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JANUARY 11, 2026

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ADVENTURES BEGIN AT JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

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TABLE OF CONTENTS NEWS FEATURES

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

FOOD

ENTERTAINMENT SENIOR LIVING

10 11

HOME

GARDENING

HEALTH

AUTOMOTIVE

TECHNOLOGY

FINANCE

PUZZLES OPINION

18 19

4 Adventures Begin at Joshua Tree 6 Santa Clarita Kicks Off a New Year’s Fitness Wave 7 Coffee 101 8 A Fresh Start Begins Behind the Wheel

9 Better-For-You Meals Feta Roasted Salmon and Tomatoes Grilled Chicken Gyros

11 Working Out After 50 Hobbies that Help You get Out and About 12 Energy-Saving Tips 13 Gardening with Pets 14 Simple Solutions that Can Transform Your 2026 15 Keeping Pregnant Passengers, Drivers Secure 16 Why Computer Performance Can Lag 17 Spending Beyond Your Means Help Kids Make Money Lesson Real

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S U N D AY S I G N A L · 3

F E AT U R E

Adventures Begin at Joshua Tree National Park

©ADOBE STOCK

By Alicia Doyle Sunday Signal Writer

oshua Tree National Park may be just a few hours from Santa Clarita, but it feels like crossing into another world: a meeting place of two deserts where twisted yucca trees, hulking boulders and a sky crowded with stars turn a simple weekend into an adventure. From mellow trails and dark-sky stargazing to live music and Western movie history, it is a desert playground with plenty to offer SCV day-trippers and overnighters alike.

Where Two Deserts Meet

Joshua Tree sits at the junction of the higher Mojave Desert and the lower Colorado Desert, a collision of ecosystems that produces otherworldly rock gardens and a surprising diversity of plant life. Those Dr. Seuss–like “trees” dotting the landscape are actually Yucca brevifolia, a hardy yucca that has become the park’s unofficial mascot and namesake. Rugged ridgelines, wide-open basins and remnants of the area’s gold-mining past give the park a cinematic quality that draws everyone from climbers and landscape photographers to artists and musicians. Sunset lingers long here, fading into inkblack nights ideal for watching meteor showers and the sweep of the Milky Way.

Easy Walks Into the Rocks

For those seeking a low-key introduction, the nature trail at Indian Cove offers a short, 0.6-mile loop threaded between boulder piles and stands of Joshua trees. The path is accessible from the east end of the cove and doubles as a natural classroom, where

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patient hikers might spot bighorn sheep or a desert tortoise moving slowly through the scrub. Another crowd-pleaser, the Arch Rock Trail, leads visitors through a maze of smooth, rounded monoliths carved by wind and water over thousands of years. The highlight is a 30-foot granite arch that frames both sky and stone, reached via a half-mile out-and-back route near White Tank Campground and the Twin Tanks parking area.

Climbing, Camping and Cactus

With more than 8,000 established routes and hundreds of formations, Joshua Tree has become a rite of passage for rock climbers, from weekend warriors to “dirtbag” devotees who plan their year around the season. Echo Cove is a popular starting point, with options for first-timers and experienced climbers, and rental gear is available at long-running local outfitter Nomad Ventures. Camping options range from reservable campgrounds to dispersed backcountry camping, which allows visitors to pitch a tent almost anywhere within the park’s 800,000 acres if they hike in at least a mile and step 500 feet off trail. For those who would rather wander than white-knuckle the steering wheel in the dark, guided jeep tours, cultural walks and hiking excursions led by local experts can help uncover lesser-known corners of the park. Just off the main road, the Cholla Cactus Garden feels like walking into a bristling, sunlit mirage. A short, quarter-mile boardwalk loop winds through one of the densest naturally occurring stands of “teddybear” cholla on Earth, a plant that looks deceptively fuzzy but rewards careless hands and bare

ankles with an armory of spines.

Stargazing Under a Protected Sky

Joshua Tree earned International Dark Sky Park status in 2017, recognizing the exceptional quality of its night skies and the efforts to preserve them. Popular spots such as Quail Springs, Hidden Valley, Cap Rock and Ryan Mountain allow visitors to step just 20 feet from their vehicles — per park rules — and still stand under a canopy of stars rarely visible from suburban Los Angeles. For a deeper dive, campers can settle in at sites like Cottonwood or slip into the backcountry, using red flashlights, avoiding full-moon weekends and giving their eyes time to adjust. Those who want expert guidance can book a session with Stargazing Joshua Tree, which provides powerful telescopes, long-exposure night photography and instruction from professional astronomers.

Old West Vibes and Desert Nights

Beyond the park gates, the surrounding communities have built a kind of modern desert mythos around Joshua Tree’s stark beauty. In Pioneertown, a former live-in movie set co-founded by Western stars Roy Rogers and Gene Autry, visitors can check into the Pioneertown Motel, where cowhide rugs and patterned blankets nod to Old West aesthetics without sacrificing comfort. A short stroll away, Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace serves as the area’s de facto clubhouse, equal parts roadhouse, museum and serious music venue. Diners tuck into bison burgers or hefty rib eyes while bands play to a packed room on a small stage that has somehow hosted everyone from Paul JANUARY 11, 2026

F E AT U R E McCartney to Lizzo. For a final act, Keys View delivers a panorama that explains why millions of people wind their way up the park’s roads each year. As the highest viewpoint in Joshua Tree, it offers sweeping vistas of the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs and distant mountain ranges by day, and at sunset the sky often erupts in layers of orange and red that seem to set the desert on fire.

Desert Institute

Since 1999, Desert Institute has been connecting park lovers of all ages with Joshua Tree National Park through adventure-driven education, weaving together the park’s ecology, art, and history. The program offers a rich learning environment that deepens visitors’ sense of wonder, stewardship, and exploration, making it a natural fit for travelers who want to go beyond a simple scenic drive. To make a reservation for the tours listed below, visit joshuatree.org/private-tours.

Tailored Private Tours

Desert Institute’s private tours are designed for visitors who want a curated introduction to the park’s signature landscapes or a chance to get off the beaten path with expert guides. Whether guests are chasing iconic viewpoints, easy nature walks, or more demanding backcountry routes, the team builds itineraries to match interest, ability level and time. Desert Icons: Classic West-Side Highlights The Desert Icons half-day tour starts at the park’s iconic West Entrance in the town of Joshua Tree, a gateway many first-time visitors never see beyond their car windows. From there, participants can take in sweeping vistas at Keys View and explore either the Hidden Valley Nature Trail, a 1-mile loop, or the Barker Dam Trail, a 1.1-mile loop that threads through J A N U A R Y 11, 2026

boulders and historic water features. Rock On: Arches, Loops, and Skull Rock The Rock On tour begins at the North Entrance in Twentynine Palms, offering a half-day focused on the park’s sculpted geology and famous rock formations. Guests hike the Arch Rock Trail, a 1.2-mile out-and-back, or the 2.4-mile Split Rock Loop, with time to visit the park’s photogenic Skull Rock along the way. The Other Desert: Colorado-Side Wonders On the park’s quieter south side, The Other Desert tour introduces visitors to the lower-elevation Colorado Desert, starting from the south entrance about 25 miles from Indio. The itinerary may include the surreal Cholla Cactus Garden and short, accessible walks such as the Cottonwood Spring Oasis, a 0.1-mile out-and-back, or the 0.3-mile Bajada Nature Walk. Hidden Gems: Scrambles and Slot Passages For travelers seeking a more strenuous experience, the Hidden Gems option turns Joshua Tree into a full-body adventure across the Wonderland of Rocks backcountry. Depending on the group’s comfort level, guides may lead a 7-mile out-and-back on the Willow Hole Trail or a route that has participants crawling, squeezing and climbing through the aptly named Chasm of Doom.

