As spring approaches in the Santa Clarita Valley, anticipation is blooming throughout Southern California, will the winter rains bring forth another historic superbloom?
The answer to the superbloom question is mixed, some experts say a resounding “yes,” others are cautiously optimistic and a few others indicate that any “superbloom” may be more regional, unlike the Southern California “poppy apocalypse” of 2019. Normally, the state only experiences superblooms — rare events in which countless dormant wildflow-
The Creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) is not just common to the California desert areas, it’s dominant. It’s a hardy plant and an anchor of the desert, according to the National Park Service.
ers bloom simultaneously — once every decade or so. However, superblooms were recorded in 2023, 2019, 2016, 2005 and 1998. These rare spectacles are often triggered by El Niño winters.
The 2026 wildflower season is expected to peak from March through April in low-elevation deserts and possibly extend into May and June in places with higher elevations.
SCV Wildflowers
Spring is the most glorious time to be alive in the SCV. Winter rains bring a lush carpet of green with roadsides and hillsides often dotted with orange poppies and swaths of white, purple and yellow wildflowers.
Peak wildflower bloom in the SCV is normally from March through May, with most activity seen in mid-April. Popular spots for viewing include the Placerita Canyon Nature Center, Towsley Canyon (Ed Davis Park), Pico Canyon Park and along roadsides throughout the SCV.
It truly is a time to take a deep breath, stop the mad rush of daily life, pull over and take some “me time” to admire the wildflowers.
Common native blooms include: California Poppy The state flower, prolific in the area.
Lupine Often seen blooming alongside trails in early spring.
Canyon Sunflower Prolific, bright yellow blooms. Phacelia Known for purple, lavender, or blue flowers.
Golden Yarrow Daisy-like yellow clusters.
Mariposa Lilies Various species found in local hills.
California Buckwheat A keystone species for local butterflies.
Placerita Canyon Nature Center
19152 Placerita Canyon Rd., Newhall 91321
Info www.placerita.org
“Blooms of the Season” is held on the fourth Saturday of every month with wildflower expert Ruthanne Murthy leading guests on a stroll through various trails to learn about native plants and see what is currently blooming in the canyon.
Meet at the center’s courtyard patio at 9 a.m. for a one-hour informational walk. Bring your camera and questions.
Ed Davis Park in Towsley Canyon
24335 The Old Rd., Newhall 91321
Info bit.ly/4qESGcg
Towsley Canyon offers a vibrant wildflower display, typically peaking from March through May. The area features dense patches of purple lupines, orange California poppies and wild cucumber vines, particularly along the Elder Loop Trail.
Top Trails
Elder Loop Trail The primary spot for profuse lupine blooms.
Taylor Loop/General Trail Offers lush, green scenery mixed with wildflowers, including areas with high biodiversity.
Free and paid parking options are available near the trailhead.
The area can get very green and muddy after rain, so wear appropriate footwear. It is a popular spot and the trails can get crowded, especially when at peak bloom, so visiting early on weekends is recommended.
Death Valley
Furnace Creek Visitor Center, 328 Greenland Blvd., Death Valley 92328.
Info bit.ly/4qRBh0s
Toward the end of 2025, the National Weather Service reported that Death Valley had experienced record-breaking rainfall, a good superbloom sign. People have already noticed early blooms popping up in the area, which indicates that the ground is ready to produce more expansive wildflower fields.
The best, most intense wildflower displays are located along the south end of Badwater Road, particularly near Ashford Mill Ruins and toward Jubilee Pass. Peak viewing for the valley floor occurs from late February through early April.
Best Viewing Spots
Badwater Road (South End) The premier spot for the 2026 bloom, with carpets of yellow Desert Gold and wildflowers visible near Ashford Mill.
Artists Drive Expected to have significant blooms. Furnace Creek & Highway 190 Good, accessible areas for viewing.
Alluvial Fans Areas near the valley floor are experiencing high concentrations of growth.
For the latest report on where the wildflower bloom is happening visit bit.ly/4rG0jRr.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
200 Palm Canyon Dr., Borrego Springs 92004
Info bit.ly/4kQ61gL
Wildflower hotline (760) 767-4684
The bloom at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park near San Diego has been underway for more than a month. Best viewing spot: Henderson Canyon Road (east of Borrego Springs) for desert sunflowers and sand verbena.
