Sunday Signal Feb 10, 2019

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SEPTEM DAT B E RE 00, 30, 2018

Valencia | Saugus | Newhall | Canyon Country | Stevenson Ranch | Westridge | Castaic | Val Verde

FEBRUARY 10, 2019

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Space Exploration STARTS IN OUR BACKYARD Page 5

Your News, Entertainment & Lifestyle Source

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FROM THE LAND OF THE RISING SUN

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THE EMCEE FOR EVENTS IN THE SCV

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

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F E B R UA RY 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

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F E B R UA RY 10, 2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS NEWS FEATURES

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5 Managing orbits, one day at a time 6 Discover Japan 28 Clubs for everyone in the Santa Clarita Valley

LOCAL NEWS 8 9 10 11 12

“The Kellar-Davis Real Estate Family is looking for Full Time and Part Time Agents to join a company dedicated to clients coming first and implementing only the highest standards of integrity and ethics.” Feel free to stop by our Canyon County Office at 16670 Soledad Canyon or call us at 661-510-0987 or 661-212-3771

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100 years: Celebrating centennial of The Signal How a community was born out of farming fields Church looks to rebuild after tree smashes sanctuary hall City officials share budget priorities Supervisors seek LASD answers on inmate escape Poet self-publishes work, organizes open mic night 8-year-old diagnosed with leukemia finds strength

SPORTS

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13 With eyes on the goal

THINGS TO DO

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14 SCV Charity Chili Cook-off to support pet rescues

CITY MANAGER

15 Thankful for volunteers who make their time count

REAL ESTATE

16 How California’s Propositions 60, 90 and 110 affect you

TIME RANGER OPINION

15 16 17 18

18 Our View • David Hegg • Gene Lyons

CALENDAR 21 HOME IMPROVEMENT

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2 Home theaters and proper pool drains 2 29 Designer or decorator — there’s a difference

SCHOOLS 23 23 How to encourage kids to love music

KIDS & FAMILY

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4 Donna’s Day: Make a house for your feathered friends 2 How to recognize colic

ENTERTAINMENT 25 5 ‘Roma,’ ‘Superman’ and ‘Eternity’s Gate’ 2 26 ‘80s scene returns to Canyon Santa Clarita

PROFILE 27 27 Ed Masterson: SCV’s master of ceremonies

GARDENING 30 30 Prune and rejuvenate your roses

Kellar Davis has over 18 years of experience and specializes in the Santa Clarita market. With 35 professional agents, we know how to make selling or buying your home a dream come true.

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2 The perfect way to pop the question 3 33 How to find the right ring

VILLAGE IDIOT

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34 Don’t forget to breathe

BRAIN GAMES

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37 Games • Crossword 100 YEARS

SignalSCV. com

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Richard Budman Perry Smith Tim Whyte Brad Lanfranco Doña Uhrig Karen Bennett • Abner Gutierrez

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The entire contents of the Sunday Signal is copyrighted 2019 by Paladin Multi-Media Group, Inc. All submitted letters and columns are strictly the opinions of the authors and not necesarily those of the publisher. All rights are reserved and no part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

F E B R UA RY 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

Managing orbits, one day at a time

SCV resident Jim McClure works as the operations manager for the Space Flight Operations Facility (background), where he manages NASA’s Deep Space Network for JPL.

By Brennon Dixson Signal Staff Writer

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t might sound a little crazy, but one longtime Stevenson Ranch resident travels about 30 miles every day to explore planets, moons and areas of the galaxy that many will never see in their lifetime. Jim McClure, who’s lived in the SCV for about 30 years, works as the operations manager for the Space Flight Operations Facility — a national historic landmark that consists of two buildings constructed in 1964 as part of the race to put a man on the moon. The buildings were built in response to then-President John F. Kennedy’s famous speech that, McClure said, which kicked off the and served as a place where scientists and engineers could prove their concepts using robotic spacecrafts. To this day, NASA’s Deep Space Network is operated from the Space Flight Operations Facility — as its main room is referred to as the “dark room” — has monitored and controlled all spacecraft that travel outside of the lunar orbit or into deep space for NASA and other international space agencies since 1963, McClure said, before mentioning

the facility operated five successful surveyors from the room prior to the 1961. “In the history of the world there have only been 8 successful mars landings,” he said. “All eight have occurred from the JPL facility. That’s for all of mankind and it’s amazing to be a part of.” The room has been so instrumental throughout the human race’s race to space that McClure said, “We refer to it as the ‘center of the universe.’ We marked it and made stickers so that makes it true.” JPL created the first United States’ spacecraft in 1958, according to McClure. The project was named Explorer 1 and it was crafted to compete as the first to space. The mission control room also operated the moon landing of Surveyor 1 in 1966, and less than two years later, McClure’s father, Jim McClure Sr., would begin working in the same room that his son works in today. In his 30 years as a JPL employee, McClure Sr., who at one time was also an SCV resident, would work on a number of projects, one of which being a project named Mariner. Mariner went to more planets than McClure could recall, including Ve-

nus, Mars and beyond. “These are exploring robotic spacecrafts,” he said, recollecting the events that led him to become an explorer of the galaxy like his father was before him. “My first time I came to this building I was 8-years-old,” McClure said. “I literally lived right across the street from here,” and remember getting a tour in an open-house type setting. McClure would leave home and head to college in Michigan, where he found himself working for Ross Perot, the billionaire business magnate and former politician, around the time the company was sold to General Motors, which was period that allowed the young McClure to hone his computer skills and work ethic. “I give 100 percent credit to that man for where I am today. He taught me that it’s all about work ethic, all about team goals and you are small piece when compared to the greater good,” McClure said. “It takes every one of us doing our tasks perfectly to accomplish our goals and everybody appreciates that and it creates success.” Citing his computer background, McClure said, “To be honest, I don’t have the scientific brain to do what

N E W S F E AT U R E S

“...I WAS COOL ABOUT IT, BUT ‘I’M THINKING, I’M SENDING COMMANDS TO A SPACECRAFT THAT’S IN ORBIT IN JUPITER. WHO GETS TO DO THAT?’”

the scientists do. I have an engineering brain to do my job, but I’m not a space nut at all.” That may be because his father ruined everything science fiction-related for him a long time ago, he says. “No Buck Rogers — none of that stuff,” McClure said, referring to the fictional space opera character from “Armageddon 2419 A.D.” “(My dad) said it wasn’t real, so I’m not like the younger generation here who grew up with that sci-fi stuff.” But McClure has been touched by the reality of what he sees on the job every day, he said. “I’ve been fortunate to be here for the last five Mars landing missions when they happened and the emotion was just unbelievable. I’ve seen all this stuff in real life.” In 1988, while McClure was up still in Michigan working with Perot, “I literally just got homesick after a high school reunion and blindly applied for a job at JPL using my new experience,” McClure said. “And my first job was commanding the Galileo spacecraft as mission control that went Jupiter in 1989.” McClure and members of the See JPL, page 36

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F E B R UA RY 10, 2019

N E W S F E AT U R E

Discover Japan By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

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remember when I was in the third grade, we learned the most incredible things about countries around the world. I still remember the day we had “Japan Day” in our small West Seattle classroom at Arbor Heights Elementary School. Parents brought in sticky white rice and raw fish for us to sample. I tried a little of the raw fish, I wasn’t too excited about it then. To this day I’m not a huge sushi lover. We made paper fans and a classmate came dressed in a kimono. We learned a few Japanese words, and we were all given a Japanese name to use for the day. I still remember, more than 50 years later, the sense of awe and wonder I felt discovering there could be such a different place in the world from what I knew. (I was also very happy I wasn’t born in a country where I would have to eat raw fish.) Every month, we learned about a new country. It was, perhaps, some of the most important lessons I ever learned. Teach your children about the amazing world that exists outside our own borders. Travel is the best teacher, but if you can’t afford a trip to Tokyo, here’s a few tips to expand your children’s understanding of the world. This feature is not designed to be an “all-encompassing” look at Japan, but rather a chance to expose your elementary age child to a different culture in a fun way.

Japan: Facts

In Japanese, the name “Japan” is Nihon or Nippon, which means “Land of the Rising Sun.” A great exercise is to show your child photos that represent Japanese life. Examples of photos you can find online include: Mt. Fuji, cherry trees in bloom, the Tokyo skyline, ancient samurai warriors, Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, women wearing kimonos, rice fields and sushi. If you have a globe of the Earth show your child where they live now (on the globe) and then where Japan is located on the globe. A globe is a great learning tool, not only does it

Tsutenkaku Tower was built in 1912 around an amusement park and the landmark. Shinsekai was considered state-of-the-art entertainment in its pre-war heyday. PHOTO COURTESY OF JAPAN NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANIZATION

reinforce that the world is round, it is the most accurate way to represent Earth’s curved surface, as well as a sense of distance from point to point. For older children, you can list facts about Japan, to put the nation in perspective in relation to the United States or California. Size (square miles): Japan consists of more than 6,800 islands and covers 145,936 square miles. The United States covers 3.797 million square miles (about 26 times larger than Japan). Japan is approximately the size of California. Population: The 2017 population of Japan was estimated to be 126.8 million people. The population of the United States was estimated at 325.7 million, and California has 39.54 million residents.

Economy

Japan is the third-largest economy in the world, after the United States and China. Many of the products we buy in the United States are purchased from Japanese companies.

Fujifilm, Canon, Sony, Nintendo, Panasonic, Toyota, Nissan and Honda are just a few of Japan’s most prosperous companies. In agriculture, rice is the most important crop.

Popular Culture

Anime, or animated Japanese films and television shows, account for 60 percent of the world’s animation-based entertainment. Countless childhood phenomena of the past 30 years has come from Japan: “Transformers,” “Power Rangers,” Tamagotchi, “Pokémon,” Hello Kitty and more. Japanese manga (or Japanese comics) continue to escalate in popularity in the U.S. Anime conventions are now held annually in hundreds of cities across the United States and attract thousands of devotees. (The L.A. Anime Expo held annually at the L.A. Convention Center attracts more than 100,000 participants.)

Flag

The flag of Japan is a rectangular white banner with a crimson-red disc at its center.

Education

Children who have their sixth birthday on or before April 1 enter the first grade of elementary school of that year. The school year in Japan begins in April, and classes are held from Monday to either Friday or Saturday, depending on the school. The school year consists of two or three terms, which are separated by short holidays in spring and winter, and a six-weeklong summer break. Most children also attend after-school clubs and many also go to juku (cram school) in the evening to do extra studying. The basic school system in Japan is composed of elementary school (lasting six years), middle school (three years), high school (three years), and university (four years).

Food

The Japanese eat more fish than any other people in the world, about 17 million tons per year. Some of the most popular dishes in Japan are sushi and ramen. Sushi: The term sushi actually refers to foods that use a type of rice

F E B R UA RY 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

N E W S F E AT U R E

Right: Sapporo has been brewed since 1877, and the Sapporo Beer Museum was opened in 1987 to display the Sapporo Beer brand. PHOTO COURTESY JAPAN NATIONAL TOURISM. Below: One of the biggest tourist attractions of Japan are its famous Cherry Blossom gardens.

seasoned with vinegar, not just the rolled rice and seaweed variety we see at most establishments in the United States. Sushi has become the international symbol the Japanese cuisine. Take your child to a sushi restaurant and have them watch the sushi chef in action. Kisho Japanese Restaurant, O Sushi and Sushi 661 are a few popular local options. Ramen: Do not confuse supermarket and dorm room staples Cup ‘O Noodles, or Top Ramen, with the real ramen served in Japan. Ramen is made with Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a meat or fishbased broth, often flavored with soy sauce or miso, and uses toppings such as sliced pork, nori (dried seaweed), menma (fermented bamboo shoots) and scallions. Just about anything can be added to ramen broth including eggs, lobster and assorted vegetables. To experience authentic ramen in the SCV without having to make it yourself, visit Masa Ramen, Sushi 661 or Umaichi Ramen.

Dinner in Japan

Have your children help you prepare a Japanese-style dinner. In Japan, a typical dinner at home involves a single course with several dishes presented all at once. You will find on your plate: rice, seaweed (nori), furikake (rice seasoning), or tsukudani (topping for rice), soup, pickles, protein, mixed protein and vegetable dish and vegetables. Each item should be placed in a separate small bowl and placed on a larger rectangle or square-shaped plate. Hot green tea commonly is served in small Japanese teacups. Dessert can be purchased with ready-made green tea or red bean ice cream found at many supermarkets or Trader Joe’s. Mochi ice cream is a small, round confection consisting of a soft, pounded sticky rice dumpling (mochi) formed around an ice cream filling. My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream is in stock at the Walmart on Carl Boyer Drive in Santa Clarita. Recipes for a traditional dinner can be found here: www.japanese-

cooking101.com/japanese-dinner-menu-1 and at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=pIFsmRLW_a4.

Popular Names

Have your child choose a Japanese name for the day. The most popular names for boys are: Haruto, Yuto, Sota, Yuki, Hayato, Haruki, Ryusei, Koki, Sora and Sosuke. The most popular girl’s names are: Yui, Rio, Yuna, Hina, Koharu, Hinata, Mei, Mio, Saki and Miyu.

Travel

A trip to Little Tokyo in downtown Los Angeles is also an easy way to expose your children to Japanese the culture and lifestyle. Numerous restaurants and stores, as well as Japanese markets, provide a window into Japanese food and products. Ride Metrolink from any SCV station to Union Station downtown. Switch to the Red Line subway and get off at the first stop, Civic Center. Walk a few blocks downhill to the Japanese Village Mall, 335 E. 2nd St., Los Angeles, 90012 to begin your adventure.

Don’t forget to visit the Fugetsu-Do Bakery Shop, a family-owned and operated confectionery store since 1903 specializing in Japanese treats and mochi, 315 E 1st St, Los Angeles.

Craft: Make a Carp/Koi Fish Kite

Traditionally, carp (or koi) kites, windsocks, streamers and banners are flown from April through early May in honor of Kodomo no Hi or Children’s Day, held on May 5. “Koinobori,” carp/koi windsocks, carp streamers or carp banners, decorate the landscape of Japan from April through early May, in honor of Children’s Day (originally Boys’ festival) on May 5. In Japanese culture, the carp symbolizes courage and strength because of its ability to swim up a waterfall. Originally, the banners were used by samurai warriors on the battlefield. Instructions for making a carp/ koi fish kite can be found here: www. cantonart.org/sites/default/files/ kimono_carpkites.pdf 

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F E B R UA RY 10, 2019

LOCALNEWS

100 years: Celebrating centennial of The Signal A Message from The Signal

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n Feb. 7, 1919, Newhall was a small town of just 500 souls, in a valley where the cattle outnumbered the humans. And, on that day, for the first time, that small town had a newspaper — a small weekly with a circulation of 250 called The Newhall Signal. A one-year subscription cost $2. Fresh on the heels of World War I, the first edition published by veteran and Signal founder Ed Brown, along with his wife, Blanche, contained the news tidbits of a small town in that era: “Mr. Bricker, of the Bricker Grocery, was in San Fernando on Monday. He is kept quite busy with his truck business.” “Mr. Bucknell, manager of the Newhall Lumber Co., and family, spent Sunday in Los Angeles with friends and relatives.”

The Signal staff works in various ways to bring local community news to Santa Clarita Valley readers. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

And this: “Mr. R.C. Gibson, of Happy Valley and proprietor of ‘Eggland,’ informs us that he is enlarging his hen houses so as to be able to run 1,500 laying White Leghorn hens. He believes in the best, that is the reason he has White Leghorns.” We believe in the best, too. And that’s why, today, as we celebrate the

100th anniversary of the founding of The Signal, we are so proud to serve this community we call home. Much has changed here since Feb. 7, 1919. From its humble beginning, soon the newspaper became an integral part of the community. In the years that would follow, The Signal would grow and evolve just as

the community it served would grow and evolve — a century later, now numbering more than 300,000 souls, and a lot fewer cattle. The Signal has become the newspaper of record covering the news, the history and the growth of the Santa Clarita Valley for 100 years. We hope you enjoy the look back. And, we thank you, our readers, as well as our advertisers, our community’s leaders who make the Santa Clarita Valley so special, and all of the staff members and journalists who, for the past 100 years and continuing into The Signal’s second century, have created such a unique and lasting connection between this newspaper and the community we are honored and humbled to serve. Our mission for 2019 is simple: To celebrate The Signal’s centennial while doing what the paper has always done — covering the news of the Santa Clarita Valley with heart, passion and a strong sense of community.  