Build-Your-Own Adventure

Custom tours allow visitors to “choose their own adventure,” collaborating with the Desert Institute team on a one-of-a-kind experience that might focus on photography, natural history, or specific landmarks. Red Jeep Tours Desert Adventures’ Red Jeep Tours offer guided access to some of the

PHOTO COURTESY SHUTTERSTOCK

Coachella Valley’s most striking desert landscapes, with naturalist-led trips that emphasize geology, Native history, and soft adventure over off-road thrill-seeking. While based in Greater Palm Springs, these tours are an easy add-on to a Joshua Tree adventure, offering a chance to explore a different side of the desert — slot canyons, fault zones, and agricultural valleys that contrast with Joshua Tree’s boulders and Joshua tree forests. All tours can be reserved at red-jeep.com or by calling (760) 477-4118. Since 1988, Desert Adventures has operated its signature red Jeeps as one of the most established eco-tour companies in Greater Palm Springs, leading small groups into canyons, fault zones, and back-country desert. For travelers already exploring Joshua Tree National Park, these half-day tours make it possible to experience a second, distinct desert region in the same trip, expanding the adventure beyond the park’s boundaries. San Andreas Fault The San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour travels into a maze of narrow canyons, washes and layered rock that reveals millions of years of tectonic movement along the famous fault zone.

Short, easy walks showcase desert plants and wildlife and include a stop at a recreated Cahuilla village with interpretive displays about traditional life in this harsh environment. Jeeps move at a relaxed pace over dirt roads and desert washes, and guides can tailor the focus to geology, local history or earthquake science, with optional hikes to palm oases or higher viewpoints over the Coachella Valley. Painted Canyon The Private Painted Canyon Jeep Tour starts in the agricultural basin of the eastern Coachella Valley, passing fields of crops and views of the Salton Sea before heading into the wilderness of the Mecca Hills. Inside Painted Canyon, multicolored rock walls — striped in red, gold, lavender, and gray — create a cathedral-like setting shaped over vast geologic time. This half-day back-country 4×4 trip includes up to two hours of hiking through soft sand and narrow passages, with no cell service and minimal facilities, offering a more immersive and physically demanding experience recommended for ages eight and up in good condition.  S U N D AY S I G N A L · 5

F E AT U R E

Santa Clarita Kicks Off a New Year Fitness Wave Open Gym Fitness

By Alicia Doyle Sunday Signal Staff Writer

rom sunrise trailheads in Plum Canyon to the echo of basketballs in Canyon Country’s open gym, Santa Clarita is greeting the New Year with a full-on fitness wave that goes far beyond scribbled resolutions, offering residents 5Ks, guided hikes, indoor lap lanes and low-cost classes built to make “getting in shape” feel less like a promise and more like a plan.

2026 Winter 5K

The Master’s University is turning its quiet Placerita Canyon campus into one of the more inviting entry points for Santa Clarita’s New Year fitness wave, opening its Winter 5K to runners, walkers and families from across the valley. The 2026 Winter 5K is set for Sat., Jan. 17, with the first gun at 8:30 a.m. on the university’s north campus in Placerita Canyon, drawing both seasoned runners and first-timers who want to start the year with something more tangible than a resolution scribbled on paper. Distances include a Kids K fun run and two 5K options. The course starts and finishes on the north campus, looping through Placerita Canyon and Quigley Canyon Open Space on an entirely flat but mixed-terrain route that showcases the oak-lined canyon just east of the city’s main thoroughfares. Organizers describe it as a “favorite way to start off the new year,” with views and a forgiving profile that make it accessible for first-timers while still fast enough for seasoned runners chasing an early-season benchmark, and the university’s athletics staff and student volunteers add to the homegrown feel

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PHOTOS ©ADOBE STOCK

with encouragement at the start and finish. To register, visit www.masters.edu/winter5k. For questions, contact Coach Micaiah Scott at mscott@ masters.edu or (424) 393-9662.

Plum Canyon Park Hike

The Happy Hikers SCV and Hikerbabes SCV groups are kicking off the New Year with a guided morning trek through Plum Canyon Park on January 25 from 9 to 11 a.m. The two-hour hike is considered intermediate, covering about three to five miles along a dirt road that rises and dips roughly 500 feet. Participants keep a steady one-mile-perhour pace, heading about two miles in before looping back to the starting point. Hikers should dress warmly for the cooler season and wear shoes with good traction. A light backpack is recommended for carrying water, snacks or a packed lunch, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a jacket in case of a temperature drop. A headlamp and a positive attitude round out the essentials. To find the trailhead, turn left from Skyline Ranch just before the park onto Bension Lane, continue to Annmae Place, make a right, and then another right into the parking lot. Organizers ask that participants commit fully when registering, and if plans change, to cancel through Eventbrite ideally three days before the event so others have the chance to join. Free registration is available by searching “HHSCV and HBSCV: Plum Canyon Park Hike” on Eventbrite. For details or questions, contact organizer Shana Morda at shdaisy16@yahoo.com, via Facebook, or on Instagram (@shdaisy16).

Open Gym Fitness at the Canyon Country Community Center offers a welcoming, low-cost way for residents to get moving again after the holidays. The regular lineup of open-gym programs — including basketball, pickleball, and table tennis — returns to its normal schedule the week of January 12. Designed for participants of all skill levels, these dropin sessions run year-round and provide an easy entry point for anyone eager to renew their fitness goals in the New Year. Table tennis for adults takes place Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:45 a.m. to 2 p.m., while basketball for ages 12 and up runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pickleball, open to adults 18 and older, is held on Fridays from 9:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants are asked to bring their own equipment, such as paddles or basketballs. Admission is free for juniors ages 12 to 17, $3 per visit for adults, and $2 for seniors 55 and older. Frequent visitors can also purchase a 15-visit pass for $34 for adults or $12 for seniors. The Canyon Country Community Center is located at 18410 Sierra Highway. For more information, visit santaclarita.gov/canyon-country-communitycenter or call (661) 290-2266.

