child’s attention in your craft box.

• Compose a jingle or rhyme about the teacher receiving the bouquet and write it on the jar with paint pens. Tie ribbon around the rim and thread a few small beads near the ends of the ribbon to dangle on the jar.

• Use acrylic paints to paint designs or images of the teachers’ favorite things.

• Simply write a thank-you greeting directly on the jar with paint pens, and then finish it off with copper

Kids can show their creativity by decorating glass jars.

wire twisted around the neck of the bottle several times. Arrange a curly willow branch and two or three flowers in the modern vase.

Extra Idea Painted and decorated jars make attractive containers for displaying kids’ summer camp and vacation nature finds. Write the place and date directly on the jar with paint pens and fill with pretty rocks from a lake in Wisconsin, mini pinecones from a woodland walk in Oregon, or sand from a beach in Florida.

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.”  © 2022 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

CROSSWORD TIME

M AY 22, 2022

PUZZLES

SOLUTIONS

2 6 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

MAY 22, 2022

Opinion

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 2 7

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

Power to Make Change No matter what city or country you go to, poverty will always be an issue. Going to downtown Los Angeles or even just down the street, you sometimes will see people without homes; people who don’t have a house and do not know where their next meal is going to come from. Everyone deserves to have a roof over their heads and a hot meal. The government is supposed to help all citizens so they should also prioritize their citizens who do not have a home.

Santa Clarita has been over-building lately. Since they have been doing a lot of construction by making buildings and new structures, my eight-minute drive to work has turned into a 20-minute drive. Instead of continuing to build more houses and buildings that we already have, they can use that money to donate and give back to the communities around them.

With each passing day that I volunteer with The Borgen Project it makes me realize that we all can make a difference, not only in the country that we live in but also around the world. By living in a predominately white and expensive neighborhood, the residents of Santa Clarita have the power to make a change by donating and bringing awareness to the global issue.

Sandy Ceballos Canyon Country

An Answer to the Question Recently Lois Eisenberg penned a letter (May 13) wondering where the GOP had gone. She included in her scolding rant all the usual things people like her say about the GOP. Her bewilderment has caused me to author a response lest her confusion be needlessly prolonged.

On behalf of the GOP, we’re not interested in what you think we should be or where we should go. We reject everything you stand for politically and we have no interest in capitulating to your favored form of governing policy. I cannot think of one thing leftists stand for that I favor and I would guess most of my fellow conservatives would agree with me. We stand against people like you who think as you do. Were I you, and thankfully I’m not, I would worry about your own party and your own failures. Any attempt by you and like-minded people to “fix” the GOP will be treated as the buffoonery it is.

You’re welcome!

Brian Richards Stevenson Ranch Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone; Anonymous letters aren’t printed; email: letters@signalscv.com. Mail to: Letters to the Editor, The Signal, 25060 Avenue Stanford, Suite 141, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.

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

The Rest of the Story

I

am just old enough to remember one of the all-time great radio newsmen. Every day in his News and Comments, Paul Harvey would bring the news succinctly and with his own cogent analysis. But what I remember most was his feature known as The Rest of the Story. In these segments he would narrate the backstory behind famous events and people, always ending with his famous tag line: “And now you know the rest of the story!”

I just wish he were around today because I’m getting quite tired of being asked to believe what turns out to be only part of the story. And, if you listen to, or watch the broadcast “news” sources, you certainly know what I mean. Years ago, Dr. J. I. Packer put it well: “A half-truth masquerading as a whole truth is actually an untruth.”

Here are a few examples of what I mean.

We’ve all just heard that the California drought has drastically diminished our water supply and the culprits are those of us with green lawns. So, we citizens are commanded to cut back, but we only have part of the story. So tell us the rest. How do we measure the water supply? What amount ought we to have? Where are the levels now? How much rain water has been captured? And why were a few people on the Coastal Commission allowed to scuttle a plan to build the desalinization plant like San Diego has, which would have produced 50 million gallons of drinking water a day?

And how about the COVID news? We hear that infections are up by some percentage. But a percentage of what? If there is a 20% increase, then what is the baseline? Where were infections all along the timeline of the past couple years? Where are the numbers of hospitalizations and deaths?

How do they compare with previous months in real numbers and not merely percentages? What comorbidities have played a roll? What’s the rest of the story?

And of course, there are the arguments surrounding the abortion decision that we’re expecting from the Supreme Court. We’ve all heard the rhetoric on the thousands of women who will lose their lives if Roe v. Wade is overturned. Am I the only one who thinks the fact that 63 million lives have already been intentionally ended by American women is at least an important element in the overall discussion?

I also find the signs proclaiming “my body my

choice” somewhat misleading, given all but a very small percentage of women seeking abortions made the choice to engage in sexual activity.

Why isn’t the choice to exercise mature common sexual sense being argued in the public square? Why isn’t it deemed as grossly immature to insist that the baby both partners were complicit in bringing to life pay the ultimate price for their choice to ignore the possible consequences of copulation?

As for the “gender-affirming” trans movement, we really need the rest of the story. Why don’t we hear about the research that is shouting dire warnings against radical hormone therapy and “transitional surgeries” for anyone, but especially for elementary school-aged children? Why aren’t we provided stories about the predictions from legal authorities that in a decade there will be massive lawsuits filed by those children who, having been manipulated and mutilated, are now suing their parents, teachers and therapists?

And, in the ever-expanding world of “phobias,” when are we going to get the rest of the story?

When will it become clear that disagreement is not “fear,” and disagreement does not equal hate?

I believe sex outside of marriage between one man and one woman lies outside of our Creator’s design. Having said this, I am not “afraid” (the true meaning of the Greek words phobos and phobia) of those who practice what I consider wrong, and neither do I hate them given that, as a Christ-follower, I actually strive to love my neighbors as well as my opponents. Should I follow the trend and brand everyone who disagrees with me “Christophobic?” No, I won’t because they do not fear Christ, as their worldview clearly demonstrates.

So, where to end? My purpose here is simply to say to you my friends and my critics, don’t settle for partial truth. Don’t act on half of the story. And certainly, don’t hate others because you disagree with their point of view. The real pandemic is our culture’s pervasive incivility. It is everywhere. And this incivility is the product of half-truths brandished about as whole truths leaving so many blindly accepting untruths. It’s time we demanded the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays. 

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