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F E B R UA RY 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

LOCALNEWS

How a community was born out of farming fields By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

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he Santa Clarita Valley has come a long way. Most of what residents see today is modern, but the idea of creating a place for Santa Clarita residents to live, work and play is not a new one. In fact, this goes back to the 1960s, with the birth of Valencia. In the 1950s, Newhall Land and Farming Co., now known as FivePoint, decided to transform its farming fields into something with more value as L.A. County grew and more families moved north toward the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys. “Our first project that went through the county was the approval process for about 5,000 acres, and that’s how it all got started,” said Gary Cusumano, who joined Newhall Land in 1969. A master plan was formed to devel-

op a new, self-sustainable city with homes, shopping centers, schools, government offices, a hospital — and even an amusement park that’s still closely associated with the SCV. Newhall Land first developed the park that lays claim to being the “Thrill Capital of the World” and took on the amusement park project that heightened tourism to the area before selling it to Six Flags Inc. in 1979. Among the urban planners hired for the creation of Valencia was world-renowned designer Victor Gruen, who also created city designs across the world. “This plan was not just to build homes,” said Tom Lee, one of the first CEOs of Newhall Land. “You build everything that’s needed, like shopping centers, school sites, parks, church sites and employment sites. That’s what a planned community is all about.” The early years were difficult, he said. With neighborhoods such as

Church looks to rebuild after tree smashes sanctuary hall By Matt Fernandez Signal Staff Writer

A

large tree fell and destroyed the Havenhouse Church’s main sanctuary hall in Newhall on Saturday, according to the congregation’s pastor. Pastor John Boone said he received a call from the alarm company at 8:15 a.m. that the alarm had been tripped. When he went to go investigate, Boone discovered the damage to his church, and was grateful no one was injured in the incident. “I’m very thankful that this happened early on a Saturday, when no one was inside the sanctuary,” Boone said. “If it had been 24 hours later, then the worship team would have been inside getting ready for service. The tree crashed through the area where they normally warm up and practice, so we might have had a much worse situation.” The sanctuary hall was built in the 1940s by German immigrants, who lived on the land and used it as a communal meeting place, Boone said,

until it was purchased by the church in the 1980s. He said the building was notable as the first in California to feature a ceiling of its kind, which was shaped in an inward curving arc. With such little time to prepare, Havenhouse had to cancel its Sunday services, though Boone said members of the congregation either found other services in the area to attend or held See CHURCH, page 12

Valencia Hills, Valencia Glenn and Valencia Meadows, the growing town would soon feel the effects of a recession and the 1971 San Fernando earthquake. Still, the vision of building a “real community” persevered — something heads of the farming company stayed true to, said Cusumano. “Maintaining that vision is challenging because it’s costly to implement that long-term vision,” he said. “For example, trails throughout the community would have been easier to terminate and build houses with just lawns, but the original, foundational vision was maintained.” Tom Cole, community development director with the city of Santa Clarita, worked as a senior project manager with Newhall Land in the 1990s. Much of what has shaped the SCV today was drawn out in the original plan for Valencia, he said. “I remember going into Tom Lee’s office and seeing that his vision was

to create this sense of place and community with more green space and more paseos,” he said, “and yes, we had a master plan to start with. He was the mastermind behind creating a sense of community.” Growth continued as Newhall Land began leasing parts of its land to Hollywood producers for filming, where more than 250 productions were made at the time. The company then took on its concept of building a Valencia-like concept in the early 1990s, but at a much larger scale, by proposing to develop 25,000 homes, schools, a business park, shopping centers and other amenities over 19 square miles. Throughout this time, Newhall Land ceased to exist as a family and locally managed company when it was sold for $1 billion to Florida-based homebuilder Lennar Corp. in 2004. Even under new owners, Lennar’s mission was to “carry out See COMMUNITY, page 12

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10 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

F E B R UA RY 10, 2019

LOCALNEWS

City officials share budget priorities By Tammy Murga Signal Staff Writer

S

anta Clarita continues to stand on steady grounds economically, but rainy day preparation is essential, city officials said during a study session Tuesday as it prepares for its new spending plan. “This is really what’s guided our budget for years and the past couple decades: The decisions made in good times are more important than decisions made during bad times,” City Manager Ken Striplin said. Gathered in the Century Room at City Hall for the public meeting, Striplin presented a brief overview of the city’s fiscal year 2019-20 budget strategy and goals to City Council members, and members of Santa Clarita’s various committees. The meeting was the second one this week to mark the start of a six-month process to shape the new budget plan. Here’s a breakdown of topic areas highlighted during the study session:

Budget priorities

As categorized in the Santa Clarita 2020 plan, the city’s priorities will be to complete efforts toward public safety; building and creating community; enhancing economic vitality; community beautification; sustaining public infrastructure; and proactive, transparent and responsive government services. The 2020 plan was created to guide the city’s major projects, many of which are underway, such as the new Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff ’s Station, as well as completed ones, including the homeless task force and the Old Town Newhall parking structure. “In terms of priorities for 2019-20, I’d like to speak about our commitments, most importantly, to continue the implementation of action items in Santa Clarita 2020,” Striplin said. “We have made tremendous progress toward the completion of all the action items identified in that plan, and I’m confident — come the end of 2020 — we will finish the rest of them.”

General fund revenues and expenditures

The general fund is the city’s largest revenue source, where staff spends a significant amount of time looking at economic data and the forecast, Striplin said. For the new fiscal year, city staff anticipates total revenue of $113.1 million, a 2.1 percent increase over the adopted budget of the 2018-19 term. Sales tax, Santa Clarita’s largest general revenue source, is projected at $37 million. Property tax is projected at $19.5 million, an 8.2 percent increase when compared to the current year. An estimated $112.8 million is expected for general fund expenditures. Public safety will, as it has in the past, consume the largest budget (25 percent), which is projected at $27.8 million. Since the 2015-16 term, Striplin said the city has seen a 30 percent increase in the cost of public safety. Figures presented are only base budget numbers and not final num-

bers that will be presented in May when the budget comes closer to finalization, said Striplin.

Budget risks and liabilities

The city manager also listed “things we really need to pay attention to,” namely the costs of the city’s new capital projects, the maintenance of existing facilities, public safety costs, pension funding, homelessness, state legislation and affordable housing. For example, under affordable housing, one of the most pressing issues California cities are facing, Striplin highlighted that median home prices rose to an all-time high of $537,000, while the national average was $310,000. “That will continue to be a challenge that we attempt to deal with,” Striplin said, referring to the statewide housing crisis. City Council members are expected to review the final budget at the city’s June 25 meeting, ahead of the start of the fiscal year, July 1. There are several other planning sessions scheduled before that meeting.  

Supervisors seek LASD answers on inmate escape By Jim Holt Signal Senior Staff Writer

C

ounty supervisors want to know how an inmate at the Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic escaped from the jail over the weekend, and they want assurances it won’t happen again. On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion by Supervisor Kathryn Barger asking the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’s Department to provide a written report to the board on the facts surrounding the inmate escape this past weekend at Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic. On Sunday, inmate David Luis Bustamonte was discovered missing from the facility at approximately 7 a.m. during a routine inmate count. By 9:30 a.m., sirens across the detention center sounded and the entire area went on lockdown. Bustamonte then led investigators

Barger on an eight-hour search before he was located and arrested at the Interstate 5 freeway and Highway 126, beneath the overpass. The details surrounding how the inmate escaped remain unclear, and members of the surrounding community are appropriately concerned and want assurance that these types of incidents are thoroughly investigated and corrective actions are taken to prevent them in the future, according to Barger’s motion. “We want to make sure our Sheriff ’s

Department is fully equipped to ensure the public’s safety. This instance offers insight on opportunities for improvement,” Barger said. “We also want to thank the department’s Major Crimes Bureau investigators, and all others who were part of the search for finding and apprehending the inmate as quickly as possible.” The report is due back to the board in 45 days and will include any resulting corrective action plans taken. During a routine inmate count in the center’s South facility, Bustamonte was not found in his bunk at 7 a.m., according to a Nixle alert issued by the LASD after his arrest. “There was a lockdown of the one facility,” said Sgt. Bob Basey of the Sheriff ’s Information Bureau. “Following that, they locked down other facilities as they continued searching, then they sounded the alarms. They needed to verify if he was indeed missing.”

Bustamonte was found wearing civilian clothing, according to the same Nixle alert. Where he acquired the clothes is still under investigation. Once found, Bustamonte was apprehended without incident. He was then transported to a nearby hospital for a medical clearance before being booked. Bustamonte was convicted in July 2018 on theft-related charges, including burglary and theft of property, Basey said. His next arraignment is scheduled to be held at the Pomona Courthouse on March 6, according to lacourt.org. He’s being held in lieu of $1,165,000 bail, according to the L.A. County Sheriff ’s Department Inmate Information Center website. Nearby neighborhoods were declared safe shortly after Bustamonte was back in custody, according to a tweet from the L.A. County Sheriff ’s Department’s Special Enforcement Bureau.  

F E B R UA RY 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 11

LOCALNEWS

Poet self-publishes work, organizes open mic night By Crystal Duan Signal Staff Writer

H

eartbreak. Friendship. Girlhood. All are topics that inspire Sophia Kriegel to write poetry — enough to fill nearly three self-published books. “When I was in elementary school, I wrote a lot of songs for my twin sister to sing,” she said. “I think about everyday occurrences, and finding meaning in so many small and specific moments.” She has been writing poetry since the first grade, but the West Ranch High School senior wasn’t compelled to take it more seriously until last year. After Kriegel interviewed a journalism classmate who was compiling a book full of poetry, she was inspired to do it herself. Through the website blurb.com, Kriegel self-published two poetry books: “Shades of Yellow” came first, in October 2017. In it, she wrote about all sorts of topics, lyrically outlining her life and most intimate thoughts. The next installment, “Blonde Girls Don’t Cry,” came in summer 2018. “I’m a pretty rapid writer, and each book takes about six months to finish,” she said, holding up the covers she’d hand-illustrated herself. Both had a rough stick-woman sketch of a girl on the front of the collections of approximately 30 poems each. Many of the poems are long-form or spoken word, and there’s more where that came from, Kriegel said. She has about 50-60 other poems in archives. She began giving out copies to friends and family after “Shades of Yellow” came out, but her goal is to get

her voice out there rather than formally monetize her talents — for now. In college next year, Kriegel wants to study creative writing and continue sharing her work. For her third book, currently in progress, which will be illustrated by a classmate, she said she has never been more proud of its contents. “You always look back at what you’ve written before and think, ‘Oh my God, I can’t believe this is what I thought was my best work,’” she said. “I feel like these new poems really show my growth.”

Open mic night

Kriegel’s gift has sparked a community to share their own words. She started “The Poetry Project,” an open mic night held bimonthly at Global Prep Academy, for high school students to come and share their original work. “I was going to open mic nights in Los Angeles to share my work, and, eventually, it became too hard to get all the way out there at night,” she said. “And I noticed Santa Clarita doesn’t have one of those, so I wanted to do it there.” Some sing songs, some passionately shout rants they’ve written and everyone comes out to support the nearly 20 to 25 students expressing themselves. Last time, the audience had almost 70 attendees, she said. W“I really want to start an organized space to share art like that in college, too,” she said. “Being able to really have a community like that is so important, and also we get to all put our voices out there.”  

West Ranch High School student Sophia Kriegel has been writing poetry since the first grade. PHOTO BY AUSTIN DAVE / THE SIGNAL

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12 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

F E B R UA RY 10, 2019

LOCALNEWS

8-year-old diagnosed with leukemia finds strength By Crystal Duan Signal Staff Writer

T

he beads are draped across the biggest stuffed unicorn of them all on a couch in the living room of Addison Rivera’s house. They symbolize different hospital stays, surgeries and appointments for Addison, an 8-year-old Valencia resident who feels the necklaces — and the weight of her predicament — get heavier each day. But she’s facing her struggles with as much determination as any sick kid could. Since October, Addison has been fighting acute lymphatic leukemia. From day to day, despite the pain, she tries to keep her focus not on her condition, but on the strength that these stuffed unicorns adorning her couch give her. “They have magical powers,” she said of the unicorns. There’s a pink plush one, a larger white one with huge eyes, Pillow Pets and more, all supporting her in her battle. “I’ve always liked unicorns, because they heal people,” she said. Thus, Addison and her mom have begun a campaign to make sure she can “‘fight like a unicorn” for the remainder of her battle.

COMMUNITY Continued from page 9

the vision of what came to be Valencia and now with Newhall Ranch,” said Cusumano. Today, work is underway for the development of a community of single-family homes, condominiums and apartments, and more than 2,000 affordable-housing units. Lee said this foundational vision has greatly impacted the SCV, far beyond Valencia and Newhall Ranch, that the city of Santa Clarita, since its establishment in 1987, has also helped carry the creation of communities where residents can live, work and play. Another example, Lee said, includes the development of Vista Canyon, a 185-acre, mixed-use

“They heal people, and as long as I believe in them,” Addison said. “That means I’m gonna get better.” Addison’s journey began after her grandfather died in July after an accident on a road trip. Between traveling around the United States preparing the proper accommodations, Addison’s mother, Cassandra, assumed Addison’s complaints about leg pain were just from the stress of travel. “There’s no way to tell if it’s leukemia from the get-go,” Cassandra said. Addison has b-cell leukemia of the acute lymphatic sort. There is a decent rate of remission, Cassandra said, but Addison would have to go through a lot to get it. Addison began to fight. She kept her spunky attitude as best as she could. “It’s nice because, even though I want to go back to school and I get bored, there’s other good parts,” she said of her sickness. “I get to sit home and watch TV, too. And at least I don’t have to eat that cafeteria food, because it’s gross!” “Addison knows how to say, ‘I wish I could do this,’” Cassandra said. “But then she’ll bounce back and say, ‘I also get to do this though.’ She has a very positive attitude toward the whole thing.” For Addison, her ability to keep

up the positive attitude each month was a little different, as she had to go through different rounds of treatments and surgeries. She has had nine so far — they are usually painful and involve injecting the chemotherapy into her spinal fluid. Some days, she was her spunky self, as chatty as always. Other days, she was tired and cranky. It was hard. But things were looking up, Cassandra said. Addison met her personal hero, Rep. Katie Hill, D-Agua Dulce, after the congresswoman heard of Addison’s predicament. The two were able to eat a mac-andcheese lunch and they talked over FaceTime on Addison’s birthday. Other ways the community has stepped up have mattered, too. Cassandra’s college friend made a design of a “dabbing” unicorn, posing in an action of putting its arms above its head while facing down. This popular gesture was meant to convey a silly moment for these healing creatures, Addison said. She got the design screen printed on a pink shirt, but soon enough, “Everyone in town wanted one!” she said. The pink, “Fight Like a Unicorn” shirts are on sale for $18. Each time Addison is nervous about undergoing treatment, people have sent her pictures on Instagram and Facebook

community underway with commercial, housing and recreational space, and its own Metrolink station. That’s being developed by JSB Development, whose principle is Jim Backer — a former executive at Newhall Land and Farming. Several years must still go by before these developments serve the public, but Cusumano said Newhall Ranch is, metaphorically, Newhall Land’s “grand finale. This will be the end of an era.” But the vision will continue, he and others who had the chance to see and execute the original master plan say. “I want the same for our future generations,” said Lee. “I want people to see the value of our community that was based upon a vision and a private-public partnership in improving a better community.”  

CHURCH Continued from page 9

their own home services with neighbors. Going forward, Havenhouse plans to convert a fellowship hall into a makeshift worship hall, and though it is only half the size of the sanctuary hall, Boone is confident it will still be able to serve his congregation. Boone doesn’t yet know how much the damage will cost to repair, though he said he has been working with the church’s insurance company. A contractor said it could take until Wednesday to clear all of the tree debris and, afterward, Boone would still needs permits from the city to begin demolition and reconstruction of the building. As far as rebuilding goes, all Boone wants to do is to rebuild the sanctu-

Although the 8-year-old was diagnosed with leukemia, she has kept a positive attitude with the help of her family. PHOTO BY CORY RUBIN / THE SIGNAL

in the pink shirts. “It gives me strength,” she said. “It makes me feel like I’m not alone!” Cassandra works as a special education teacher at Rosedell Elementary School, and the Saugus Union School District has come out in support of Addison. There will be a fundraiser on Friday from 8 a.m. to noon at Rosedell to sell the shirts, Cassandra said.   Shirts can be bought at Addison’s Facebook page, found at https://www. facebook.com/addisonfightlikeagirl/. Rosedell Elementary is located at 27853 Urbandale Ave. ary hall as close to its original form as he can, and restore its unique architecture. He isn’t looking for upgrades. He also express disappointment in losing some irreplaceable segments, such as a stained-glass window made in the 1980s. The pastor said he believes the church’s insurance should be enough to cover the damage and construction costs, and doesn’t want to participate in any crowdfunding or fund-raising campaigns. Despite the tragedy, Boone is maintaining an optimistic attitude and feels this is just another opportunity for his church. “We were already a pretty tightly knit community, and though I am sad, my hope now is that this can bring us even closer together,” Boone said. “The only thing we can do is come together and trust that God is going to make something good out of this.”  