Strength and Agility

Santa Clarita’s recreation department is kicking off 2026 with Strength and Agility, a co-ed outdoor program designed for all fitness levels. The weekly class blends resistance training, bodyweight movement, and stretching to boost balance, core stability, and cardiovascular health — an ideal start for those easing into new routines after the holidays. Classes meet on Thursdays from 9 to 10 a.m., January 15 through February 12, beginning at Valencia Glen Park, 23750 Via Gavola. Each week’s route varies, giving participants a fresh outdoor experience around Santa Clarita’s parks. Attendees are asked to bring a resistance tube with handles and a pair of 2–3 pound hand weights. The cost is $63 for the five-session series. To register, visit www.seasons.santaclarita.gov/ santaclarita/programs; click on Health & Fitness Classes and scroll down to Strength and Agility. See FITNESS, on next page

JANUARY 11, 2026

F E AT U R E

Coffee 101: A Flavorful Journey with a Coffee Roaster

f you’ve ever wondered about the secrets behind that perfect cup of joe, look no further! Join us on an exhilarating adventure through the world of coffee with Lisette Gaviña Lopez, the fourth-generation coffee roaster at Don Francisco’s Coffee. Lopez, a true coffee aficionado, is here to spill the beans and unravel the mysteries of everyone’s favorite morning elixir.

freezer helps keep it fresh? Or that regular cleaning of your coffee equipment prevents that bitter aftertaste? And here’s a pro tip: grinding your own whole coffee beans with a high-quality grinder unleashes unparalleled flavor, but if you’re short on time, preground coffee is still a fantastic option. Remember, the best coffee is the one you enjoy, so brew it your way and relish the ritual.

Family History

In the heart of Los Angeles, Don Francisco’s Coffee has been brewing magic for over 55 years. But did you know that their captivating coffee legacy spans over 150 years? Yes, you read that right! Don Francisco’s Coffee is a family-owned business, passionately nurtured and passed down through the generations of the Gaviña family. Lopez and her relatives are committed to putting premium, delicious coffee on the map for LA and beyond.

Coffee 101

Picture this: coffee beans, the seeds of a cherry, grown on bushes in the coffee belt — the equatorial regions of the earth. From Central and South America to Southeast Asia and East Africa, these tropical climates create the ideal environments for coffee to flourish. Lopez reveals that coffee comes in two main species: Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans delight our palates with their natural sweetness and fruity or floral aromas, while Robusta beans boast a bold bitterness with a distinctive rubbery aroma. But what truly tickles our taste buds is the art of roasting. Lopez explains how the roasting process unlocks the flavors we crave. It’s like caramelizing the coffee beans, teasing out the natural sugars and

FITNESS Continued from previous page

Swimming, Tai Chi and MELT

The Valencia Community Center gives Santa Clarita residents a new, year-round place to move, connect and reset their routines right as New Year’s fitness resolutions kick in. Located in the former YMCA building at Valencia Summit Park, J A N U A R Y 11, 2026

Recycling, Sustainability and Community:

Coffee comes in two main species: Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans delight our palates with their natural sweetness and fruity or floral aromas, while Robusta beans boast a bold bitterness with a distinctive rubbery aroma. ©ADOBESTOCK

transforming them into liquid gold. And let’s not forget about brewing methods! From automatic drip machines to single-serve pods and espresso capsules, Lopez shares the secrets to brewing the perfect cup of coffee, emphasizing the importance of using fresh 100% Arabica coffee and filtered water.

Coffee Fun Facts and Tips:

Now, let’s sprinkle in some coffee fun facts and tips to elevate your coffee experience. Did you know that storing coffee in an airtight container in the

the 12,000-square-foot hub is now officially open to residents at 26147 McBean Parkway and is envisioned as a multi-generational gathering place where families, fitness-minded adults and beginners alike can plug into structured programs close to home. At the heart of the building is the city’s first indoor swimming pool, designed to offer year-round aquatic opportunities regardless of the weather. From American Red Cross

At Don Francisco’s Coffee, they not only serve exceptional coffee but also strive to make a positive impact. Lopez proudly reveals their commitment to sustainability and community. They source certified coffees from organizations like Rainforest Alliance, Fair Trade USA, and USDA Organic, ensuring a greener coffee footprint. Additionally, their zerowaste-to-landfill roastery exemplifies their dedication to environmental responsibility. And, in collaboration with TerraCycle, they offer free and easy coffee packaging recycling options, leaving no trace behind. So, whether you’re a seasoned coffee connoisseur or just starting your caffeinated journey, Lisette Gaviña Lopez is here to guide you through the captivating world of coffee. Her wealth of knowledge, passion for quality, and commitment to sustainability will leave you buzzing with excitement and craving that next perfect cup. Join the coffee revolution and discover the secrets of a flavorful brew. Brew, sip, and savor the magic of Don Francisco’s Coffee — the epitome of coffee excellence. (Courtesy Don Fancisco’s Coffee) 

swim lessons to adult learn-to-swim and water exercise sessions, the heated pool is intended to serve everyone from cautious newcomers to seasoned lap swimmers. Beyond aquatics, the center will host Contract Classes aimed at health, wellness and personal growth, including Tai Chi and MELT fitness sessions. Both formats emphasize mobility, pain reduction and improved overall body function, giving residents low-impact

options that complement higher-intensity New Year workout goals. “Whether you’re practicing your swimming strokes … or exploring a new fitness class, I know that this Community Center will provide many opportunities for our residents to stay active, healthy and connected,” said Ken Striplin, City Manager for the City of Santa Clarita. For more information, call (661) 250-3700.  S U N D AY S I G N A L · 7

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

A Fresh Start Begins Behind the Wheel By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

s we welcome a new year, many of us take a moment to reflect on where we’ve been and where we want to go. New Year’s resolutions often focus on improving our health, managing our finances, spending more time with family or creating better daily habits. These goals are about being more intentional — making choices that lead to safer, healthier and more fulfilling lives. One resolution that deserves a place on every list is committing to better driving habits. Driving is something most of us do every day, often without giving it a second thought. Yet the decisions we make behind the wheel have real consequences for ourselves and for everyone who shares the road with us. Slowing down, stopping at red lights and giving our full attention to the task of driving are not just traffic rules, they are acts of responsibility and show respect for fellow drivers and

our community as a whole. Speeding remains one of the most common and dangerous driving behaviors in Santa Clarita. Driving too fast reduces reaction time and the amount of distance it takes to safely stop, making crashes far more likely and severe. Speed limits are not suggestions; they are carefully set based on roadway design, traffic patterns and the safety of drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. Choosing to slow down, especially in residential neighborhoods and near schools, is one of the simplest ways to prevent serious collisions. Red-light running is another behavior that puts lives at risk. Trying to “beat the yellow” or rolling through a red light may feel harmless in the moment, but intersections are among the most dangerous places on our roadways. A single decision to ignore a red signal can lead to devastating consequences for drivers, passengers and innocent bystanders. As a community, Santa Clarita continues to grow, and with that growth comes more traffic on our streets. Our Sheriff ’s deputies and traffic safety team

see firsthand how speeding and red-light violations contribute to preventable crashes. These incidents are not inevitable. They are the result of choices – choosing to be cautious and responsible or reckless and unsafe. As you set goals for the year ahead, consider adding a simple but powerful resolution: drive with care. Slow down and follow the speed limit. Do not text while driving. Stop at red lights every time. Put distractions aside and allow yourself enough time to reach your destination without rushing. Small adjustments in how we drive can have a meaningful impact on safety Citywide. The City will continue its work to improve traffic safety through education, enforcement and infrastructure, but lasting progress depends on each of us. When we choose safer driving habits, we protect our families, our neighbors and everyone who uses our roads. Let’s make this the year we look out for one another — starting behind the wheel. 