F E B R UA RY 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 13

SPORTS

With eyes on the goal By Diego Marquez Signal Staff Writer

B

orn in 2006, the day after the FIFA World Cup between France and Italy, the Bombinos knew 12-yearold Luca Bombino was always destined to become a soccer player. “We were actually watching the final of the World Cup when my wife went into labor,” said Luca’s father, Tony. “And then the next morning, he was born. I would say, we are definitely a soccer family.” Picking up soccer at an early age, Luca remembers going to the park to kick the ball around with his father and uncle, and began playing in recreational leagues at the age of 3. In 2009, Luca joined “Kidz Love Soccer,” a recreational program that allowed boys and girls at an early age to develop their soccer skills. Bombino quickly excelled, and people took notice. “At the age of 4 and a half, they moved him up to play with the 11and 12 year-olds,” Tony said. “That’s when we realized he was advanced.” “I just love being on the ball and being able to do whatever I want on the field and getting to express myself with the ball,” Luca said. Wanting to further his soccer skills and create a future, Luca joined his first club team: SCV Magic, which has since been renamed as Real So Cal Soccer Club. He stayed for a year, and then joined FC Valencia for their inaugural season in 2014. “Magic was structured and it was the first time I played for a club team, so I got to work with my teammates and develop relationships,” Luca said. Spending the next three years as a captain with FC Valencia under the tutelage of coach Charles Martinez (a United States Soccer Federation National “A” licensed coach and a current assistant coach of College of the Canyons women’s soccer team), Luca learned different techniques and styles of play to add to his already impressive soccer portfolio. “On-the-ball movement and being able to find options of either passing or dribbling with a limited amount of time,” Luca said, listing what he was working on, “and some leadership skills. Getting scouted while playing for

Luca Bombino, 12, said his goal is to make the Los Angeles Football Club’s first team and, ultimately, the U.S. National Team. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

FC Valencia in the State Cup, Luca caught the eye of Los Angeles Football Club Developmental Academy scouts and was asked if he wanted to try out for the U-12 team. After trying out for a little more than two months, Luca made the cut and joined on to play full-time for LAFC U-12 Club team in 2017. Since 2017, Luca’s skills and soccer knowledge have catapulted him to play with the U-13 and U-14 team against players that are one or two years older than him and described what it’s like. “It’s definitely more physical and the speed of playing is much faster, so my reaction time and my awareness is definitely stressed there. It’s great to be able to play at that level because I get to push myself to the limit.” Traveling four times a week to Cal State Los Angeles for regular practice sessions with the team, Luca’s determination and mindset has never wavered as he relishes every moment he spends developing his skills. “It feels great to have all these opportunities because I know some kids don’t have the chance to,” Luca said. With the ultimate goal of playing for the LAFC’s First Team and the U.S. National team, Luca’s excitement and passion for the game of soccer are contagious. He believes that the sport will only grow from here on out, and he’s thankful for all the support he’s received along the way. “There are all these new opportunities popping up for kids like me,” Luca said, “to develop more and go further in the sport.” 

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14 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

F E B R UA RY 10, 2019

THINGSTODO

SCV Charity Chili Cook-off to support pet rescues By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

T

he seventh annual SCV Charity Chili Cook-off, which raises tens of thousands of dollars each year for local nonprofit organizations, is supporting Shelter Hope Pet Shop and St. Bonnie’s Sanctuary/Lange Foundation, event organizers recently announced. “All the money raised at the event will stay here to benefit animals in the Santa Clarita Valley,” said Chili Cookoff founder Nicole Stinson. “Every year, the SCV Charity Chili Cook-off gets bigger and more popular,” said event co-chair Steve Portaro. “This year, we’re hoping to make a significant contribution to both animal rescues.”

SCV Charity Chili Cook-off

Marcy James and Nicole Stinson co-founded the SCV Charity Chili Cook-off in 2012.

“We were sitting at lunch and I was taking notes on a napkin,” said Stinson. The duo was looking at creating an event to benefit smaller, or unknown charities. “We knew the money we raised would have a bigger impact for those charities,” she said. The first year, held Jocelyn Kornfeld, right, takes a sample of chili from at the Embassy Suites Channi Kaur at the Chili Cook-Off in 2017, when it was in Valencia, Stinson held at Wolf Creek Brewery. SIGNAL PHOTO said they expected 100 people to attend — about 600 Park in Valencia, the event is moving showed up. again, now to The Oaks (formerly The second year the event was held Tournament Players Club) in Valencia. at the Hyatt Regency in Valencia saw “We moved the event to The Oaks 1,600 attend, about double what was so we can have an inside venue in expected. case it rains,” Stinson said. “This year, After moving for a few years to a the event will be spread out as an larger venue, Wolf Creek Brewery in indoor and outdoor event, but if there the Southern California Innovation

is rain there is room to move it all inside.” Stinson estimated the Cook-off has donated more than $180,000 in the past six years.

Shelter Hope Pet Shop, St. Bonnie’s Sanctuary

Kim Sill of Shelter Hope Pet Shop said all funds received from the event will be used to at Valencia Town Center. Shelter Hope was founded by Sill in 2011. “We are very excited to be part of the Charity Chili Cook-off,” she said. “It is very expensive to run a nonprofit shelter like we do.” “On a daily basis, we rescue and rehabilitate dogs from death row. We rescue them, clean them up and get them to a vet,” she said. “We pull dogs from the highest kill shelters in California.” The nonprofit has a location at Valencia Town Center where people can adopt animals. Money from the See Cook-off, page 31

Pre s e n ted by Va le n cia B M W

F R (EN OET I CCK EOT S NN E ECD E ED ) R T

Please join us for what is expected to be a wonderful afternoon of classical and popular music by Santa Clarita’s only professional level orchestra.

Featuring:

The winner of the 5th annual Student Concerto Competition Ke i g o Ta m a k i

Also on the program: Beethoven’s Egmont Overture Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 “Overture to Brian’s House” from a film score by concertmaster Kirk Hunter Theme from “Cinema Paradiso” Selections from “Hamilton” Suite from “Dances with Wolves”

WWW.SCPHILHARMONIC.ORG

F E B R UA RY 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 15

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Thankful for volunteers who make their time count By Ken Striplin City Manager

M

ore than $1.5 million — that’s the economic impact of volunteer time generously given each year in Santa Clarita. I want to offer my heartfelt appreciation to the thousands of volunteers who spend their free time helping others in our community. An example of that was the recent homeless count. On the evening of Jan. 22, we had nearly 100 local volunteers participate in the 2019 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count — a 25 percent increase in volunteers over last year. Community members took time out of their busy evening to gather for training at The Centre, before dispersing in pairs to different locations throughout Santa Clarita to conduct a point-in-time count of the homeless

population. These volunteers spent approximately four hours on a cold Tuesday night driving around town, in their own vehicles, to conduct visual tallies of individuals who were both sheltered and unsheltered. With the help of local volunteers during the annual count, we are better able to gauge the ways in which future resources and programs will be allocated, with the goal of decreasing homelessness in our community. We heard from many of the volunteers that they’re compelled to come back every year and participate. After seeing those experiencing homelessness sleeping in the wash, in their cars or on the street, they want to be able to help make a positive impact. The Point-in-Time Homeless Count is put on each year by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) in 85 cities and unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. The amount of miles covered and support needed to do so is daunting. Without the help of dedicated

volunteers, it would not be possible to complete the count in one evening. This year’s count comes at a time when our community is on the cusp of making a marked difference for those experiencing homelessness in Santa Clarita. Most notably, the city acquired and transferred ownership of two pieces of property totaling over an acre of buildable land (valued at approximately $1 million) to Bridge to Home, our local leader in homeless services. That land grant allows Bridge to Home to work toward the goal of a new, permanent shelter open year-round. I’m happy to report that Santa Clarita is a recent recipient of Measure H funds. Thanks to the Los Angeles County Homeless Initiative and United Way of Greater Los Angeles, the city received $375,000 in the form of two awards. The city received $300,000 for property acquisition of interim family housing for Family Promise and $75,000 to put toward a homeless coordinator.

Whether it’s by helping guests find their way around the Cowboy Festival in William S. Hart Park or serving as a water station volunteer during the Santa Clarita Marathon, the city’s event calendar is filled with ways to help out. The top-three categories that garner the most volunteer hours each year are our coaches, library volunteers and those who help out at events. The city of Santa Clarita is committed to upholding a high quality of life for all residents. We do our best to provide the necessary resources, and when the community gets involved, it creates an even bigger impact. If you are looking for additional short-term and long-term volunteer opportunities within the city, please visit SantaClaritaVolunteers.com.  Ken Striplin is the Santa Clarita City Manager and can be reached at kstriplin@santa-clarita.com. The views expressed in his column are his own and not necessarily those of The Signal.

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16 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

F E B R UA RY 10, 2019

R E A L E S TAT E

How California’s Propositions 60, 90 and 110 affect you These voter-approved constitutional amendments provide for the transfer of a property’s base-year value from an existing residence to a replacement residence, under certain conditions, for qualified persons over the age of 55 or persons of any age who are severely and permanently disabled. Among the qualifying conditions are: • both properties must be in the same county, unless the county in which the replacement residence is located has an ordinance that allows intercounty base-year value transfers; • as of the date of transfer or the original property, the transferor (seller) or a spouse residing with the seller must be at least 55 years of age, or be severely or permanently disabled; • at the time of sale, the original property must have been eligible for the Homeowner’s Exemption, or entitled to the Disabled Veterans’ Exemption; • generally, the replacement dwelling must be of equal or lesser value the original property. • the replacement dwelling must have been acquired or newly constructed within two years of (before or after) the sale of the original property; • the owner must file an application within three years following the purchase date or new construction completion date of the replacement property; • and the original property must be subject to reappraisal at its current fair market value. Therefore, transfers of the original property that are excluded from reappraisal (e.g. most transfers between parents and children) will not qualify. To apply for this benefit, you must file a claim with the assessor, who determines if the transaction qualifies. Determining if the replacement property is of “equal or lesser value” than the original depends on the timing of the purchase of completion of construction of the replacement property. In general, “equal or lesser value” means the fair market value of the replacement property does not exceed one of the following: • 100 percent of the market value of the

original property, if the replacement property is purchased or newly constructed before the original property is sold; • 105 percent of the market value of the original property, if the replacement property is purchase or newly constructed within the first year after the original property is sold; • or 110 percent of the market value of the original property, if the replacement property is purchase or newly constructed within the second year after the original property is sold. If the market value of the replacement dwelling slightly exceeds the “equal or lesser value” test compared to the market value of the original property, no benefit is available. A taxpayer can apply for and receive the benefit of Props 60/90/100 only once, with one exception. Prop 110 created an exception from the one-timeonly limitation for any claimant who becomes severely and permanently disabled after having previously received a base year value transfer as a claimant over the age of 55 years. Thus, if a person over the age of 55 years transferred the base year value from an original property to a replacement dwelling and subsequently becomes disabled, then that person may now transfer his or her base year value a second time. If the replacement property is in a different county than the original property, only the replacement property (not the original property) must be located in one of these counties. If a county has an ordinance, it will accept a base year value from any other county in California, as long as all the requirements are met. The deadline, in general, for filing a claim with the county assessor is within three years of the acquisition or completion of construction of the replacement property. (Thank you to Laura Langen of Lawyers Title for the above information. Langen has been a valued member of the SCV Home Team for many years.)   Ray “the Realtor” Kutylo is the team leader of the SCV Home Team at Keller Williams VIP Properties. The Team brings experienced and professional service, commitment and value to every transaction, whether you are a home buyer or seller. Ray can be reached at (661) 312-9461 or by email at rkutylo@gmail.com. The views expressed are his own and not necessarily those of The Signal. CA DRE 00918855

SANTA CLARITA VALLEY CLOSED SALES 1/25/19 TO 2/1/19 AREA/St#

St Name

Sold Price

SqFt/Source

CANYON COUNTRY 18752 26918 20319 19030 16968 28136 27993 16971 17516 29337 15716

Mandan ST #1001 Flo LN #427 Rue Crevier #554 Felbridge ST Sierra HWY Bakerton AVE Camp Plenty RD Forrest ST Sarita AVE Spencer DR Leigh CT

$280,000 $309,000 $338,000 $390,000 $459,000 $495,000 $515,000 $520,000 $570,000 $635,000 $638,000

866/A 964/A 1107/A 982/A 2000/O 1400/A 1238/A 2745/A 1685/A 2939/A 2939/A

Onyx LN Keningston RD Navajo CT Countryside LN

$370,000 $375,000 $515,000 $641,000

1392/A 720/A 1512/A 3092/A

Oak Highland DR #A Oak Crossing RD Avenue Of The Oaks Matthew PL Golden Oak LN

$280,000 $352,000 $395,000 $592,000 $685,000

909/A 1266/A 1239/A 2504/A 1860/A

Seco Canyon RD #106 Avocado Place Canones CIR Park Woodland PL Lamplight PL Curtis Alan PL Parvin DR

$375,000 $478,000 $515,000 $622,000 $705,000 $739,000 $945,000

1059/A 1592/A 1874/A 2363/A 3107/A 2702/A 3441/A

$370,000

963/A

$259,950 $475,000 $500,000 $509,250 $512,500 $529,000 $535,000 $538,000 $604,000 $610,000 $860,000 $1,053,000

760/A 1018/A 1844/A 2034/A 1442/A 1506/A 1289/A 1419/A 2036/A 1938/A 3178/A 3566/A

CASTAIC 27585 28942 27611 31327

NEWHALL 26337 19311 19042 24169 24755

SAUGUS 28341 28537 22297 28705 22580 28550 21840

STEVENSON RANCH 25148 Steinbeck AVE #E

VALENCIA & WESTRIDGE 25811 25655 26828 24516 23963 27150 27874 28335 25361 23303 27003 26977

Tournament RD #H1 Alicante DR Willow Creek LN #23 Windsor DR #B Mill Valley RD Manor CIR Skycrest CIR Mayfair DR Playa Serena DR Tristin DR Waterside CT Granite Ridge CT

100 YEARS

SignalSCV. com

F E B R UA RY 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 17

TIMERANGER

Big Cats, Fake News & a SCV Super Bowl Hero What a fascinating trailride waits for us this morn. Ahead through that spinning vortex into the Santa Clarita of yesteryear are cannibals and man-excavating lions, lost pioneers and local gridiron heroes. We’ve got schools burning down and housewives beating a wildcat to death with a gardening implement. C’mon, you yuppies, millennials, Generation Xers, Yzers, Zeezers and letters yet named. You grizzled old-timers? Do you need a fancy written invitation to mosey? WAY BACK WHEN & THEN SOME

• The wrong San Francisco  A striking difference between 21st century and mid-19th-century life was how helpful people could be back then. The fabled Bennett-Arcane wagon train had gotten lost in what would later be called Death Valley in January 1849. Two men, William Manly and John Rogers, headed out on foot from the forsaken desert to San Francisco. Lost, they missed the city by 350 miles and still ended up in San Francisco — Rancho San Francisco that is, later known as the Santa Clarita Valley. After Manly and Rogers were hosted by ranch owner Ignacio del Valle, the jefe sent men, wagons, tools and supplies to rescue the stranded pioneers, a journey that took more than a month. Can you imagine taking off a month in 2019 to drop what you’re doing and help someone? FEB. 10, 1919

• Mommy what’s a tractor?  On this date, several local high school boys attended a tractor-driving class at Van Nuys High. • Rock me baby, rock me baby, all night long  The few dozen buildings and 500 souls living in the SCV shook, rattled and rolled when a medium-sized earthquake decided to visit. Funny. Same darn day as the Feb. 9, 1971 quake. FEB. 10, 1929

• Have you ever smelled a railroad tie?   That’s not the lyric of a country song. Talk of the town was the new home of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Gormley, in Placerita Canyon. It was made completely of railroad ties. • That’s a lot of hot water   Speak-

continued to work, selling real estate, operating a notary business and doing taxes. His autobiography was entitled: “Story of a Common Gink.”

ing of construction, we just had one state highway steam shovel working in the SCV. It finished up widening the road 20 miles through Mint Canyon. FEB. 10, 1939

• Hardscrabble Elm  Newhall Elementary burned to the ground. Again. The home of the Eagles originally cost $65,000 to build, but insurance on the structure had a cap of $53,000. Long gone is the epic structure with its five massive columns at the front of the school. Also heartbreaking was the loss of the school auditorium, which also served as the valley’s meeting hall. Arson was suspected but never proved. It was the third time the school was destroyed by fire. Add two earthquakes to that, too. Eighty years later, as Tom Frew says: “WHAT gasoline can?” FEB. 10, 1949

• Big fat cat  Mrs. Clayton up in Agua Dulce had an added morning chore. She went to feed the chickens and found a 22-pound bobcat going Charles Manson on the birds. She killed the lynx with a pitchfork, but not before it killed 50 of her layers. • So long, dad  The valley mourned a pioneer on this date, a half-century back. On Feb. 12, Almon B. Thatcher, aka A.B., aka “Dad,” slipped peacefully away in his sleep at the ripe age of 88. He had bought The Newhall Signal from Blanche Brown in 1925 and ran it for 13 years. The former Signal owner, editor and publisher had stayed on at the paper after he (at the age of 78) sold it in 1938. For 12 years, he continued to write his column, making him the oldest working newspaperman west of the Mississippi. When most men settled into cozy retirement, Dad

• Oils well that ends well  As quickly as it started, it finished with a half-hearted flutter. The big Newhall bust was busted — at least on Arcadia Street. The tony enclave had been the site of eight major oil wells, some set right next to the valley’s most expensive homes. Speculation was that Arcadia sat above an epic oil pool. Maybe they just didn’t drill deep enough. Despite what the major metropolitan dailies were saying, oil was still booming in the SCV. Wildcatters turned their attention over to Happy Valley and Placerita Canyon. • The guest of Wayside Honor Rancho  Hollywood superstar Robert Mitchum was the guest of Wayside Honor Rancho. The big gray and white bus pulled into the prison and out stepped Bob. The tough-guy actor would do a 60-day stay for narcotics possession. He was arrested with Lila Leeds, dancer Vicki Evans and a fourth show biz person for marijuana possession. Mitchum was given a physical and mental examination at Wayside (today, Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic), then given the mop and mess detail. FEB. 10, 1959

• Yay for rain!  As a farming and ranching community, we pretty much lived and died by the rain. A nice week’s worth of showers ended a long drought, saving crops and ensuring good grazing grass. FEB. 10, 1969

• But we’re hopin’  The William S. Hart Union High School District initiated a new anti-drug program. It hasn’t quite taken yet. • Score some more  L.A. Baptist College’s Mustangs made national headlines. They led America’s small colleges in scoring with an average of 106.4 points per game. Jerry Owens was third in the nation for scoring for the “Bab” as they called The Master’s University back then. He averaged around 31 points per game. His son, Jerry Owens, was an all-CIF receiver at Hart High 20 years ago.

• Deer me  Mr. and Mrs. Bob Montgomery over there on Fourl Road had a late-night surprise visitor. Watching TV late one night, they heard what they thought was an explosion in their front bedroom. Turned out a deer had jumped through their window. Then what followed was a Caltrans moment. It took two sheriff ’s deputies, two game wardens and both Montgomerys over an hour to get the deer to jump back through the window. • Aqua, man  Problems with the Castaic and Newhall Water districts are nothing new. Both agencies were being investigated for overcharges, misuse of funds and warring to take over water rights. Again. FEB. 10, 1979

• High desert cannibals?  Sports Editor Walt Cieplik wrote his national award-winning “They Eat Their Young In Burroughs Ridgecrest” column. Cieplik (aka, John Boston) took the community to task after yahoos there shot at a Hart High School bus after a football loss. Cieplik’s opening graph described BR thusly: “It (Burroughs Ridgecrest) sits on the bleached basin floor like a brown stain on a hobo’s underwear... ” • Best as we can tell it wasn’t a previous kill  Trainer Frank Tom was walking one of his full-grown male African lions out at the Noel Marshall animal compound up Soledad Canyon. The lion started digging and found part of a human skeleton. Heavens. I could feel the horses picking up the pace as we got closer to our return coordinates. See you in seven with another exciting Time Ranger adventure. Until then — conviértete en ti mismo y vayan con Dios! (Become yourself and ride with God!)   John Boston, aka, Mr. Santa Clarita Valley, has been writing about and teaching the history of the SCV for more than 40 years. Read his historical tome, “Images of America: The Santa Clarita Valley.” It’s available on Amazon.com. Don’t forget to check out his weekly series on the History of The Mighty Signal on the front page of every Saturday’s paper …

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Unless otherwise stated, the views and opinions expressed are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily represent the views of The Signal.

OURVIEW

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

Pitchess Escape Raises Questions on Security

Losing Our National Soul to the Blindness of Selfism

By The Signal Editorial Board

By David Hegg

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hen an inmate being held in lieu of more than a million dollars’ bail walked away from the Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic sometime Sunday morning, no one noticed. When it came time for the 7 a.m. bed check, David Luis Bustamonte wasn’t in his bunk. He had slithered out of the Los Angeles County jail’s South facility, presumably under cover of darkness. He escaped the property, undetected. Almost as if no one was watching. Custody deputies with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department set about the process of verifying that he was indeed missing, and two and a half hours later, the alarms went off to alert the surrounding communities that an escape had occurred. Bustamonte’s newfound freedom would last less than a day: Thanks to deputies from the LASD’s Major Crimes Bureau and some intrepid scent-following canines, they tracked him to an underpass near the interchange of Interstate 5 and State Route 126, near a homeless encampment. He was wearing civilian clothes. It’s unclear where he got them.

Bustamonte was convicted in July 2018 on theft-related charges, including burglary and theft of property. His next court date had been scheduled March 6 in Pomona. Surely, his escape has ensured that he will face additional court dates — and, one would presume, a higher level of security in his incarceration. All’s well that ends well, right? Not so fast. Bustamonte’s escape raises a host of questions. Among them: How did he escape in the first place? That one is still unanswered. Back in the old days of the Pitchess Detention Center, it was known as the “Peter J. Pitchess Honor Rancho.” It was always a euphemism for “jail,” but it was the sort of place where low-level criminals would be held, and the security was openly acknowledged as “minimum,” and “walkaways” were rather common. But times have changed. The community surrounding the jail has See OUR VIEW, page 20

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e’ve all heard it: There are none so blind as those who will not see. Although this cogent statement rises out of Jeremiah 5:21 in the Bible’s Old Testament, the first use of it in the popular form can be traced back to 1546 in the work of one John Heywood. Since then it has appeared from time to time as a means of expressing incredulity in the face of absurdity, as evidenced in the 2nd part of Heywood’s declaration: “The most deluded people are those who choose to ignore what they already know.” Recently, a Virginia state representative — Kathy Tran — introduced a bill that would ... wait for it ... allow abortions to take place right up to, and including, the third trimester of the mother’s pregnancy. When asked by a reporter if that meant even up to the time of the actual birth, Tran’s answer was “yes.” Just to be clear, she declared her bill, if passed, would allow a mother to abort her baby even as she was ful-

ly dilated, and the child was emerging from the birth canal. Can you imagine the scene? I can, and I must admit I wish I couldn’t. So, here’s the question: What ethical position must one take to offer such a bill, and work for its adoption? And further, what ethical position must one champion in order to feel good about providing a mechanism for disposing of an unwanted human child even as he or she is coming into the world? I submit Tran’s bill finally pushes the answer out into the spotlight. While once abortion was advertised as the right of women to rid themselves of an “unviable tissue mass” we now know the pro-abortion crowd largely supports the ending of a child’s life, even when it is a fully developed human being. And the ethic that supports this, and actually demands it, is selfism. Selfism is the determination that anything the self wants is morally acceptable. We see it all around us, and we even find it in us. We’re a See HEGG, page 20

READERLETTERS

SCV Movie-Goers: Check Out “Capernaum” I would like to bring your attention to a fabulous movie, “Capernaum.” I had to drive to Pasadena to watch it. I work in the industry. Even on that level screeners of it have not been given out as is customary. Anyway, the movie is now nominated for Best Foreign Movie along with four others in this year’s Oscars. The movie is not an art house type of movie. It is full of small anecdotes that are very easy to follow with subtitles generally two lines, maximum of six words a line. Really simple! Even my 11-year-old has watched it and navigated well with it. The content of “Capernaum” is what demands a wider net for audiences

to go see it. It tells the story of a child swallowed in systemic ways. A result of displacement. Refugee status. Are you aware that 65 million people are displaced? That 32 million kids are growing without access to schools and most likely working at the age of 8 and up? Exposed to the elements when just infants, as their families suffer from poverty etc.? I only found these out after watching the movie. It is so powerful. It will blow you away and if Bob Mondello of NPR says it is an epic, I tell you it is an immersion, an initiation of sorts. You walk out of it teary eyed, muddled and a gazillion questions on your mind. And here Sony chose to only play it in Laemmle Theaters — of recent I noticed a bit wider net to one AMC theater and one Regency. It boggles me that it is not spread out to people in the indusSee LETTERS, page 19

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Opinion

Contact: Tim Whyte, Signal Editor Phone: 661-287-5591 | Email: letters@signalscv.com Mail: 26330 Diamond Place, Suite 100, Santa Clarita, CA 91350

N AT I O N A LC O M M E N TA R Y

D R AW I N G C O N C LU S I O N S J E F F S TA H L E R

Does Our Age Define Our Political Leanings? By Gene Lyons National Columnist

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henever I encounter words like “boomer,” “Gen Xer” and “millennial” used to explain political behavior, it’s normally my practice to quit reading. As anybody old enough to remember the Kennedy assassinations and the Vietnam War understands, so-called “boomers” have been bitterly divided about every significant issue in American politics all their lives. So no, knowing my birthdate tells you nothing about my politics. Only that I’m too old to be president. Not that I’m in danger of being drafted, understand. For that matter, there’s never been a time when I wouldn’t have regarded a politician’s existence as an unmitigated horror. Glad-handing and grinning like an opossum all the time? Giving after-dinner speeches every night? Forever seeking to ingratiate oneself with strangers? Little solitude and no privacy? No thanks. No matter. I’m definitely over the event horizon. So that’s my answer to a question recently posed by the Boston Globe’s Robert Weisman: “Question for Democrats: Are some candidates too old?” Illustrated by photos of Sen. Bernie Sanders (77), former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (76) and former Vice President Joe Biden (76), the article asks if it’s “ageist” to think the presidential train has left the station without them. Supposedly, Weisman writes, “a growing movement of older Americans bristles at the notion that gray hair is a deficit.” He quotes Ashton Applewhite, author of “This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism,” to the effect that

“any call for young blood without evidence that an old person is incompetent or that a young person can do the job better is like saying a black person can’t do the job, or a woman can’t do the job.” Easy for Applewhite to say; she’s only 66. I’ll tell you what’s “ageist.” Life is ageist. The calendar is ageist. Elsewhere, the Globe cites Eric Schneidewind (73), who recently stepped down as AARP president, to the effect that “(s)aying people are ‘too old’ is reflective of an outmoded idea.” I do hope that Schneidewind is enjoying his well-earned retirement. So anyway, here’s the deal: My hair’s not gray, it’s white. I’m one of those shaggy-haired Irish guys like Tip O’Neill or Teddy Kennedy, if you’re old enough to remember them. I’m marginally younger than all three putative septuagenarian Democratic candidates. I’m in excellent health — I’ve always been lucky that way — and good physical condition. Never smoked, always stayed in shape. Physiologically younger than my years. All that. And still too damn old to be president. Anybody in their mid-70s who tries to tell you they don’t feel the transmission slipping as time’s winged chariot draws nearer is definitely bluffing. Maybe your judgment’s sounder, but your memory’s not what it was, solving complex problems is more difficult, and new ideas are harder to absorb. Maybe I’m not too old to write newspaper columns or even to serve as a Supreme Court justice, like 85-year-old Ruth Bader Ginsburg. (Although I’m guessing she’s See LYONS, page 20

LETTERS

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try: a link; a small DVD can be directed to them. Nada! zilch! Kaput! Muffled! That is what I see has happened to it. It is not an art movie for them to do that. I tell you they have shown it in many film festivals, Santa Barbara, San Fransisco, Palm Springs, New York — but not to the general public and mostly not to the people of the industry. At the Directors Guild of America, Peter Farrelly mentioned Nadine Labaki as being missed among the nominated Best Director category. The first Middle Eastern woman director who has done a masterpiece for the ages, picking all her actors from the slums of Beirut. The boy was recognized at New Mexico film Festival with the Best Child Performance award. Zain will grip your heart, I tell you. The rest are veritable, off-thestreet people with palpable performances by each and every one. I advise you to go see it and then tell me I am exaggerating. In Capernaum there isn’t a song that lifts you, a deliberate numbing, sad tune — only a smile at the very end that lifts you a bit.

Sony Classics paid a feeble $1.3 million for the distribution rights in the U.S. as disclosed by Hollywood Reporter. Should the industry be denied the opportunity! While every other movie in that category has cost so much more, is playing in regular theaters, on Netflix .. and this gem, this fountain of humanity gets an applause here and there. You tell me if Spielberg has done this and has taken such measures in being authentic: What would the publicity be like? What registry would be opened after it, what chronicles of memoirs would be filed? What conversation(s) would be started? I truly see our humanity dissolving. What has become of us? Please, I wish you give it the attention it deserves in our Valley. It needs to run in our theaters and hopefully you encourage our community to see it. It deserves all the attention we can give it. We will be serving the universe doing that. Thank you for your time! Nina Maaluf, Valencia Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone number; Anonymous letters are not printed; Email: letters@signalscv. com; Mail to: Letters to the Editor, The Signal, 26330 Diamond Place, Ste. 100, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.

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Opinion

HEGG

Continued from page 18

selfish people and our selfish desires are made possible by our wealth and the huge variety of stimuli we’ve amassed in our culture. From fast food that announces you can “have it your way” to myriad products designed to entice and satisfy our every urge and desire, we have become a society addicted to our own convenience, comfort, and titillation. On the other end of the spectrum, whatever dares to oppose our selfism, and our ability to satiate our personal desires, must be eliminated. We see it everywhere. When something hinders our pursuit of pleasure, we simply throw it away, even if that something is a someone. And while selfism has taken a wrecking ball to marriages and families, we’ve descended even further into the abyss of blind selfism, thanks to Tran. I’m a father and grandfather. I’ve held newborns, seen their perfectly formed little fingers, toes and noses. I’ve marveled at their magnificent form, and teared up often, being humbled by the presence of a new life, filled with great promise. Those who support a woman’s right to kill her baby believe they are championing something good and right. But they’re blind. They’re blinded by a monstrous selfism that demands they deny what they actually already know. They know it’s a baby. And if they want to side with science, they know it became a life at conception. Women who have walked the path of abortion also know what they’ve done, and it haunts them, and hurts them for years to come.

OUR VIEW

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changed. Expectations have changed. And the nature of the Pitchess Detention Center has changed, as has the nature of the inmates being held there. It’s not supposed to be an “honor rancho” anymore. Additional questions: Why did it take two and a half hours to confirm Bustamonte was actually missing before the alarms were sounded? Could that two and a half-hour delay have put any residents in jeopardy? Why was information so hard to come by in the hours after the escape? There’s no public information deputy at the Pitchess Detention Center, which is equipped to house more than 8,000 inmates. Different media outlets were reporting different sets of information, and it wasn’t until a sergeant was dispatched from L.A. that there was any consistency in the information being provided to the media and the public. In fact, some social media and media reports were saying early in the day that the escapee

Why? Simply because even the blind can feel the truth. Yet, once you have chosen to join the pro-abortion tribe, the only way to move forward is to spin your hurt into a false courage, and smilingly declare you’ve exercised your right, killed your baby, and are ready to get on with your life. How do I know this? Simply because I have counseled, cried with, and sought to comfort many who have given in to their selfism and aborted their babies. The great majority wish they had protected their child’s rights, and all understand they’ll be paying the emotional price of their actions for years to come. Will Kathy Tran’s bill become the law in Virginia? I pray it won’t, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it did. Why? Because we’re losing our national soul. We’re bowing to the god of selfism at breakneck speed. The answer, as always, isn’t legislation, but ethical reformation. Life is a good and precious gift, regardless of the inconveniences, challenges and tragedies that befall us. What we need is a return to the light of truth and a re-commitment to what our forefathers believed when they wrote, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church and a Santa Clarita resident.“Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.  had been caught, when in fact the search was still on. Such misinformation can be dangerous. In the wake of the escape, county Supervisor Kathryn Barger asked the Sheriff ’s Department to report on the details of how the escape happened, and that report is due back in 45 days. Hopefully it will shed more light on what happened, and how, and how the lines of communication can be more efficient, and how such escapes can be prevented in the future. “We want to make sure our Sheriff ’s Department is fully equipped to ensure the public’s safety. This instance offers insight on opportunities for improvement,” Barger said, rather euphemistically. In general, the Pitchess Detention Center is a good neighbor for the citizens of Castaic and other nearby neighborhoods of the Santa Clarita Valley. But it would only take one incident of escapee violence to ruin that. Thankfully, it didn’t happen. This time. The LASD needs to provide the community assurances there won’t be a next time. 