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Accomplish Health Goals with Better-for-You Meals

etting out on a mission to eat healthier starts with creating goals and working to achieve them with those you love. To help make nutritious eating more manageable, call together your family and work with one another to create a menu everyone can enjoy while staying on track. Connecting an array of recipes that all can agree on starts with versatile ingredients like dairy. Gathering at the table with your loved ones while enjoying delicious, nutritious recipes featuring yogurt, cheese and milk can nourish both body and soul. For example, the key dairy ingredients in these recipes from Milk Means More provide essential nutrients for a healthy diet. The cheese varieties in Feta Roasted Salmon and Tomatoes provide vitamin B12 for healthy brain and nerve cell development and are a good source of calcium and protein, which are important for building and maintaining healthy bones. Meanwhile, the homemade yogurt sauce served alongside these Grilled Chicken Gyros provides protein and zinc. To find more nutritious meal ideas to fuel your family’s health goals, visit MilkMeansMore.org. (Family Features)

Grilled Chicken Gyros

Recipe courtesy of Kirsten Kubert of “Comfortably Domestic” on behalf of Milk Means More

Feta Roasted Salmon and Tomatoes

Recipe courtesy of Marcia Stanley, MS, RDN, Culinary Dietitian, on behalf of Milk Means More Prep time 15 minutes Cook time 15 minutes Servings 4 Nonstick cooking spray 3 cups halved cherry tomatoes 2 teaspoons olive oil 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or dried dill weed 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper, divided 1 1/2 pounds salmon or halibut fillets, cut into four serving-size pieces 1 cup (4 ounces) crumbled feta cheese

Preheat oven to 425 F. Line 18-by-13-by-1-inch baking pan with foil. Lightly spray foil with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside. In medium bowl, toss tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, oregano or dill Prep time 30 minutes, plus 30 minutes chill time Cook time 20 minutes Servings 8

Chicken 3 2 1 2 3

tablespoons unsalted butter, melted tablespoons chopped fresh dill tablespoon chopped fresh oregano cloves garlic, peeled and minced tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Yogurt Sauce

1 1/2 cups plain, whole-milk yogurt J A N U A R Y 11, 2026

FOOD

weed, salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Place fish pieces, skin side down, on one side of prepared pan. Sprinkle with remaining pepper. Lightly press feta cheese on top of fish. Pour tomato mixture on other side 1 1/2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/2 cup diced cucumber 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/8 teaspoon black pepper 3-4 small loaves whole-wheat pita bread, halved lengthwise 1 cup thinly sliced tomatoes 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion

To make chicken Place melted butter, dill, oregano, garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper in gallon-size zip-top freezer bag. Seal bag and shake contents to combine. Add chicken. Seal bag, pressing air out

of prepared pan. Bake, uncovered, 12-15 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with fork. Place salmon on serving plates. Spoon tomato mixture over top.  of bag. Shake chicken to coat with marinade. Refrigerate chicken in marinade 30 minutes. To make yogurt sauce Stir yogurt, lemon juice, diced cucumber, dill, garlic, salt and pepper. Cover sauce and refrigerate. Heat grill to medium heat. Grill chicken over direct heat, about 10 minutes per side, until cooked through. Transfer chicken to cutting board and rest 10 minutes. Thinly slice chicken across grain. Serve chicken on pita bread with tomatoes, red onion and yogurt sauce.  S U N D AY S I G N A L · 9

ENTERTAINMENT

The Latest News on What’s Happening In Hollywood

son “withdrew” from filmmaking. In his vast career, Nicholson earned 12 fter a 15-year absence Oscar nominations. He also directed from making movies, several films: “Drive, He Said” (1971), Jack Nicholson is being “Goin’ South” (1978), and “The Two wooed by director James Jakes” (1990). L. Brooks to come back to the screen. In addition, Nicholson was awardBrooks directed two of the films that ed with the AFI Achievement Award Nicholson won an Oscar for: “As in 1994, the Cecil B. DeMille Award in Good As It Gets” (1997) and “Terms 1999, and the Kennedy Center Honors res • Santa Clarita Signal adsource@exhibitorads.com of Endearment” (1983). Brooks also in 2001. Why all this renewed interest collaborated with Nicholson on p. 888.737.2812 f. that 203.438.1206 ” in Nicholson? Insiders claimed he “Broadcast News” (1987), with Wilhas been2026 battling memory loss/health January 11-15, te: Sunday-Thursday, liam Hurt, Albert Brooks and Holly issues, opting for quiet living. But was a mild hit. (Nichivery Hunter, date: which 01/06/2026 when people saw him in the audience olson also won an Oscar for “One of the 50th anniversary show of “SaturFlew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.”) day Night Live” doing a bit, a star was Nicholson’s last film “How Do You reborn! Know” (2010), opposite Reese WithAnother comeback kid is 79-yearActor Jack Nicholson ©Depositphotos erspoon and Paul Rudd, fell short of old Steven Spielberg, who has a new expectations, and soon after, Nicholfilm called “Disclosure Day” that stars Emily Blunt and Josh O’Connor. It’s a sci-fi story with the tagline: “If you found out we weren’t alone, would that frighten you?” Blunt plays a meteorolTM ogist who wants to reveal the truth of alien life to the rest of the world. It’s due out this June. Spielberg’s last film as a director was 22500 Lyons Ave. Bringing the Finest in Film to the SCV! info Line 310.478.3836 “The Fabelmans” (2022), and it fell I WAS A STRANGER C 1:00 4:30 7:30 short of being a box-office hit. When a Syrian doctor is forced to flee Aleppo with her young daughter, one desperate choice sets off a chain of events Aaron Taylor-Johnson must bicythat ripples across borders and pulls four strangers into the same storm. cle or motor between sets because he PRIMATE E 12:50 3:10 5:30 7:50 In PRIMATE, a group of friends’ tropical vacation turns into a terrifying, primal tale of horror and survival. went from the postapocalyptic horMARTY SUPREME E 12:50 4:10 7:20 ror film “28 Years Later: The Bone Marty Mauser, a young man with a dream no one respects, goes to hell and back in pursuit of greatness. Temple,” with Ralph Fiennes and Jack SONG SUNG BLUE C 12:55 4:00 7:10 O’Connell (due this January), into the Based on a true story, two down-on-their-luck musicians (Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson) form a joyous Neil Diamond horror film “Werwulf,” with Lily-Rose tribute band, proving it’s never too late to find love and follow your dreams. Depp and Willem Dafoe (due this AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH C 12:30 3:30 7:00 December). He also stars in the crime James Cameron takes audiences back to Pandora in an immersive new adventure with Marine turned Na’vi leader Jake Sully , Na’vi warrior Neytiri, and the Sully family. thriller “Blood on Snow,” with BeneIS THIS THING ON? E 1:20 4:15 7:15 dict Cumberbatch, Eva Green and Ben As their marriage quietly unravels, Alex (Will Arnett) faces middle age and an impending divorce, seeking new purpose in Mendelsohn. the New York comedy scene while Tess (Laura Dern) confronts the sacrifices she made for their family - forcing them to navigate co-parenting, identity, and whether love can take a new form. Taylor-Johnson took on “Godzilla” THE HOUSEMAID E 1:10 4:10 7:10 in 2014, but this didn’t prepare him From director Paul Feig, the film plunges audiences into a twisted world where perfection is an illusion, and nothing is as for his current assignment -- starring it seems. in the screen version of the Anne Rice FOR 1/11/20261/15/2026 ONLY WWW.LAEMMLE.COM 1982 historical novel “Cry to Heaven.” By Tony Rizzo