LYONS

Continued from page 19

hanging on out of patriotic duty.) While hardly comparable, both are sit-down jobs well suited for old duffers with their wits about them. Think of the wise counselor, Mentor, in Homer’s “Odyssey.” Or of Casey Stengel, managing the New York Mets. Although, come to think of it, “The Old Perfesser” himself retired at 75. So should all three presumed over-75 Democratic candidates retire from presidential politics? Actually, there’s little point in discussing Bloomberg, who has no constituency outside lower Manhattan and zero chance. According to Edward-Isaac Dovere in the Atlantic, however, Biden and his handlers believe that having Bernie Sanders in the race “might help neutralize the issue of Biden’s age.” Well, it says here that the amiable former vice president is definitely kidding himself. By now, Sanders is a cult candidate, overshadowed by younger members of the progressive movement he did much to promote, bless his cantankerous heart. Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris, Cory Booker and possibly Sherrod Brown all share Bernie’s appeal to progressives without his advanced age and grating personality. Also, few establishment-oriented Democrats — they’re still permitted to vote — are ready to forgive the personal attacks that helped Trump pillory the 2016 Democratic nominee as “Crooked Hillary.” Meanwhile, Biden remains 76 years of age and pondering the grueling two-year physical and emotional ordeal that is an American presidential campaign, which, assuming all went well, would see him celebrating his 82nd birthday in the White House. Always assuming the job didn’t kill him first. I had a talk about this with an eminent brain scientist recently, a bit younger than myself and contemplating his own retirement. He mentioned differential rates of physiological aging, the strain of the office, intellectual decline, the prevalence of hidden transient ischemic episodes and a couple of other aspects of aging I’ve forgotten. Then he said, “Honestly, I couldn’t vote for anybody over 75.” Honestly, nobody should. Arkansas Times columnist Gene Lyons is a National Magazine Award winner and co-author of “The Hunting of the President.”Tim Whyte’s column will return next week. 

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= Family Friendly Event

THIS WEEK’S CALENDAR

ONGOING Mondays, 10 a.m.  Join Barnes & Noble every Monday morning at 10 a.m. for a special Toddler Storytime at the Children’s Stage. Barnes & Noble, 23630 Valencia Blvd., Santa Clarita. Info: stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2642 Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  California farmers and specialty food purveyors come together each Saturday, rain or shine, to bring you a farmers’ market with the finest in fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables, including organic, baked goods, flowers, herbs, cheeses, and prepared foods. The market offers patrons a chance to come face to face with their food source. Old Town Newhall, 24500 Main Street. Info: oldtownnewhall. com/old-town-newhall-farmers-market/ Saturdays and Sundays, 9:30 a.m. to noon.  The Gibbon Center is open to the public and a tour is given at roughly 10 a.m., no reservations are required. $15 Adults, $12 teens and students, $10 Seniors, $5 Children 6-12, Children under 5 are free. 19100 Esguerra Road, Santa Clarita. Info: gibboncenter.org Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Grab the young’uns and mosey on up the hill in William S. Hart Park to the glorious hilltop Mansion, where you can not only take a free guided tour, but your young ones can have some free craftin’ fun. Set up right outside the Mansion’s back door, on the covered back patio, is the new weekly Crafterday craft table. The young ones can try their hands at simple crafts like making their own totem poles, designing their own rope art, making their own dreamcatchers, and so much more. It’s free and all are welcome. Activities geared towards younger participants, but anyone who enjoys crafts will have a grand ol’ time. 24151 Newhall Ave., Newhall. Info: (661) 254-4584, hartmuseum.org Saturdays, 5-8 p.m.  Every Saturday night, we find a great group of Gourmet Food Trucks to get together and create community fun in the Santa Clarita Valley. The food trucks rotate so that each week, there are different options of food to try. Tables and chairs are provided and it’s handicap-accessible. There is a grassy knoll to picnic on, fly kites or Frisbee. 26573 Carl Boyer Drive, Santa Clarita. Info: facebook.com/foodtrucksaturday Sundays, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Shop and save every Sunday at the Santa Clarita Swap Meet. Hundreds of vendors selling new merchandise, collectibles, plants, home decor,

clothing, tools and so much more. Live entertainment, food trucks and good cheer every week! $2 admission. 22500 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita. Info: saugusspeedway.com/ content/Meet-our-Swap-Meets.aspx Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Come hug the cows, give the pig’s tummy rubs, cuddle the turkeys and enjoy a beautiful day at the Gentle Barn Donation: Adults $22, Kids $12. Tickets are nonrefundable but rain checks are available upon request. The Gentle Barn, 15825 Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita. Info: gentlebarn.org/california First Tuesday of the month, 7 p.m.  The Stage Door at the Keyboard Galleria hosts a free monthly open mic for all musicians, lyricists, comics and entertainers. KGMC always provides a great back line, so don’t worry about bringing your gear. Of course, if you’re attached to your favorite guitar, you can bring it. The stage is complete with amps, drums, digital piano and a Bose PA system. It’s a great room to play and a great way to meet other like-minded musicians in the community. If you’re not a performer or not ready to step on the stage, come check out some of the great talent here in Santa Clarita. 21515 Soledad Canyon Road, Ste. 120, Santa Clarita. Info: keyboardgalleria.com

Tuesday, Feb. 12, 6-9 p.m.   Come have a beer or glass of wine and support Soroptimist International of Valencia’s mission to improve the lives of women and girls! Wolf Creek Brewery will be donating a portion of the proceeds from this event to Soroptimist International of Valencia. 25108 Rye Canyon Loop, Valencia, Santa Clarita. Info: facebook. com/events/2216376591908922/?event_ time_id=2216376595242255 Wednesday, Feb. 13, 3-5 p.m.   A public reception will be held for the “Vibrant Bounty: Chinese Folk Art from the Shaanxi Region” exhibit. Visitors to the newest College of the Canyons Gallery 206 exhibition will be carried away to Shaanxi Province, one of the cradles of Chinese civilization, for a broader understanding and appreciation for another culture. The public will not want to miss the priceless artifacts and paintings that tell the stories of a far away, but not altogether different, people. The exhibition runs through March 15 in Gallery 206, located on the second floor of the Valencia campus library. 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita. Info: pamela.lewis@canyons.edu Wednesday, Feb. 13, 7-9 p.m.   Join Geek

! N! ! N I W WI WIN

EVENTS BY DATE Monday, Feb. 11, 2:30-5:30 p.m.  The College of the Canyons Art Gallery is pleased to present an exciting new exhibition, “A Better Nectar,” by Jessica Rath with Robert Hoehn. Rath, in collaboration with composer and sound designer Robert Hoehn, creates an immersive and interactive experience using sculpture, light, and sound to explore how bees learn and remember multisensory floral symbols to find better nectar.Join the artists for a lecture and discussion in Mentry Hall (Room 305) Monday, Feb. 11, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. A free public reception and celebration for the artists will follow from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Art Gallery. 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road Santa Clarita. Info: (661) 362-3612 Monday, Feb. 11, 6-8 p.m.  Please join Soroptimists International of Valencia for our Gentlemen for a Cause bowling challenge. This is the third in a series of four challenges leading up to our 9th Annual Gentlemen for a Cause cornhole tournament and live charity auction. Come and support these local gents! Bring the whole family and Bowl for a Cause. Valencia Lanes, 23700 Lyons Ave, Santa Clarita. Info: facebook.com/events/319371615364880/

Girls Forever for a special LoveCraft event while we craft our own cards whether you intend it for your Valentine or Galentine. This year, we’ll be decorating 16 oz tumblers for all those coffee (or wine) drinks you need on the go. We’ll supply various papers, stickers and the like including some Geek Girls Forever stickers. Feel free to bring your own accoutrements. Members pay a $12 materials fee. Non-members pay $10 meeting fee and a $12 materials fee. Geek Girls HQ, 24509 Walnut St., No. 203 Newhall. Info: geekgirlsforever.com/event-3232552 Thursday, Feb. 14, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.   Join Color Me Mine for a Paint By Candlelight Valentine’s day special. Enjoy two for one studio fees and complimentary treats all day long!Call to reserve a table. 24300 Town Center Drive, No. 106, Valencia. Info: (661) 799-9266, valencia.colormemine.com Thursday, Feb. 14, 3:30-5 p.m.  Come to the Dr. Richard. H. Rioux Memorial park for som Valentines Day cards, treats, games, prizes, etc. for children and their families. 26233 Faulkner Drive, Stevenson Ranch. Info: eventbrite. com/e/valentines-day-celebration-tickets-54373027188?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

CONGRATULATIONS to RON FRAZIER of CANYON COUNTRY — the winner of $100 for correctly identifying the artwork as being from MaMa’s Table advertisement on page 23 of our Jan. 27 issue. Identify this piece of artwork and the page number that it is on in one of the advertisements in this week’s issue, and you will be entered to win $100. One game and one winner each week.

Mail your entry to: The Signal – Contest 26330 Diamond Place | Santa Clarita, CA 91350 Or email to: contest@signalscv.com

NOW OPEN Advertiser: Page # BARBERS WANT Name:

Address:

Phone:

This week’s entries are due Wed. Feb 20. Winner to be announced in 2 weeks.

22 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

F E B R UA RY 10, 2019

HOMEIMPROVEMENT

Home theaters and proper pool drains By Robert Lamoureux Signal Staff Writer

Home theater permits Hi Robert, I’m in the process of planning out the install of a home theater in my home here in Santa Clarita. I’ve asked the company if this type of work requires permits due to the extensive amount of wiring to be done. I don’t want fires or problems later, so just need your guidance on if they are trying to skip steps or if they’re accurate. Please help, ­— Mike R. Mike, As long as they are not bringing in new circuits, meaning that they are using the existing power sources already available and not bringing in additional power from the main house panel, they are OK to install equipment without permits. The permits would, however, be required if they need to bring in additional power to the area. At this point, they’d be under restraints to follow city requirements for permitting additional electrical. All of the equipment otherwise is low voltage and there is no need for permitting on this. Much of the newer equipment is run on Bluetooth, so this limits the amount of wiring even more. You should be good to go if they are using existing power in the same area.

Unless your home entertainment system requires an additional power source, the equipment can usually be installed without permits, according to Robert Lamoureux. COURTESY PHOTOS

Good luck — you’ll love having this in your home. Robert Pool overflow drains Robert, I live in Santa Clarita, and in the last rains, we had nothing but a deluge of water from our swimming pool overflowing and the water making its way into our home. It’s a mess, there is not enough slope from the back of the house to the street and the backyard became a second swimming pool. Of course we weren’t home, so we came home to a flood to nearly the entire downstairs of our home. The back patio door is almost level with our pool deck, so you can imagine the mess that has happened here. What do we do? We’re in some deep trouble, our insurance came out as well as some other folks and we are getting a wide variety of opinions on what to do here. What can you tell us? ­ ­— Nick P.

If you don’t have proper drainage, your perfect pool dreams can turn your backyard into a flooded nightmare.

Nick, It sounds like you need to first put in a pool overflow drain. This isn’t incredibly difficult, they’ll remove the coping, saw cut into the bond beam and the specifically designed pool overflow drain will be installed. This will drain the excess water to an area drain. That is the next step, to either install area drains or have the existing drains cleared by a pro. Many people will put their garden hose to the drains and if the water comes out the other end, they think they are clear. While this can be true, often times the garden hose volume is not near what the volume would be in the incredible rain storms like we’ve had, and the drains prove themselves to be at least partially blocked. Have a pro go in a jet the drains and possibly run a camera, to ensure that they are fully clear and operating properly. You may also need to add additional drains, keep this as an option. Be sure that if you do not already have a core out to the street that a permit is pulled and a core is made so that the water can be directed from the drainage to the street versus onto

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the front yard or sidewalk. This would create a situation of potential mold growth and eventually a possible slip and fall situation, which is why the city does not permit the drainage onto the sidewalks. Aside from the drainage issues in the yard, you’ve hopefully had all wet materials removed from inside the home by now. Be sure that before any drywall or other materials are put back, that you or your contractor uses moisture meters to determine that the affected areas are now at 0% moisture. This step is key, and it’s important that all affected areas be checked thoroughly or you could be dealing with future mold issues. Once you know you are clear and dry, then go ahead and move forward with the rebuild of the interior of your home. You are likely looking at a hefty cost here, so be sure you are doing your due diligence and verifying all contractors’ licenses and insurances prior to working with them. Only pay the required deposit and do not pay on your final until you have confirmed work is satisfactory and if any permits needed, that you have all documents in hand. Good luck to you, Robert Robert Lamoureux has 38 years of experience as a general contractor, with separate licenses in electrical and plumbing contracting. He owns IMS Construction Inc. in Valencia. His opinions are his own, not necessarily those of The Signal. Opinions expressed in this column are not meant to replace the recommendations of a qualified contractor after that contractor has made a thorough visual inspection. Email questions to Robert at robert@imsconstruction.com. 

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F E B R UA RY 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 23

SCHOOL

How to encourage kids to love music

M

• Cut a rug with your kids. Children are bundles of energy who want to expend as much of that energy as possible. Dancing along to music is a great way for kids to use it up. Kids might not be able to waltz or dance an Irish jig, but many love to jump up and down. If they begin to associate music and dancing with jumping up and down, they’re more likely to smile when mom and dad crank up the stereo. • Sing and encourage kids to sing along. Kids won’t know if their parents are classically trained opera singers or performers whose vocal talents are best restricted to the shower. Singing along to favorite songs may encourage kids to follow suit, allowing them to learn words and language. Singing also is a fun activity kids are sure to embrace, making them look forward to daily music sessions. • Let kids be the DJ. When you start playing music, keep a close on children to see how they react to different types

which many even open your eyes to musical styles and acts you’d never consider otherwise.

COURTESY PHOTO

usic education can have a profound impact on children. Research has found that learning music facilitates learning other subjects, enhancing skills children will inevitably use elsewhere, according to PBS. The benefits of music education might be even more tangible than that. A 2004 study published in the journal Psychological Science found that 6-year-olds who were given weekly voice and piano lessons benefitted from small increase in IQs. Groups that received drama lessons or no lessons at all experienced no such increases. Additional studies have linked music education to other benefits. The Children’s Music Workshop notes that research has shown that musical training physically develops the part of the brain associated with processing language. These are just a handful of the ways music education can positively impact young minds. Parents who want their children to reap these rewards and more can take these steps to encourage a love of music in their children.

Music can enrich kids’ lives in various ways, and it’s never too early for parents to encourage a love of music in their children.

of music. If they seem to favor one style over another, play that favorite

style more often. If they tend to like it all, continue to expand their horizons,

• Let kids participate in music. Especially young children might not be able to pick up a guitar and make it sing, but that doesn’t mean they can’t participate. Purchase age-appropriate instruments for your children the moment they start playing with toys. Their curiosity might compel them to embrace musical lessons as they grow older. In addition, look for children’s musical events in your community, whether it’s a sing-along at the local library or an introduction to musical instruments at a nearby community center.   — Metro Connection

CLIP N SAVE Elementary School Menus Menus courtesy of Santa Clarita Valley School Food Services which serves these school districts: Castaic USD  •  Newhall USD • Saugus USD • Sulphur Springs USD

(choice of one entree, seasonal fruit and milk)

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

Monday, Feb. 11

Blueberry Bash Mini Waffles Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fruit Juice

Mini Corn Dogs Chicken Sandwich Spicy Chicken Sandwich Smart Choice Pizza* Seasonal Salad Bar

Tuesday, Feb. 12

Super Star Corn Muffin Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit

Chicken Taco Dippin’ Chicken & Sauce PBJ Sandwich^ & String Cheese Smart Choice Pizza* Seasonal Salad Bar Frozen Fruit Cup

Wednesday, Feb. 13

Breakfast Burrito Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit

Orange Chicken w/ Rice Cheeseburger Smart Choice Pizza* Seasonal Salad Bar Chocolate Chip Cookie

Thursday, Feb. 14

Sausage Biscuit Breakfast Bun Cereal Chilled Fruit Fresh Fruit

Toasty Grilled Cheese Sandwich Spicy Chicken Sandwich Chicken Sandwich Smart Choice Pizza* Seasonal Salad Bar Sweetheart Cherry Ice Cup

Friday, Feb. 15

No School

No School

24 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

F E B R UA RY 10, 2019

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Make a house for your feathered friends

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ot all birds fly south for the winter! Identify the feathered friends that frequent your neighborhood and then make a birdhouse with your family using simple supplies such as a cardboard milk carton and nature finds. When it’s done, it’s so rewarding to look out a window on a winter’s day and see a bird or two perched on the birdhouse your family has made together. You and your kids will love crafting this fanciful birdhouse because it offers so many possibilities without a saw, hammer or woodworking equipment. Here’s how to create one in four easy steps: Rinse out and dry a half-gallon juice or milk carton. Staple the carton shut along the top. An adult may cut out a

circle about 1-1/2 inches in diameter on one of the side panels of the carton, 3 inches above the base of the carton. For a perch for the birds, poke a small hole COURTESY PHOTO below the large hole. Poke a matching hole in the opposite side of the carton, then insert a 6-inchlong wooden dowel or smooth sturdy stick through both small holes. It’s time to decorate! Using a low-temperature glue gun or just

How to recognize colic

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ew parents experience many things for the first time in the months after their children are born. One of the more perplexing problems new moms and dads may experience is colic. The Mayo Clinic defines colic as frequent, prolonged and intense crying and fussiness in a healthy infant. Colic is such a frustrating enigma because the distress has no apparent cause and parents are often helpless as they try to soothe and comfort

their suddenly fussy children. Colic was first extensively studied by Dr. Morris Wessel, an American pediatrician who in the 1950s offered the first widely accepted definition of colic. According to Dr. Wessel’s criteria, about one in four babies develops colic, which typically peaks around six to eight weeks after birth. The American Pregnancy Association notes that 50 percent of colic cases end around three months, and 90 percent are gone by the time the child reaches nine months of age.

Symptoms of colic  Learning to

recognize the signs of colic can help parents determine if their child is colicky or perhaps dealing with an illness or condition that is more serious and requires medical attention. The Mayo Clinic notes that the following are some features of colic:

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• Intense crying that may seem more like screaming or an expression of pain. • Crying for no apparent reason. It’s important to note that babies often cry to express hunger or the need for a diaper change. But crying babies who are not hungry and

regular household glue and a brush, start applying twigs, pieces of bark, dried pods, leaves, etc., wherever your imagination says they belong. You might add a few plastic trinkets or an old silk flower or two if the space seems right. Punch a hole in the top of the house. Loop a piece of wire or twine through the hole and hang the house from a tree branch or a fence post.

You’re done! Watch as birds discover the new abode. The grandkids are coming! Tip: Young grandchildren might enjoy making a treat for the birds. Take a pine cone, roll it around in peanut butter until it’s completely covered, then roll it once more in birdseed. Tie a string around it and hang it from a tree branch.  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 NEW Donna’s Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.”

© 2018 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

Learning to recognize the signs of colic can help parents determine if their child is colicky or dealing with a condition that is more serious and requires medical attention.

whose diapers are not soiled may be exhibiting colic. • Extreme fussiness even after crying has diminished. • Predictable timing: Episodes of colic often occur in the evening at around the same time each night.

always indicative of colic. The Mayo Clinic advises parents to visit their children’s pediatricians if they suspect their babies’ excessive crying and fussiness if indicative of something more than colic.

• Bodily tension: Pulled up or stiffened legs, stiffened arms, clenched fists, arched back, or tense abdomen may be indicative of colic.

Colic often resolves on its own. Despite the frustration it can cause both parents and baby, the Mayo Clinic notes that it has not been linked to any short- or long-term problems for a child. Soothing children as much as possible and recognizing that symptoms tend to dissipate rather quickly can help parents and their children get through this difficult period.

Excessive crying or fussiness is not

— Metro Connection

• Facial discoloration: Babies’ faces may redden or the skin around the mouth may turn pale.

F E B R UA RY 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 25

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

‘Roma,’ ‘Spiderman’ and ‘Eternity’s Gate’ film that will bring each one of us back to what movies are about. And that is the mark of an exceptional film.

By Dianne White Crawford Signal Contributing Writer

Y

ou’re running out of time to catch all the Best Picture nominees before what’s probably Hollywood’s biggest night, the 91st annual Academy Awards. With that in mind, we took a look at “Roma,” which had more than a half-dozen Oscars nominations. “At Eternity’s Gate” takes a look at the twisted tale of Vincent Van Gogh — which earned a nod for Willem Dafoe. We also reviewed “SpiderMan: Into the Spider-Verse”

“At Eternity’s Gate” (limited screenings or buy/rent on Prime Video)

“Roma” (Limited Release and Streaming on NetFlix)

(Oscar Nominations for Best Picture; Best Lead Actress, Yalitaza Aparicio; Best Supporting Actress, Marina de Tavira; Best Director, Alfonso Cuaron; Best Original Screenplay, Alfonso Cuaron; Best Cinematography, Alfonso Cuaron; Best Foreign Language Film, Mexico; Best Sound Editing, Sergio Diaz and Skip Lievsay; Best Sound Mixing; Best Production Design, Eugenio Caballero and Barbara Enriquez) Over the brief 134-minute runtime, we grow into this family in a patient and natural way as we live and breathe their day-to-day lives in 1970s Mexico City. The film is

“Roma” COURTESY ART

essentially a sequence of episodes, big or small and the impact on this family, affecting characters in different ways, and told primarily through the perspective of the housemaid, Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio). We experience hardships, love, anger, tragedy, bliss, and even the smallest of human emotions, such as childhood naivete. And like children, we once again embrace the details of life, from collecting hail from the ground by hand as it falls from the sky to sharing a hug as last night’s rain can be heard still trickling

“At Eternity’s Gate” COURTESY ART

down the gutters. Written, directed, produced, filmed and edited by Alfonso Cuaron, this is as much a personal work as it is a testament to an artist’s vision and talent. It is a historically-grounded film that comes alive by significantly reaching every corner of each frame, with camerawork so intentional that it fills our hearts with a mother’s pain, a story that ranges from lighthearted to cathartic, and a brilliant pattern of recurring, familiarizing setting elements that appreciates and brings into light the reality of everyday life. Perhaps one of the film’s strongest thematic undercurrents is the perseverance of women within the societal stronghold of men. With its unapologetic display of evil deeds at the expense of women going criminally unnoticed every day, the film is, in a way, a love letter to say that Cuaron has not forgotten the multifaceted strength of the women in his life (it is dedicated to his nanny and was inspired by his own childhood). The film’s end felt like awaking from a dream. As the lights turned on, I looked around the theater, as if we had all just been transported back into our own lives. Cuaron has accomplished something extraordinary here. While much of the film comes from the memories of childhood, it is also a

(Oscar Nomination for Best Lead Actor, Willem Dafoe) Vincent Van Gogh is an artist whose life was seemingly tailor-made for the movies — the brilliance, the madness, the short tragic story unappreciated in his time and... the ear. (The first I ever heard of Van Gogh was in elementary school — an artist so intense he cut his own ear off? Cool!) Coming off last year’s brilliantly animated “Loving Vincent,” comes the latest entry in the Van Gogh filmography. But the artist, played by Willem Dafoe, isn’t given the traditional biopic treatment. The film focuses on the last few months of the painter’s life. Aided by Cinematographer Benoit Delhomme, we get a kaleidoscope of images, sounds and visions. Delhomme’s hand-held camera-work takes some getting used to, and, quite frankly, can be a bit distracting at times. (The demands supposedly forced the camera operator to give up on the opening shot and Delhomme had to operate the camera himself.) The minimalist score adds to the disjointed perspective. Schnabel’s fragmented style doesn’t give the actors much room to breathe, but Dafoe and the others handled themselves capably. The cumulative effect will certainly not be to everyone’s taste (particularly those desiring a traditional biography), but, the film is a vivid impression of what those final

months may have been like — one artist’s vision of another’s. I would recommend waiting for the DVD.

“Spider-Man: Into the SpiderVerse” (Released)

(Oscar Nomination for Best Animated Film) The film’s biggest strength is knowing exactly what it is. There’s no deep meanings or important messages to be found here other than the usual superhero morals and that leaves a lot of room for action, comedy and heart. The animation really sells this movie; I can’t say I’ve seen a similar style before. While it can make some action sequences a little hard to follow, it is absolutely beautiful and never gets old. The writing is pretty great; the story is cohesive and different and many of the jokes hit well (clearly some “Deadpool”-inspired humor to be found here). Miles Morales is a fantastic spider-man and alternative Peter Parker is nicely fleshed out. The other spider-men, women and pig are lacking in character but provide good comic relief and keep the film fresh. The mish-mash of villains is an interesting choice. While Kingpin is definitely made the main antagonist, there are a number of villains in the movie but none are given any backstory or reasoning behind their actions other than Kingpin. This isn’t necessarily a weakness however, since the film is never bogged down by trying to justify their villains and instead focuses on the fun-factor of having enough enemies for the number of spider-people in the movie. It’s also worth mentioning that the soundtrack and score for the movie is pretty darn good. 

“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” COURTESY ART

26 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

F E B R UA RY 10, 2019

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

‘80s scene returns to Canyon Santa Clarita By Crystal Duan Signal Staff Writer

F

ans of 80s music will delight at the latest show coming to Canyon Santa Clarita Johnny Ventura takes the stage and sings to massive crowds, his appearance is Spicoli, Sean Penn’s character in the classic 1980s film “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” Fast Times has four iconic 80’s rock

icons, such as Ventura’s Spicoli, Slash of Guns ‘N’ Roses, Nikki Sixx from Motley Crue and Devo, here to show you their takes on “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Living On A Prayer,” “Sweet Child O’Mine,” “Tainted Love,” “I Love Rock & Roll” and more. On Feb. 22, Santa Clarita residents can also party like a rock star by rocking out with the some of the best music of the 80s. Two tribute bands will

open for Fast Times — first is Pick Your Poison, a tribute band to the glam slam band Poison that dominated clubs on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles. Back for More, a Ratt tribute band with a name that pays tribute to the band’s eponymous hit song, is up second. The Ratt tribute begins at 8 p.m., while the Poison tribute begins at 9 p.m. The whole set with Fast Times starts at 10 p.m.

Tickets begin at $19.50 and guests are required to purchase dinner with a minimum of $25. Doors are at 6 p.m.   Find the Canyon Santa Clarita on the ground floor of the Westfield Valencia Town Center. Get tickets at the box office 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, by phone at 888-645-5006, or via TicketMaster.com. For more info, visit WheremusicmeetstheSoul.com.

F E B R UA RY 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 27

Ed Masterson: SCV’s master of ceremonies By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

I

f you’ve attended any kind of significant charity gala or large, public event in the Santa Clarita Valley during the last decade, it’s likely that Saugus resident Ed Masterson is either the emcee or working behind the scenes. Masterson, a California native raised in Whittier, is a sales and marketing manager at SOS Entertainment and a 30-year resident of the SCV.

Irish Roots

Masterson’s late father was an Irish immigrant, arriving in American in the late 1940s, working as a landscaper in addition to owning an Irish step dancing school. “He taught Irish step dancing,” said Masterson. “He was well-known in the Los Angeles Irish community at that time.” The elder Masterson was often asked to bring his dancers to appear on variety television shows, including “The Dennis Day Show.” “They also appeared on the opening day at Disneyland as part of the cultural tapestry they were showcasing,” said Masterson. Masterson said his father also taught Irish dancing to children of celebrities. “I think he taught Bob Hope’s kids and Dean Martin’s kids,” he said. Masterson’s mother, a retired Bell High School math teacher, still lives in the same Whittier house where he grew up. Masterson earned a bachelor’s degree in film from California State University, Fullerton. He met his wife, Valerie, in college and the couple wed in May 1985. They have two grown children, Gage and Elizabeth (Lizzy).

“When I was a tour guide, I loved going to Courthouse Square and pointing out the courthouse from ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’” he said. “When I would step on the property every day at Universal, I would feel the gravitas of all the classic films that had been shot there. I had an emotional connection to the property.” Masterson clearly remembers the moment when he decided he wanted to work in the entertainment industry. “I was in third grade and my mom took me to Universal Studios for the first time. When the tram pulled up in front of the “Munster” house (known as 1313 Mockingbird Lane and featured on the 1964-66 CBS TV comedy “The Munsters”), I was fascinated at how different it looked in real life from how it looked on TV,” he said. When he visited a soundstage and saw how filmmakers made it look like it was raining, he was hooked. “I fell in love with Universal Studios and the entire idea of making movies and television,” he said.

Moving Universal Moment

One of Masterson’s most moving memories involved a young boy given a special VIP Tour of the studio from the Make a Wish Foundation, which arranges special experiences for children battling critical illnesses. The boy, age 7 or 8, as Masterson remembered, was accompanied by his brother and sister and parents on the VIP tour.

Universal Studios

After graduation, Masterson moved to Burbank in 1982 and began working as a tour guide at Universal Studios. He was soon promoted to VIP tour guide. “It was one of the most fun jobs I ever had,” he said. A self-described “film geek,” one of Masterson’s favorite films is “To Kill a Mockingbird,” which was filmed on the Universal backlot.

PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

“During the tour, I learned he was a big fan of the show ‘Knight Rider’ that was filmed at Universal,” Masterson said. “Knight Rider” aired on NBC from 1982-86 and starred David Hasselhoff as Michael Knight, a high-tech modern crime fighter assisted by KITT, an advanced artificially intelligent car. As he escorted the family around the backlot of Universal on the tour trolley, he saw the KITT car driving past. “The kids became super excited when they saw the car,” he said. As the tour continued, the tram rounded a corner and blocking its path was KITT, parked sideways, with Hasselhoff standing outside of the car. “I hear we have a big ‘Knight Rider’ fan on the tour today,” Hasselhoff said. Hasselhoff took the boy in KITT and drove him around the lot for 10 or 15 minutes, said Masterson “Then he invited us back to the set to watch filming,” said Masterson. “That was one of those moments when you realize how cool Hollywood can be. It was such a great, dramatic moment.”

Universal Television

Working as a tour guide had its perks, including networking with people on the Universal Studios lot. In 1985, he became a production assistant in the television division. Universal Television once had as many as 40 television shows in production at one time on the studio lot in Universal City, said Masterson. Many well-known and popular shows were produced at Universal, said Masterson, including “Murder, She Wrote,” “Knight Rider,” “Air Wolf,” “George Burns Comedy House,” “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” and Steven Spielberg’s “Amazing Stories.” Masterson worked as a PA just six months before being promoted to production coordinator. For the next 15 years, Masterson worked as a production coordinator on “Simon & Simon,” “Quantum Leap,” “Home Free,” “A Whole New Ballgame,” “Blue Skies” and a variety of television pilots and other productions.

PROFILE

PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

Becoming a scriptwriter

In his spare time, Masterson turned his attention to script writing. He joined forces with his friend Bill Gucwa, who also worked on the lot. “After work, we would get together in my office and write scripts,” he said. The collaboration lasted five years and produced two motion pictures (among other projects). “No Code of Conduct” starred Charlie Sheen. The tense crime thriller was directed by Bret Michels, who rose to fame as lead singer of the rock band Poison. The film also starred Sheen’s father, Martin Sheen. They also wrote “Storm Catcher” a 1999 action-adventure film, starring Dolph Lundgren.

Moving to the SCV

Masterson and his wife moved to the SCV in 1988. “It was the height of the housing market and the demand was so high for homes, people would camp out so they could reserve a home before it was even built — or they would enter a lottery,” he said. The Mastersons got lucky and were able to get into a new development being built in Saugus where they still live. “We were able to choose our lot and were able to watch it being built over the following year,” he said.