L L A H W E N

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Top Movies

Jan 5, 2026

1. Avatar: Fire and Ash (PG13) Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana 2. Zootopia 2 (PG) Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman 3. Marty Supreme (R) TimothÃ©e Chalamet, Gwyneth Paltrow 4. The Housemaid (R) Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried 5. Anaconda (PG-13) Jack Black, Paul Rudd 6. David (PG) Brandon Engman, Phil Wickham 7. The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants (PG) Tom Kenny, Clancy Brown 8. Song Sung Blue (PG-13) Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson 9. Wicked: For Good (PG) Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande 10. Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 (PG-13) Josh Hutcherson, Piper Rubio  © 2025 King Features Synd., Inc. It co-stars Nicholas Hoult and focuses on the world of castrati singers that creates Italian male sopranos. Set in 18th-century Italy, including Venice, Naples and Mount Vesuvius, it follows two men: a former castrato who becomes a teacher and a nobelman’s son who is forced into castration and seeks revenge. Ouch, it gives a new meaning to “The Sopranos!”  © 2025 King Features Synd., Inc. JANUARY 11, 2026

SENIORLIVING

Important Considerations for Working Out After 50

xercise is an important component of healthy living at any age. Physical activity helps to maintain a healthy body weight and offers mental benefits like reduced stress and the potential to reduce risk for cognitive decline. But it’s important to point out that appropriate exercise for a person at age 20 may look quite different from the right exercise regimen for someone who is 50 or older. WebMD says exercise is important for quality of life as one ages and is a key to independence. It is important to think of exercise as a tool, and as with all tools, the right ones should be used with a goal to avoid injury. Fitness after 50 should prioritize some practices and avoid others.

Focus on Resistance Training

Cardiovascular exercise is important for heart health and general health, but strength training also is essential to counter some of the normal effects of aging. Continuum Care, a private duty home care service, says aging results in a decline in bone density and muscle mass. Resistance exercise performed several times each week can help combat muscle loss and bone density decline.

Opt for Low-Impact Activities

Low-impact exercises that involve less jumping

working out, it’s advisable to stretch afterwards.

Switch to Interval Training

Interval training, which alternates between intense exercises and less demanding “rest” periods, offers greater benefits compared to a consistent exercise pace. Interval training helps burn extra calories and maximizes oxygen consumption. Interval training may allow for shorter workouts as well.

Increase the Number of Rest Days

Resistance exercise can help combat muscle loss and bone density decline. ©ADOBESTOCK

and pounding will be easier on the joints. A doctor, physical therapist or athletic trainer can help to customize or adapt activities based on a person’s limitations or medical conditions.

Warm Up Before Working Out

Older adults are advised to warm up muscles before exercising to avoid injury, particularly if it has been some time since you last exercised. Harvard Medical School recommends five minutes of brisk walking or time on an elliptical machine to get blood flowing to muscles and make them pliable. After

Focusing on recovery after age 50 is important. Tissue takes more time to recover as the body ages, and that may require longer rest periods between workouts.

Pay Attention to Your Body

Scripps Health says that even with a doctor or professional trainer guiding workouts, an individual is the best judge if physical activity is too much or too little. Everyone should pay attention to signs of overexertion, such as dizziness, excessive fatigue or chest pain. Other signs of discomfort, such as joint pain, may mean the intensity needs to be dialed down or other exercises chosen. An exercise regimen may need a reboot after a person turns 50. Modified activities and a slowing of pace can promote a healthy, injury-free lifestyle. (MC) 

Hobbies That Can Help You Get Out and About

dults who feel as though their social circles are shrinking in mid-life or in retirement can look to these activities as means to rebuilding their social lives.

Book club A book club offers multiple benefits to adults. Book clubs are inherently social and tend to bring like-minded individuals together, which can help build new and lasting friendships that extend beyond weekly discussions. A 2021 study published in the journal Neurology also linked regular J A N U A R Y 11, 2026

reading to a lower risk of developing dementia.

Sports Sports provide another avenue to socialize with like-minded individuals. Golf is an ideal activity for adults with free time on their hands to get out and about and meet other people. Leagues for softball, bowling and pickleball also provide opportunities to socialize, and many adults are participating in such leagues for that very reason. A CivicScience study released in 2025 found that 49% of adults who planned to participate in adult recre-

©ADOBE STOCK

ational sports leagues were doing so for social interaction and the chance to make friends. Travel Travel can provide anoth-

er means for aging adults to make friends. Group tours to foreign countries, day trips to local attractions arranged by township recreational offices or even overseas trips with friends you’ve fallen out of touch with can be a great means to build new friendships and reinvigorate old ones, all the while getting you out of the house. These are just some ways for men and women to get out of the house and socialize with others their age, a worthy endeavor that can be highly beneficial to adults’ overall health. (MC)  S U N D AY S I G N A L · 1 1

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ow is a good time to take simple steps to lower utility bills, improve comfort and take advantage of available rebate programs. While 71% of homeowners say energy efficiency is important, according to research from the Alliance to Save Energy, fewer than 35% consider their homes efficient. “Now is the ideal time to put efficiency in focus; and it isn't about one big project, it's about small steps that add up to comfort and savings,” said David Rames, senior product manager at Midea. “We want to empower homeowners with practical tools and modern technology to help them cut utility bills, improve comfort and take advantage of rebate programs that can make upgrades more affordable.” Seal it up Air leaks around windows, doors and attics can account for up to 30% of heating loss, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Use weatherstripping and caulk to prevent waste. Adding attic insulation is another small investment that can lead to major energy savings. Smarten your thermostat A programmable or smart thermostat can automatically adjust heating schedules and save up to $180 per year. Upgrade your filter Replace HVAC

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filters monthly during peak seasons to improve airflow and reduce system strain. Invest in efficiency Replacing aging systems with high-efficiency heat pumps can cut heating costs by up to 50% while also providing energy-efficient cooling in summer. Explore new technologies Consider a next-generation heat pump that is designed to deliver reliable heating even in sub-zero temperatures. For example, the Midea EVOX All Climate Heat Pump provides 100% heating output down to -31 F and continues operating at -40 F, making it an option for families across the country who want to be more energy efficient. Take advantage of rebates Federal, state and local utility programs can help consumers save thousands on energy-efficient upgrades, such as qualified heat pump systems. Check available offers before making a purchase. “Efficiency is no longer a luxury; it's a necessity for comfort and cost savings,” Rames said. “With the right tools and choices, families can take control of their energy bills this winter and for years to come.” For more information, call (888) 643-3262 or visit mideacomfort.us. (Family Features)  JANUARY 11, 2026

GARDENING

Gardening with Pets

e love our gardens, and we love our pets! Here are some tips that will help to keep your garden productive and your pets happy. Some plants are fine for your pet to nibble on. Others are not. Grass nibbling is common behavior in cats, dogs and other pets. Like humans, dogs and cats are unable to digest the cellulose in grasses. In small amounts however the fibers can prevent constipation and help with digestion. Plant annual “cat grasses” for your pet — oats, wheat, barley, rye, or a combination — because lawn grasses may be chemically treated. Moderation is key. Too much grass eating can cause indigestion. Vegetables are a mixed bag. According to the American Kennel Club, melons and cucumbers are safe for dogs to eat, as are green beans, carrots, celery, peppers and peas. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, and spinach are safe in small amounts. The above vegetables are safe for cats as well, as long as they are cooked and chopped or pureed. Plants that are not safe for your pets to eat include onions (also chives and leeks), tomato leaves, and unripe tomatoes. Most Annual Flowers won’t hurt your pet, though we’d rather have the blooms stay in the garden! Seedgrown ornamentals to avoid include castor bean plant, foxgloves, moonflowers (Datura spp.) and morning glories. These contain toxins that can harm your pet. Compost Piles should be kept out of reach, as some items in the pile, onions and garlic, for example, can be toxic, and molds on fruit can cause stomach upset. When it comes to gardening with J A N U A R Y 11, 2026

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pets, good planning can avoid frustration. Create wide paths that will allow your dog to patrol your garden while staying out of your beds; use short, sturdy fencing to define the beds.

How to Create a Sensory Garden for your Dog • Start with a secure perimeter fence, and protective fencing around your vegetable beds. • Create designated areas for playing, and a sand pit for digging. • Plant dog-friendly flowers and scented plants: sunflowers, zinnias, basil, calendulas, chamomile, marigolds, celosias, and nasturtiums are a few. • Avoid chemicals. • Make sure there’s a water source in the garden, such as a kiddie pool, and a shady spot. • If you have trees, add some wind chimes for sound stimulation. Bordering your garden with plants that are less attractive to animals is another way to keep pets and wild critters from entering your garden beds. Flowers and herbs will attract beneficial insects as well! Here are a few choices: • Carrots • Lemon Balm • Eggplants • Rosemary • Fennel • Sage • Basil • Thyme • Cilantro • Ageratum • Dill • Marigolds Cats that stray into your garden can cause problems by digging in the loose garden soil. Sprinkle cayenne pepper or orange peels around your plants to deter them. Or, you can purchase plastic spiked mats that will keep cats from digging without causing them harm. (Home Garden Seed Association) 

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H E A LT H

How Simple Solutions Can Transform 2026

ike every year, many of us make New Year’s resolutions and try to stick to them, but broad, all-or-nothing changes often set us up for failure and can make mental health struggles even worse. Dr. Robin Miller, an integrative medicine physician and founder of Triune Integrative Medicine in Medford, Oregon, puts it plainly: “I don’t know about you, but every year I make New Year’s resolutions only to abandon them a month or two later. So instead of resolutions, how about solutions?” Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and Learning to Achieve Wellness owner Lillian Ingram agrees. “In 2026, take a new approach to goal setting, and embark on a solu-

14 · SUNDAYSIGNAL

©ADOBE STOCK

tion-based focus toward your goals,” she says. “You’re still going to set your goals. You’re still going to take steps. But let’s build out those steps.”

Solutions are simple, achievable and measurable rather than big and intimidating resolutions. For example, rather than making a resolution to lose a certain amount of weight by a certain date, set a simpler solution to reduce calorie or sugar intake each day, or eat more whole grains. Instead of joining a gym and burning out by February, choose to walk every day. Each step we take — both literal and figurative — can then be followed by the next to add up to something realistic and achievable. For people diagnosed with mental health conditions like major depressive disorder, a solutions approach may be more effective for them particularly given that setting and attaining goals can be overwhelming and could even worsen mental health. For those who are considering medication therapy or are unhappy with their current treatment, a solution-oriented step could be having a conversation with a healthcare provider about the GeneSight® Test. “It’s a way for you and your provider to choose a medication that may be more compatible to your unique genetic makeup,” said Dr. Miller. “It’s a simple genetic test done with

a cheek swab,” continues Dr. Miller. “It analyzes, in part, how your genes may affect your outcomes with medications commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, ADHD and other mental health conditions. “The test helps inform you about how your genetics may impact your outcomes with the included mental health medications. This information can be used as a part of a comprehensive medical assessment to help inform treatment decisions. What better way to start the new year than with the possibility of feeling well again?” In the new year, for any goal-setting exercise, Ingram suggests deciding what steps are needed rather than thinking about what we need to do to “fix ourselves.” She recommends asking: “What resources do you have? What connections do you have? What community support do you already have?” “You’re going to build upon those foundations, those which already exist, to reach your goals,” she explains. “And that’s what’s going to change 2026 and make it the most positive, best, solution-based year ever.” (BPT)  JANUARY 11, 2026

AUTOMOTIVE

Keeping Pregnant Drivers, Passengers Secure

regnant women don’t always feel they are safe and secure in cars today due to seat belts fitting differently on pregnant bodies. Researchers are posing the question, can the status quo be changed? “The common misperception that seat belts aren’t safe for pregnant women surprised me,” says Juliana Said, a body design engineer at Toyota Motor North America R&D. “Our team had an idea: can we help show that the designs are safe, while investigating areas for further enhancement?” When Said and her colleagues started to look at the issue, they encountered unexpected challenges. There was limited research about the effectiveness of seat belts with expectant mothers or their babies. Additionally, there appear to be many third-party safety devices popular among parents that are untested and unverified. But the biggest challenge is the widespread, erroneous belief among pregnant women and their families that seat belts are unsafe for a fetus