Working in the SCV

After his son was born, Masterson decided to leave the long hours and uncertain paychecks of Hollywood behind and became a key account manager for Golden West K-9 Security in Santa Clarita. He also signed on with thenAssemblyman Cameron Smyth, R-Santa Clarita, for four years as See Masterson, page 35

28 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

F E B R UA RY 10, 2019

N E W S F E AT U R E

Clubs for everyone in the Santa Clarita Valley By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

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ave a secret passion for exploring the stars? There’s a club for that. Interested in sharing a great read with others? There’s a club for that. In the Santa Clarita Valley, there’s a club for nearly every interest. This isn’t a comprehensive list of all SCV clubs and organizations, and some clubs have pricey membership fees and dues, but these are a few options to get you “clubbing.” Santa Clarita Elks Lodge 2379 The Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks of the United States of America invites men and women to join the club. Meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, 7 p.m., 17766 Sierra Highway, Canyon Country. Info: (661)251-1500 or elks. org/lodges/lodgefacilities.cfm?LodgeNumber=2379 The Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley Providing hands-on service delivery while supporting the work, dreams, and goals of others to improve the lives of women. The community and world benefit from these efforts and life-long friendships are nurtured. The club, founded in 1974 in the SCV, is affiliated with Zonta International, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2019. Zonta welcomes people interested in furthering our mission of empowering women through service and advocacy. Meets the second Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. Check website for location. Info: scvzonta.org Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valley Soroptimist International is a global volunteer organization working to improve the lives of women and girls in our community and throughout the world. Meets for Monthly Program Luncheons the second Tuesday of each month, 11:30 a.m., The Oaks Grille, 26550 Heritage View Lane. Valencia. Reservations required. Info: sigscv.org Soroptimist International of Valencia The name, Soroptimist, means “best for women,” and that’s what

Right: The Santa Clarita Valley’s chapter of the Elks Lodge frequently hosts community events like their recent Car and Bike Show, to support local nonprofits. PHOTO BY RYAN MANCINI / THE SIGNAL

Left: From left: Zonta Foundation board members Nell Campbell, Darleen Lyons, Phyllis Walker, Beth Heiserman and Barbara Meyer. Not shown: Adele Macpherson, Gloria Mercado-Fortine, Vicky Tungate, Sue Hayward, Terry Kanowsky, Ronnie Erickson, Alicia Estrada and Pat Warford. COURTESY PHOTO

the organization strives to achieve. Soroptimists are women at their best, working to help other women to be their best. Soroptimist International of Valencia has been working toward this mission since 1974. Business meetings are held the second Wednesday of every month, 6:30 p.m., Wolf Creek Restaurant, 27746 McBean Parkway, Valencia. Friendship/Program meetings are held the fourth Wednesday of every month. Various locations. Membership info contactSIValencia@gmail.com. Info: sivalencia.org Blue Star Mothers of Santa Clarita Proud military mothers honoring our children, veterans and supporting each other. The Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. is a nonpartisan, non-political, non-sectarian organization. Supports the efforts and sacrifices of active duty military, guard or reserves as well as veterans through activities and community projects. Membership is open to all mothers (birth, step, adoptive, foster, grand or legal guardian) of a service member that is either currently serving or has been discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States. Meets third Tuesday of each month, 6-8 p.m. American Legion Post 507, 24527 Spruce St., Newhall. Info: https://presidentca46.wixsite.com/ bluestarmothersscv Assistance League Santa Clarita A volunteer organization that develops and implements programs to make a difference in the lives of families in the SCV. Meets first Wednes-

day of each month. Contact membership for more information: https:// assistanceleaguesantaclarita.org Rotary Club of Santa Clarita Valley Founded in the SCV May 31, 1960, the club is a member of Rotary International which has the motto “Service Above Self.” Meets Wednesdays, noon-1:30 p.m. Valencia Country Club, 27330 Tourney Road, Valencia Info: www.scvrotaryclub.com Rotary Club of Santa Clarita Sunrise The club bills itself as the “small but mighty service club.” Meets Wednesdays, 7:10 a.m. Int’l House of Pancakes, 24737 Pico Canyon Road, Stevenson Ranch Info: https://portal. clubrunner.ca/2644 Castaic Lions Club The club has served the communities of Castaic, Val Verde and the Santa Clarita Valley since 1954. Meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, 7:30 p.m., Mimi’s Café, 24201 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia Info: castaiclionsclub.org Santa Clarita Kiwanis “Serving the Children of the World.” The club has speakers from the local area and beyond to share information, organizations, happenings and events. Newcomers and visitors are welcome. Meets second and fourth Tuesdays of each month 6:15-8 p.m. Coco’s Bakery Restaurant, 24930 Pico Canyon Road, Stevenson Ranch Info: https://santaclaritakiwanis.com Santa Clarita Valley Rose Society A nonprofit educational organization, founded in 1992 to serve the

needs of rose gardeners. The club boasts it is a “friendly group of people from all walks of life, a wide range of age groups, both male and female, whose common interest is the love of roses.” Meets the second Sunday of the month, 2:30 p.m., Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center, 22900 Market St., Newhall Info: scvrs.homestead.com SCV Quilt Guild Join in the pursuit of fun, friendship and quilt making. For those who quilt, those who want to quilt, or those who just love quilts, the Santa Clarita Valley Quilt Guild, provides support for many aspects of quilt making and quilt history. Meets the second Thursday of every month 6:30-9:30 p.m. Santa Clarita United Methodist Church, 26640 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus Info: https:// scvquiltguild.org SCV Men of Harmony Chorus Enjoy singing? Join the SCV Men of Harmony Chorus. Meets each Tuesday 7:30-9:45 p.m. The meeting room inside The Valley Oaks Village Apartments, 24700 Valley St., Newhall Call (661)259-6109 for security door information. Info: www.sc menofharmony.com Ring 280 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians IBM Ring 280 provides an opportunity for magicians of all skill levels to learn the rich history of the magical art, improve their skills as performers, and share their talents through community service. Meets the second Thursday of each month, 7:30 p.m., at the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley, 24909 Newhall Ave., Newhall Info: www.ibmring280.com The Local Group Santa Clarita Astronomy Club Meets second Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m. Valencia Branch of the Santa Clarita Library, 23743 Valencia Blvd., Valencia Meetings usually include a surprise “Constellation of the Month” lecture followed by a special presentation which may be a special topic by knowledgeable club members, special guests or professional astronomers from JPL or Caltech. Meetings are free and open to the public. Info: http://lgscv.org See CLUBS, page 36

F E B R UA RY 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 29

HOMEIMPROVEMENT

By Ken Dean Signal Contributing Writer

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ooner or later, we all spend money on some sort of interior decoration, whether it be a home filled with furniture, flooring for one room, window treatments, wallpaper, fabrics, etc. One of the biggest challenges you’ll face, if you choose to accept it, is to find the right person. An interior designer has complex skills. In fact, few other professions encompass so varied a combination of abilities. People often ask, “What distinguishes a designer from a decorator?” The response can usually be answered by a simple statement: A designer is knowledgeable in all areas of design from space planning, environmental control, drafting, lighting, acoustical controls, millwork or furniture design, custom design of materials and the integration of equipment. A decorator simply uses found materials and furniture to improve the aesthetics of a project. The designer’s training provides an understanding of history, an indepth knowledge of design theory and practice, knowledge of architectural structure, drawing, detailing, reading blueprints and familiarity with methods of construction and building codes. A designer must

also have psychological insight and the ability to approach a problem analytically, a basic knowledge and appreciation of the visual arts and a grasp of the vocabulary and methods of related professions and trades. In other words, the designer should know the wallpaperer, carpenter, tile layer, painter and all the other labor people’s jobs as well as the person doing the work. The designer must be able to identify behavioral, emotional, attitudinal and functional needs of their clients. They must provide responsible supervision of the composition and installation of furniture, fabrics, wall and floor coverings, accessories lighting, art, and all the other elements used in the interiors they design. It goes without saying that this kind of knowledge takes years of education and training in the field. A professional designer also knows about the effects different colors have on different clients, how the feel of different textures affect people, traffic flow, wiring, different types of refinishing on different types of wood, and they know what’s on the market at your price. And he or she can save you money because they are repeat customers. There are also financial benefits to hiring a designer. A good designer has clout with stores and contractors, and they can get the work done bet-

The average cost of remodeling Each year, a “Cost vs. Value” report gives homeowners a greater understanding of how much popular home projects will cost across the nation, as well as which renovations will offer the greatest return on investment. According to research, these projects improved in value between 2017-18 and can be smart choices for homeowners looking to add popular features to their properties. Below are the popular projects and the average cost of the renovations.

• Midrange deck addition (wood): $10,950

• Midrange bathroom addition: $44,717

• Midrange universal design bathroom: $16,393

• Midrange bathroom remodel: $19,134

• Upscale window replacement (vinyl): $15,955

• Midrange entry door replacement (steel): $1,471 • Upscale garage door replacement: $3,470 • Midrange manufactured stone veneer: $8,221 • Midrange minor kitchen remodel: $21,198 • Midrange siding replacement: $15,072

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Designer or decorator — there’s a difference

Whether you’re looking to spruce up your bathroom, living room or kitchen, a good interior designer can help you save money in the long run, as well as make sure the job gets done right.

ter and cheaper than an amateur. The designer can save you from making costly mistakes. This is something I have seen happening over and over. Designers today, like lawyers, doctors and other professionals, more and more are specializing in certain areas of design. But even more essentially, the scope of the designer’s role has changed, because today the professional designer who is educated and trained belongs to organizations that have high standards for education and experience. Remember also, that today a “decorator” is also usually a craftsman, such as a painter or a wallpaperer. A “designer,” the more accepted term now, is something like an interior architect. You want someone who’s an expert, but willing to work with your tastes and ideas. And it’s always a good idea to check references. The point is, you don’t always want to look for discounts — look for good design. Or to put it another way: Don’t buy a sofa, buy a service. Communicate to the designer who you are, what you respond to, what your lifestyle is like, and what your budget is. Be sure to get across your ideas. Photos clipped from home decorating magazines help show the feelings of the colors, textures, mood and environment you want. Emphasize any deadlines you have for finishing the project. Explain your priorities.

Expect the designer to talk with you about your plans for the project, your lifestyle, your tastes and not the designer’s. You have to live in the room long after the designer is done. Expect the designer to do scale drawings if needed. (This is something an amateur is incapable of doing.) A few things to remember about a designer, is that he or she should: have professional training and references you can check; have the skills required to complete jobs, such as drawing, detailing, reading blueprints and familiarity with methods of construction and building codes; order no merchandise without your approval; and have different options in which to work with you and your budget. The designer’s function is to exercise their skill, knowledge and experience, and translate the needs and tastes of their client into a well coordinated, attractive, comfortable and functional environment with drama, unity and balance. Their responsibility is to see that this is done to their client’s satisfaction and within the client’s budget, and that the client receives fair and good values.   Ken Dean has been an awardwinning professional interior designer, interior design teacher and writer for 40 years. His website is www.deaninte riordesign.com. He can be reached at (661) 251-0170.

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F E B R UA RY 10, 2019

GARDENING

Prune and rejuvenate your roses By Kitty Belendez Signal Contributing Writer

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runing roses can seem like a mystery, especially if you have never done it before. It’s one thing to read about pruning in a book, but you have to actually get out there and see it being done, and then do it, to learn what pruning is all about.

You are not going to kill your rose bush

With the exception of lopping off your rose bush at ground level, there is practically nothing you can do that will kill your rose bush when pruning. If your rose is not grafted onto rootstock and is growing on its own roots, so it would probably still send up some new canes.

What does “hard” pruning mean?

Since my hybrid teas, or HTs, grow to heights of 5 or 6 and sometimes 7 feet, hard pruning for me would mean 2 feet tall. But my neighbor’s roses are new bushes of different varieties than mine, so his only grow 4 feet tall. For him, hard pruning might mean 1 foot tall. The meaning of “hard” is only relative to what your situation is. Here in Southern California, I rarely hard prune my roses and, when I do, only on a very selective basis, for a rose that needs to be rejuvenated. Most of my HTs end up at 3 to 4 feet tall after being pruned in the winter. You do not need to prune hard in Southern California. But of course, we don’t want you to lop off your roses at ground level. You don’t even need to prune your roses hard as they sometimes instruct you to do in the rose books. If you lived in the very cold regions of the United States, such as the Midwest and Northeast, you might need to prune your bushes hard, but this isn’t necessary in Southern California.

You don’t need to prune down to the best 3-5 canes The rose-pruning books lead you to believe that every rose bush needs to be pruned to exactly 3 or 5 canes. That is nonsense. Of course, your new bareroot roses will probably arrive with only 3 to 5

Roses don’t really go dormant in the Santa Clarita Valley, although they may slow down a bit during the cold winter months. That’s the opportune time to rejuvenate the garden and get your plants ready for the spring blooming cycle. COURTESY PHOTO

canes, but established rose bushes will have many more canes than that, and it would be horribly sad to cut off all those bloom producing canes. I keep all the newest, greenest canes, and this could mean 12 or more depending on the variety and the age of the rose bush. Do get rid of all those very old, brown or dead canes. You want to encourage new, green basal canes to grow.

All roses are not created equal

Hybrid teas, floribundas, shrubs, climbers, old garden roses and miniatures are all different types of roses. They each need to be pruned differently depending on their size. You can’t just lop them off at the same height. Each bush has its own unique personality, and therefore needs to be pruned accordingly. Even roses of the same type need to be pruned individually. For example, you might have a hybrid tea that usually grows very tall and another one that grows very short. You would not prune both of these hybrid teas the same way, as one you would prune shorter and the other one you would prune taller.

You don’t need to spend hours agonizing If you’re spending more than 15 minutes pruning a large hybrid tea,

you are spending too much time on it. A miniature should take no more than 5 minutes. For minis, we simply use large, scissor-type hedge trimmers. A couple of large whacks does the trick, and then we do a little detail work on the individual canes. A climber or old garden rose could take a bit longer, simply because they are larger and may need to be selectively pruned and perhaps trained or pegged.

Do I really need to remove all the leaves?

courages the new canes to grow, and all the old foliage you leave on will eventually die anyway.

Do I have to seal the ends of the canes after pruning?

No, you don’t have to. With nearly 300 rose bushes, I do not seal the canes anymore, since it’s a tremendous amount of work and very time-consuming. I rarely see cane-borer damage, but it is so minimal that it is not worth the time it takes to seal the ends of the canes of all my roses. You can do it if you have nothing better to do, but it isn’t necessary. Do I really need to prune my roses? If you really want to grow great roses, yes, you need to. But don’t make it into a bigger and more complicated project than it really is. The idea is to rejuvenate your roses. 

No, you don’t have to. Your rose bush will not die or suffer if you don’t. If you have a lot of roses and are really pinched for time, you could skip this step. However, removing all the foliage from a rose bush when it is being pruned in the winter or early spring serves many purposes that is good for your roses. First, stripping off all the leaves and discarding them helps to control insects and diseases. It’s the only time of the year when you can start anew. Removing the foliage enSIGNAL FILE PHOTO

F E B R UA RY 10, 2019

COOK-OFF

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 31

THINGSTODO

Continued from page 14

cook-off will be used for veterinarian costs and to improve the location at the mall. Gillian Lange founded the Lange Foundation in 1993 after founding The Amanda Foundation in 1975. Since becoming involved in animal rescue she has helped rescue and place more than 35,000 animals including cats, dogs and horses. Lange’s location in Canyon Country, St. Bonnie’s Sanctuary, is a refuge for abandoned horses, cats and dogs. “We are proud to have been chosen to be a beneficiary of the Charity Chili Cook-off,” said Lange. Lange said proceeds from the event will be used exclusively at St. Bonnie’s Sanctuary which was opened in 2007.

Cooking chili and more

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booth, a “Kids Korner” and more. The SCV Charity Chili Cook-off Featured at the event will be the will feature 45 SCV chili-cookers Lucy Pet Surf Wave Machine, where competing for trophies in a judged guests can see dogs surf and ride the chili competition. Trophies are waves. awarded for first, second and third Shelter Hope Pet Shop and St. Bonplace. nie’s Sanctuary also plan to bring res“It is a blind tasting,” said Stinson. cue animals on site looking for their “The judges won’t know whose chili new best friends and loving homes. is whose.” In addition, event attendees will Getting tickets vote for the People’s Choice first-, secGeneral admission is $25 until ond- and third-place winners. Feb. 14. Prices will increase to $30 “We also give a prize for the after that date VIP tickets (only 250 best-decorated chili-cooker booth,” available) are available in advance for Stinson said. $65, which includes early en.try at Chilis range from vegetarian to 5:30 p.m., preferred parking, a drink venison and beyond. ticket, souvenir glass, swag bag and Chili cooker Channi Kaur has won hors d’oeuvres provided by Salt Creek the People’s Choice First Place trophy Grill and Wolf Creek Restaurant. VIP the past two consecutive years. tickets are only available online in “I was really happy that people advance. enjoyed my chili,” she said. It is a family-friendly event. Kaur’s winning chili, “Chicken To purchase tickets, Masala Chili” is a fusion visit scvcharit chili. She’s currently ychilicookoff.com. For working a new chili questions regarding the flavor this year, but isn’t event or sponsorship sure it will be ready in call Nicole Stinson at time for the compe(661) 816-4234 or Steve tition. Kaur said she Portaro at (310) 800cooks fusion with Indi3064. The seventh annuan/Mexican and Indian/ Italian influences. al SCV Charity Chili Event attendees will Cook-off will be held be able to taste all the March 21, 6 p.m. at The chili they want, as well Oaks Club of Valencia as enjoy live music, (formally TPC), 26550, PHOTO COURTESY dancing, a silent aucHeritage View Lane, SHELTER HOPE tion, vendors, a photo Valencia 

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F E B R UA RY 10, 2019

VA L E N T I N E ’ S D AY

The perfect way to pop the question tographer to get couple photos and catch it all on camera. If you choose this, make sure to make a plan with the photographer, so they are ready to capture the special moment.