With better information in the future, pregnant women will be able to drive and ride in cars more comfortably and with greater confidence. ©ADOBE STOCK

J A N U A R Y 11, 2026

during a crash — and that belief is so entrenched that some expectant mothers drive unbelted. Statistics however show that when worn properly, belted pregnant women are much safer in crashes than those who don’t wear them. Said and her team started to work with Toyota’s Collaborative Safety Research Center, which contracted with the University of British Columbia for access to a specialized magnetic resonance imaging machine designed to map anatomies of all sorts of body shapes in a seated position. “While pregnant women properly wearing seat belts have better outcomes than no seat belts, there are opportunities through new research to further explore seat belt fit for pregnant women,” says Jason Hallman, senior research manager for CSRC. The center and its research collaborators set about the task of creating data that engineers can use to potentially come up with future designs. “We design seat belts using standardized dummies and processes,” Hallman says. “There’s no standardized dummy, no standardized tools available specifically for assessing pregnant occupant safety. Therefore, the industry doesn’t have a clear understanding of how future seat belts could better protect pregnant women or fetuses during a crash.” Using this data, CSRC will create a computerized, three-dimensional model of pregnant bodies of different shapes and sizes in different phases of pregnancy. The research project could help enhance one of Toyota’s research achievements, the THUMS digital crash injury model. THUMS is like a virtual crash-test dummy, constructed from painstaking research on different

Researchers explore seat belt fit on pregnant bodies. Photo Courtesy UBC Upright Open MRI Research

kinds of human tissue and how they react to crash forces. The UBC research team devised a method to scan people seated in an automotive seat. A smaller MRI device is moved several times to stitch together different views until there’s an entire body image. Researchers are looking at how seat belts interact with bones and internal organs, and are excited by the data’s potential. “We will publish this data with Toyota and make it available to other injury biomechanics researchers, too,” says Peter Cripton, director of the Orthopedic and Injury Biomechanics Group at UBC.

The pregnant-body research and models may shed light on another top topic among parents: whether third-party devices designed for pregnant women add a safety benefit. These include pads to put on top of seat cushions, specialized lap belts and metal shields, for example. “These devices may seem logical, but they’re not subject to the kind of rigorous testing used for seats, belts, airbags and car interior parts, and they may not be compatible with the way your car works,” says Said. For more information about CSRC’s research, visit amrd.toyota.com/ division/csrc. (SPT)  S U N D AY S I G N A L · 1 5

TECHNOLOGY

Why Computer Performance Can Lag

eople rely on computers each and every day for business, school and pleasure. No matter which operating system and computer manufacturer one prefers, over time devices may run less efficiently and bugs and lags may crop up. Recognizing the causes of potential computer issues can enable users to take proactive steps to help all of their devices operate more smoothly.

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Lenovo advises that one of the most frequent causes of computer slowdowns is insufficient hardware resources. This refers to the processing power, memory and storage abilities to function correctly and efficiently. If a computer lacks RAM, CPU power or storage space, it may work harder and struggle to keep up with tasks.

Outdated Software

An up-to-date computer will work faster and more efficiently. Software manufacturers routinely offer software updates and patches to fix or improve functionality and to prevent security vulnerabilities. When a computer is not running current software, poor performance and security issues may affect the user experience.

Poor Maintenance

A computer needs to be regularly cleaned and serviced in order to function properly, says Creative Computer IT Services Solutions, Inc. Dust buildup can cause overheating, which can result in component failure.

Power Surges and Spikes

If delicate computer components are subjected to sudden changes in pow-

er, they easily can become damaged, causing the computer to glitch and fail. Using a surge protector for basic protection and an uninterruptible power supply for more robust protection can help.

Type of Hard Drive

Alto IT Consultancy says a big misconception concerns computer speed and hard drive capacity. In some cases, having more space on the hard drive may not improve speed, as the bigger the data container for the computer, the further the CPU has to “reach” to access information. In addition, a solid state hard drive (SSD) tends to have better performance and speed than a hard disk drive (HDD), according to PC Magazine. HDDs are now largely reduced to secondary roles in the consumer storage market.

Viruses or Corruption

Corrupted files or viruses on a machine can greatly affect performance. A virus may be working in the background nefariously, which can compromise speed and other factors. A robust antivirus program on the computer can help thwart such issues. Computer performance can be affected by a variety of factors, many of which are controllable. (MC)  JANUARY 11, 2026

FINANCE

Pitfalls That Can Lead to Spending Beyond Your Means

here are many ways for individuals to determine if they’re spending beyond their means. One such avenue is to determine the level of consumer debt they’re carrying, which could be an eye-opening metric for millions of people. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, credit card balances rose by $27 billion in the second quarter of 2025, ultimately reaching $1.21 trillion. Though millions effectively manage credit and thus use it to their financial advantage, others struggle to keep their heads above water after accumulating large amounts of consumer-related debt. And such debt is not the only pitfall that consumers can look to avoid in an effort to spend within their means. Failure to Budget A failure to budget can make it hard to know how much is coming in and how much is going out. Budgeting is a financial strategy embraced by consumers across generational lines, as a recent poll from NerdWallet found that 83% of millennials, 67% of Baby Boomers and 74% of Gen Xers adhere to a monthly budget. Those who fail to embrace budgeting may not save much money and thus be more likely to accu-

mulate debt when unexpected expenses arise. Failure to Save Budgeting and saving go hand in hand. Budgeting helps people avoid daily overspending, and it also helps people finance costly expenditures like travel and big-ticket purchases by facilitating saving. A failure to save money leaves individuals with no financial safety net, which can force them to use high-interest credit cards to pay for significant expenses like home repairs and medical bills. When credit card balances are not paid in full each month, the resulting interest charges can quickly add up and even exceed the initial expense. Impulsive Spending According to CapitalOne Shopping Research, 36% of consumers indicate the majority of their purchases are unplanned. Impulse buying has long been an issue for many people, but it might pose an even bigger threat now. That’s because smartphone shopping apps mean the next purchase is never more than a smartphone swipe and click away, which is perhaps one reason why CapitalOne reports the average consumer made 9.75 impulse buys per month in 2024. Smartphones are here to stay, but consumers con-

cerned about their ability to resist impulse spending can turn off shopping app notifications and opt against storing credit card numbers in shopping apps and on websites. The added inconvenience of being asked to enter personal information each time you make a purchase might compel some shoppers to spend less impulsively. Increases in consumer debt suggest many people are struggling to avoid various pitfalls that can lead them to spend beyond their means. A concerted effort on the part of consumers to right their financial ships involves recognition of the various pitfalls that can threaten their financial security. (MC) 

Helping Kids Make Money Lessons Real in a Digital Age

n today’s world, it’s rare for kids to hand over a few crumpled dollar bills for a purchase. Most transactions happen online or with a tap of a card, which can make money feel less tangible to the next generation. However, that shift doesn’t mean financial lessons have to get lost — it just means they should be taught differently. From budgeting for a favorite purchase to learning about investing, the digital landscape provides ample opportunities to help kids build smart habits. Teach Real-World Money Management with Digital Tools One way to start is with a kid-friendly debit card connected to an app. These accounts J A N U A R Y 11, 2026

allow children to manage their own spending while parents monitor activity. Being able to check balances in real time — and seeing the impact of a purchase immediately — helps kids understand budgeting in a hands-on way. When the balance gets low, the lesson is clear. Use Saving Goals and Compound Interest to Encourage Smart Habits Saving is another concept technology can make more tangible. Setting a goal such as a new bike, a sports jersey or a piece of tech becomes more engaging when children can track their progress visually. Some apps even offer interest on savings, giving kids a first glimpse of how money can grow over time.

As children grow into teens, their curiosity about money often expands into investing. This can be an ideal time to open a custodial brokerage account and explore concepts like diversification, risk and long-term strategy. Purchasing fractional shares of companies they recognize can make the learning process relatable. Teach Credit, Debt and Security Early It’s also important to cover topics like credit, debt and security before kids start managing money on their own. Teens should understand how borrowing works, why paying bills on time matters and how to protect themselves from identity theft. In some cases, freezing a minor’s credit until they are

older can be a smart precaution. Keep the Conversation Going Above all, money lessons should be an ongoing conversation. Asking kids what they’re hearing from friends, teachers or online sources can lead to meaningful discussions and teachable moments. The tools may have changed, but the goal remains the same: helping kids develop the skills and confidence to manage money wisely. By meeting them where they are in the digital world, parents can make financial lessons real, relevant and lasting. Visit schwabmoneywise.com for more ideas on how to help kids start saving, investing and more. (Family Features)  S U N D AY S I G N A L · 1 7

PUZZLES

CROSSWORD TIME

SOLUTIONS

18 · SUNDAYSIGNAL

JANUARY 11, 2026

Opinion

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

The ‘Appeal’ of Socialism I’ve been researching the appeal of socialism and communism to younger people, or anyone, and it’s pretty clear and simple. All they read about, or are taught, are the theoretical ideals of such systems, where everyone is equal, there is no poverty, no illiteracy, and it’s one big happy kumbaya, sort of like an Israeli kibbutz. They don’t know such societies only exist on small scales. It would be impossible to accomplish such a thing here. It would collapse under the weight of its own costs, not to mention individual greed and corruption, within a couple years. The youth of today have not experienced the former Soviet Union. They have not seen wealthy commissars walking alongside starving commoners, not to mention food lines and rationing of resources. They have not visited Eastern European countries during the Cold War when everything was in shades of gray. Case in point: My dad was an engineer on assignment from his aerospace company in Iran right before the 1978 revolution. His young Iranian secretary was against the Shah (capitalistic monarchy) and was one of the protesters demanding his ouster, to be replaced with the Ayatollah Khomeini (socialist Islamic republic). Well, they got what they wanted, and my dad and his corporation had to high-tail it out. A few months later, after hundreds of thousands of dissenters were jailed or executed, my dad’s old secretary called begging him to find a way to get her out. My dad was astonished. He asked, “Weren’t you one of those who wanted this to happen, and now you want to get out?” She responded, “They lied to us. This isn’t what we were promised.” That’s what happens, and it all started with those university students. It always does. Arthur Saginian Santa Clarita Submit a Letter to the Editor

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J A N U A R Y 11, 2026

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

Lessons from a Biblical Hypocrite By David Hegg

ver the past few months, I’ve noticed a monumental amount hypocrisy in society. We’ve read shocking news that those we trusted were living double lives. Those we believed were helping others were actually padding their own accounts. And those we turned to for moral counsel, wise instruction, and exemplary living turned out to be despicable hypocrites. But then again, maybe we shouldn’t be surprised. Apparently, hypocrisy comes pre-installed on the human hard drive. Some years ago, I finished preaching through the biblical book of Jonah. Even if you know the story, you may not have grasped its significance. Jonah was told by God to go to the wicked city of Nineveh to deliver a warning, calling them to repent of their evil ways and be forgiven by the Almighty. Jonah was incensed that God would offer mercy to such a vile people, so he went in the opposite direction. However, he couldn’t outrun God, who created the storm that led to Jonah being thrown overboard. Yet, even in disciplining his prophet, God showed great mercy. He appointed a large fish to provide Jonah with three nights in waterfront accommodations, and it was there that Jonah figured out his best option was to align his behavior with God’s command. So, he went to Nineveh, preached God’s message, and saw the great city repent of its evil deeds. Shockingly, unlike every preacher who ever lived, he was livid over his success. For Jonah, God’s mercy toward Nineveh brought about the ironic agony of victory! That’s the story, but the significance is quite simple. Jonah was willing to change his behavior but unwilling to change his heart. He went to Nineveh to look good, to get God off his back, but his heart was still seething. His external was quite divorced from his internal, and that’s what we call hypocrisy. We see it everywhere today, even in ourselves. We’ve become a society of style without corroborating internal, ethical substance. We strive to look good while not thinking it necessary to be good. Even more sadly, we

no longer expect others to be good if what they do brings about beneficial results. But hypocrisy carries a huge price tag. If we’re honest, we’ll admit that living with a chasm between how we appear and who we really are causes radical emotional dissonance. It takes energy to live a double-life, and it also slowly rots the soul. Eventually every hypocrite wanders into the spotlight of reckoning and the truth comes out, and regret takes over. Too late we learn the harsh reality that any benefit derived from our hypocritical lives will never deliver us from the pernicious life-decaying disease of compromised character and ethical infidelity. Our headlines are filled with stories of the famous becoming infamous when the reality of their hypocrisy is uncovered. But what is more devastating is the fact that we’re becoming numb to it as a society. It happens so often we hardly recognize it for what it really is: the evidence that we have lost our ethical anchors as a people. We’ve driven God out of our schools, our political realm and our public discourse. Along the way, we’ve become a society of victims, and this cult of victimhood has led to minority rule and placed a gag over the mouths of any who would speak up for traditional ethical values. So, I have to ask: Are we better off today than we were years ago? I know the answer and so do you. It’s time we went back to considering what integrity means, and why it matters in individuals and society as a whole. It’s time we demanded that fitness for leadership starts with impeccable character. It’s time we taught our children there is absolute truth that determines right from wrong. And it’s time we searched our own hearts and demanded of ourselves a convictional alignment of our private selves with our public activity. There was a reason God sent Jonah to Nineveh. The biblical text tells us the city’s evil had “risen before the eyes of God.” Nineveh was spared because they turned from their evil. I only hope we have the courage and good sense to do the same. Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.  S U N D AY S I G N A L · 1 9

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JANUARY 11, 2026