By Michele Lutes Signal Staff Writer

“W

ill you marry me?” The words that propose a lifetime of commitment together, usually with a ring to signify love. “The most important thing to know before you decide to marry someone is if they take responsibility for own faults and they have a growth mentality,” said relationship coach Jessica Hartley. “If they can do those two things, everything else is icing on the cake.” Once you know you are ready to marry the woman you love, you want your proposal to be memorable, no matter where you decide to pop the question. “They are putting their vulnerable side up, during the proposal,” said Ellen Bradley-Windell LCSW, co-founder and clinical director of Valencia Relationship Institute. “They are pledging to spend their rest of your lives together.” You have the ring, you’ve asked her parents, but now to decide how to propose and where to do it. Pick a destination that is meaningful to both of you, Windell said. “Know your girlfriend’s personality. Personalize it so she will be the most treasured during this very intimate moment.”

Personal Significance

You want the moment to be all about your relationship. To take you down memory lane and remind you why you want to spend the rest of

Get Away

Travel together whether it be a day trip, weekend trip or a week out of the country. A few beautiful places in California include:

• Yosemite Cole Morgan proposes to Clare Tomei in 2017. Arranging a photographer ahead of time is a great way to capture the moment. PHOTOS BY MICHELE LUTES / THE SIGNAL

your lives with one another.

• Go back to the place you first met, first said “I love you,” had your first date or your favorite date spot. Maybe you already live together or you’re about to move in together. • Propose in your new place or the place you call home. Bring her breakfast in bed and propose in the morning or make a homemade meal and propose at lunch or dinner. Keeping it intimate in your own home for a special moment in your love story. Has she been dreaming about her wedding day her whole life and have you discussed it? • Take her to her dream wedding venue and propose where you might tie the knot. Does she love to be in front of the camera and capture every memory? • Book a photoshoot with a pho-

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• Big Sur • Lake Tahoe • Anywhere in wine country • Griffith Observatory Depending on what you like to do, take her to the coast near the beach or the mountains for a hike.

Go Big or Go Home

Do you both love sports or exercising? Take a swing and propose in a sporty way:

• Grab a golf ball, tennisball, football, baseball or any sports equipment and write “Will you marry me?” Asking her to during a fun game with friends or a friendly competition between you two. Do you run races, a 5k, 10k or half or full marathon? Or does she? • Propose to her at the finish line. • Another popular option on the big screen at a sporting event.

Get others involved

Get friends, family or even strangers involved with a party, scavenger hunt or flash mob. Send her searching, make up a

CT

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scavenger hunt and have her go down memory lane. Have her meet you and have a friend film the entire thing. Plan a flash mob in the middle of a park or mall. It will be something she will never forget. There are so many ways and places to propose to your soulmate, whether you keep it intimate somewhere alone or include the entire family. Maybe a photographer is hidden capturing every moment and her reaction. Personalize the proposal and be authentic and genuine, Windell said. A few tips when thinking about what to say during the proposal are:

• Pick her best qualities and tell you how much you love them; • Tell her how she’s affected your life for the better; • Share what you are looking forward to in the future; • Offer some historical perspective of your courtship together; • Let her know when you knew she was the one; • of course include, “Will you marry me?” “What a marriage can do for a person is provide a vessel for personal growth,” Hartley said. “Growth needs the commitment. In a committed relationship, when challenges come, you don’t have an easy out. It makes you focus and determined to work out problems and not run away from them.”  

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Tomei and Morgan smile after Morgan pops the question. The couple is since married and cherishes this moment forever.

F E B R UA RY 10, 2019

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 33

How to find the right ring By Michele Lutes Signal Staff Writer

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or centuries, an engagement ring has held the symbol of love and acceptance of a marriage proposal. There are two important things to question and consider if you are planning to buy a ring for the big question: your significant other’s expectations, and your finances. “Do your research on where your buying it from,” said Ramzi Azar, president of Ro Ma Jewelers in Valencia. “Make sure it is a reputable jeweler.”

How to shop for the perfect engagement ring

Whether you go window shopping beforehand to know what he or she likes or pick it out all on your own, find one that speaks to you, and make sure you know the size. That also means you should have open dialogue with your partner about the ring, including your budget, the look and shape, Azar said.

Is the right look silver, gold, rose gold with a diamond or a different stone? Is there a Pinterest account you can look at, or a family member to talk to about it who might have some intel? If you do choose a diamond, remember the 4C’s — cut, color, clarity and carat. “Cut has the greatest effect on the diamonds beauty,” according to the American Gem Association. “The more precise the cut, the more captivating the diamond is to the eye.” Diamond cuts include: round, princess, oval, marquise, pear, cushion, emerald, asscher, radiant and heart. The color comes in many cues, ranging from colorless to light yellow or light brown. Consider clarity: “Diamonds can have internal characteristics known as inclusions or external characteristics known as blemishes,” according to the American Gem Association. “Diamonds without inclusions or blemishes are rare; however, most characteristics can only be seen with magnification.”

Last is carat, the weight of the diamond. This is the most objective of the 4C’s. One carat equals one-fifth of a gram, and the weight of the diamond helps determine the price. “Buying diamond is a big process, is a little mysterious for people,” Azar said. “It can be very clear, smooth and easy, as long as you have an open conversation.”

How much to spend on the engagement ring

There is no set price you should pay for an engagement ring, but it should be considered based on your finances. “I don’t think there are any set rules,” Azar said. “It’s on a individual basis. We really try and cater to what they are looking for.” You’re not just purchasing the gem, you are paying for the setting, accent stones and design of the ring.

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VA L E N T I N E ’ S D AY

There are online engagement ring calculators on multiple websites to help you find a ballpark budget or talk to your jeweler about what is best for your budget and lifestyle. An engagement ring is the first step in starting your life as a couple, it’s also a time to save for the future, Azar said. If you choose to go with an engagement ring and wedding band, buy your wedding bands closer to the wedding, Azar said. “Diamonds are all over the map, you could have identical size stones for different prices,” Azar said. “With the changing times, a lot of people are moving towards wedding bands. It’s timeless and still makes an impact.”  

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F E B R UA RY 10, 2019

THE VILLAGE IDIOT

Don’t forget to breathe

T

he treadmills at my health club were all in use when I walked in today. I had to wait for half an hour before there was a free one. Funny, I never had to wait for one in September, October, November or December, but starting January 1, the gym was suddenly busier than Walmart on Black Friday. There were guys I’ve never seen before in the weight room, doing situps while holding hundred-pound plates to their chest. There were women in yoga pants on every elliptical machine. The spinning class was full, the Zumba room was packed and someone was even using the rowing machine. That was a first. All the lanes of the swimming pool were full, and it was hard to find an empty locker. Most of the exercisers had that “I’ve made a New Year’s Resolution and I mean it this time!” look on their faces. I’ve had that look before, so I understand it. But I know from experience that there won’t be any trouble finding an empty treadmill a week from now. By mid-February, the staff will be twiddling their thumbs trying to find things to do to stay busy. If you ask what happened to all that New Year’s resolve, no one will say that the exercise was too hard or too boring. They will say that something came up at work, or one of the kids got sick, or they had to take the car to the shop. Pretty soon a week goes by, and then you have to shop after work for something special for Valentine’s Day, and on it goes. There are a thousand different little things to do. Life always gets in the way. But even with all the “real life” stuff happening, somehow there’s always time to find a half-hour to watch “Jeopardy!” or “Wheel of Fortune.”

And besides, you’re plenty active. It’s not as if you’re sitting around doing nothing! You’re posting on Facebook and refreshing your Twitter feed all the time. You’re ordering things on Amazon, you’re fixing up the house. You’re busy planning that family vacation. Then there are the grandkids, the pets, the birthdays, and you have to make something special for that one event, and there’s the potluck dinner this Friday at the Nussbaums’. There’s just not enough time in the day to do all that and go to the gym, too. How, then, do other people find the time to go? Are they childless? Friendless? Petless? Grandchildrenless? Don’t they ever watch TV? Don’t they ever waste time on the computer? Maybe they have servants that do all that stuff for them. Or maybe they simply feel the gym is worth it. If it keeps them out of the hospital one day a year, what is that worth? If their extra leg muscles keep them from falling and breaking a hip, what is that worth? If exercise lowers your cholesterol or helps control your diabetes, what is that worth? If it keeps your heart healthy, isn’t that better than having your chest cracked? And exercise can be fun. Swimming, dancing, biking, hiking -- lots of people do those for fun. Compared to being sick, it’s a pleasure. It’s not a resolution, it’s a new life. Yes, I know we all have to die of something, and that all the exercise and healthy living in the world won’t put off the inevitable. Even the most diligent of us can be taken down too soon. But given a choice, I’d rather the process be quicker rather than slower, and peaceful rather than traumatic. If you want to make a New Year’s Resolution, here’s a good one: I resolve to be around for next New Year’s Eve!   Contact Jim Mullen at mullen.jim@ gmail.com.

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F E B R UA RY 10, 2019

MASTERSON

for Carousel Ranch, Single Mothers Outreach, Domestic Violence Center and Bridge to Home. Masterson has been nominated twice (by the WiSH Education Foundation and Carousel Ranch) for SCV Man of the Year, an honor for men and women who have given outstanding volunteer service to the SCV. “The nonprofits in the SCV serve so many people,” Masterson said. “I like being involved and being able to help. The nonprofits are a huge part of the fabric of our community.”

continued from page 27

Smyth’s field representative. In 2011, Derek Sage, president of SOS Entertainment, hired Masterson to be the public face of SOS in the SCV. The event-production company furnishes staging, lighting, sound, video, DJs and other services “I like the job because it is partly public relations, and it lets me be out in the community,” he said. “We are able to help nonprofits with their events and give back to the community.”

The SCV’s emcee

Masterson has become the public face of nearly every nonprofit in the SCV with his frequent appearances as emcee for numerous charity and public events. He credits SOS management with giving him free reign to volunteer his time with the nonprofits. The first event he remembers emceeing was in 2003 for the Zonta Club of SCV. “When they asked, I thought, ‘Well,

SCV Life Assemblyman Dante Acosta, R-Santa Clarita, recently recognized SOS Entertainment, the company Ed Masterson works for, with his 38th Assembly District’s Business of the Year award. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

it’s kind of like being a tour guide,’” he said. “I can do that.” In addition to the Zonta Roast/ Tribute dinner, Masterson has also manned the podium at the annual SCV Charity Chili Cook-off, SCV Chamber of Commerce Installation, VIA Bash, Boys & Girls Club of SCV

Annual Benefit Auction and Festival of Trees, SCV Man & Woman of the Year dinner, Soroptimist and Henry Mayo Hospital Foundation fashion shows, Taste of the Town to benefit the SCV Child & Family Center, Celebrity Waiter Dinner to benefit the SCV Senior Center and fundraisers

There is much to love about the SCV, said Masterson. “I love the fact that my kids had a really cool hometown,” he said. “They were able to have a traditional, allAmerican childhood. It’s a great place for kids to grow up.” Masterson said the SCV is special because of the people. “The people in Santa Clarita are great. It is a wonderfully connected town,” he said. “It is fun to run into people you know when you are out. Everywhere I go I see people that I know. I like that.” 

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JPL

Continued from page 5

project team would find eventually find water on a Jupiter moon called Europa. “That’s the reality I get,” McClure said, remembering back to when he was new to the field. “I was cool about it, but I’m thinking, ‘I’m sending commands to a spacecraft that’s in orbit in Jupiter. Who gets to do that?’” The Galileo mission would last in orbit for 12 years, according to McClure, who ended the project as mission control team chief. “My title now is spaceflight operation facility operations manager, which means I’m responsible for mission control of everything that flies here at JPL,” McClure said. “I don’t want people to think I fly here. I’m responsible for the infrastructure of every spacecraft that flies outside of the lunar orbit.” This includes the two rovers and lander that are on Mars today, and the Juno spacecraft that is orbiting Jupiter. Thanks to the efforts of the first

F E B R UA RY 10, 2019

project that featured McClure on the mission control team — Galileo — JPL is currently designing a spacecraft called Europa Clipper that’s going to investigate Europa, the Jupiter moon that he helped spend 12 years studying and is believed to possess two times the amount of water that is on Earth, McClure said. “We’re going to go orbit it and take data and hopefully in the future create a lander,” McClure said, quickly mentioning that his progressive dreams are not yet funded or contracted by NASA, “but it’s the progression of science I’ve learned since my time on the Galileo discovery.” Whereas last time McClure and the team were able to confirm Europa had water, they hope this time around they are able to answer questions like: How thick is the ice crust?; do we want to land on it?; and what would happen from there?” Scientists are very excited for that project, McClure said, as he listed projects that will inspect a protoplanet core that’s been bombarded by asteroids and left with nothing but its metal core, as well as the two largest

“Sammy” the NASA Mars rover model crawls over the backs of Santa Clarita Elementary kidergarteners during a science assembly presented by NASA. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

asteroids in a nearby asteroid belt. The mission spacecraft was named Dawn, McClure said. “We just ran out of fuel on that one. It was just put in a ‘safe orbit,’ or a trajectory so it can fly

away and won’t hit the solar system for a minimum of 50 years. Thats a planetary protection requirement.” Consider it being an intergalactic good neighbor, McClure said.  

CLUBS

Koi keeping.” The club is open to all who would like to participate. Meets at a different pond owner’s home each month. Info: santaclaritakoiandwater gardenclub.com Santa Clarita Runners Founded in 1980, the Santa Clarita Runners is one of the premier fitness organizations in the Santa Clarita Valley. Our 200+ memberships include runners of all skill levels from beginning and returning runners, to local competitors, elite runners, and even world record holders. The club offers four different weekly workouts, including marathon training, track workout, 5-6-mile tempo/social fun run and the up to 10 mile “Lowe Bucks” run. Info: scrunners.org Santa Clarita Velo A nonprofit cycling club whose mission is to promote cycling in the Santa Clarita Valley. The weekend group rides are an opportunity to explore the SCV. The peloton remains neutral through town, then splits into ability groups. There is always a midride meet-up, then the group returns en masse. Info: santaclaritavelo.org Santa Clarita Artists Association “Making Visual Art Visible.” Do you enjoy the fine arts? Painting, sculpting, mixed media? Meets the third Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m. Barnes and Noble Booksellers Community Room, 23630 Valencia Blvd., Valencia All meetings are free and open to the public. Info: santa claritaartists.org  

Continued from page 28

Sierra Pelona Rock Club Formed in 1958 for the enjoyment of rock hounds in the SCV. The objectives of the club are to sponsor activities and promote interest and education in mineralogy, lapidary, geology, paleontology and related subjects. Meets the third Tuesday of each month, except July, August and December. 7:30 p.m. Anyone is welcome to attend. Bring treasures you have collected, made or bought to share with the club. Email sierrapelona@gmail.com for the meeting place. Guests are always welcome. Light refreshments will be served. Info: sierrapelona.com Santa Clarita Amateur Radio Club W6JW. Meets the third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center, 22900 Market St., Newhall, in the conference room on the west side of the facility. Info: w6jw.org Santa Clarita Valley Koi and Water Garden Club The club provides educational programs regarding pond keeping, works to promote water gardening as a leisure activity and to promote appreciation of Nishikigoi and goldfish in outdoor pond settings with the to provide opportunities for members to learn and appreciate “the science of

F E B R UA RY 10, 2019

Give your mind a workout with these brainy exercises!

BRAINGAMES

Relax

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Classifieds

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$500 REWARD FOR MISSING COCKATIEL Missing since 12/22/18 near Orchard & McBean. Possible sighting the same day behind Granary Square. Please contact Gary at (213) 792-6175 if you’ve seen her.

CEMETERY PLOTS TWO PLOTS in Eternal Valley located at Garden of Memory : Lot 219 space G and Lot 219 Space H. Valued at $14,000.00. Contact Greg (760) 577-8629 $8950. TWO PLOTS in Eternal Valley across from Veteran’s area. Includes Cemetery Interment Rights and Endowment Care. Valued at $6995 each. 623-230-2379 SampsonChow@Cox.Net

HELP WANTED Circuit Explorer Air 2, Rose Bundle New in box, never used $275 OBO (661) 505-7180

HORIZON ELLIPTICAL EX 79 Excellent condition, 18 inch stride, low (10”) step on height, power incline, 11 challenging programs, a good fan, comfortable footpad, pivoting foot plate and a very user friendly console. $450 obo (661) 373-7431

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*No interest will be charged on promo purchase and equal monthly payments are required equal to initial promo purchase amount divided equally by the number of months in promo period until promo is paid in full. The equal monthly payment will be rounded to the next highest whole dollar and may be higher than the minimum payment that would required if the purchase was a non-promotional purchase. Regular account terms apply to non-promotional purchases, for new accounts. Minimum interest charge is $2. Mattress prices don’t include recycling fee. Existing cardholders should see their credit card agreement for their applicable terms. Subject to credit approval. Minimum purchase for 60 month is $3,000.00 Other finance offers available. Finance offer ends 2/28/2019. All advertised items are limited to available stock. All bedroom sets do not include a mattress set. Once sale item runs out no rain check. Sale ends 2/28/2019.