Other prime spots include DiGiorgio Road (north end), Coyote Canyon, the “Borrego Badlands” (Highway S-22), Rainbow Canyon and Borrego Palm Canyon.
Find information and bloom maps at the Anzo Borrego Foundation bit.ly/3ZCiU4p.
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve State Natural Reserve, 15101 Lancaster Rd., Lancaster 93536
Info bit.ly/4cxYMI4
Poppy Cam Live Feed www.parks.ca.gov/?page_ id=627
Visitors should note that dogs, comfort animals, and picking wildflowers are not permitted.
Parking is $10 per vehicle. The reserve is open daily sunrise to sunset.
The reserve has eight miles of trails through the gentle rolling hills, including a paved section for wheelchair access.
Poppies can begin blooming in mid-February and last through April.
Joshua Tree National Park
74485 National Park Dr., Twentynine Palms 92277
Info bit.ly/4czIkXP
Wildflower viewing in Joshua Tree National Park typically runs from February through June, starting at lower elevations (Cottonwood) and moving to higher elevations (Hidden Valley, Wonderland of Rocks) as spring progresses. Peak, colorful blooms (brittlebush, poppies, cacti) often occur from March to May. Best viewing spots include the park’s Southern Entrance, Cottonwood and the Pinto Basin areas.
Carrizo Plain National Monument
Goodwin Education and Visitors Center, Soda Lake Road from Highway 58 (north) or Highway 33/166 (south).
Info www.blm.gov
As of mid-February 2026, the wildflower season at Carrizo Plain National Monument is beginning with early blooms, particularly on the Temblor Range, featuring yellow and orange colors. Current moisture levels suggest a good, if not exceptional, show is possible in 2026.
A monthly “Blooms in Season” wildflower walk is held at the Placerita Canyon Nature Center on the fourth Saturday of each month. Meet at 9 a.m. at the center. PHOTO FRIENDS OF PLACERITA CANYON NATURE CENTER
mariposa lily is capable of surviving in hot, dry conditions, according to Los Padres Forestwatch. It grows from a bulb and has the ability to survive wildfires so is found in fire-prone environments.
On screens, they look like passing trends — a viral quilting tutorial, a spedup knitting timelapse, a perfectly lit candle-pouring reel — but across the Santa Clarita Valley, those clicks are quietly transforming into real-life communities where hobbyists gather, create and change each other’s lives one handmade piece at a time.
Quilting
In the growing wave of creative passion that’s sweeping town, the Santa Clarita Valley Quilt Guild stands as a reminder that craftsmanship and community go hand in hand. Formed in 1990 by a small circle of quilters, the nonprofit has evolved into a thriving group of about 80 members who are as devoted to preserving the art of quilting as they are to sharing its comfort with others.
Each “bit of love” they stitch — hand-crafted quilts donated to hospitals, shelters, and community groups — speaks to the guild’s mission: to advance the art of quilting while giving back through philanthropy. “Our mission is to promote interest in quilting, advance the art form, and give back through service,” guild leaders explain.
Funds are raised through membership dues, local boutiques and auctions, and the collaborative “Opportunity Quilt,” created annually to support charitable and educational projects. Monthly meetings feature guest speakers — often nationally recognized quilting experts — and workshops designed to help members refine their craft.
The next workshop, “Filament Fantasy,” takes place March 14 at Bouquet Canyon Senior Apartments, 26705 Bouquet Canyon Rd., Saugus, while regular meetings are held the second Thursday of each month from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Santa Clarita United Methodist Church, 26640 Bouquet Canyon Rd. Visitors are welcome for a $5 fee on speaker nights; annual membership is $55 or $50 for seniors.
The Guild will also appear at the Cowboy Festival on April 18 along Main Street, showcasing their vibrant art form and welcoming curious newcomers to join the valley’s growing “craft revolution.”
For more information, visit scvquiltguild.org or email scvqguild@gmail. com.
Knitters & Crocheters
Even beyond Santa Clarita’s borders, the craft revolution is bringing makers together — one stitch and loop at a time. The Knerdy Knitters and Crocheters of the San Fernando Valley host weekly Zoom gatherings that prove creativity knows no geographic limits.
Every Monday evening at 7 p.m., knitters, crocheters and fiber artists from across California — and sometimes beyond — log in to share their latest “WIPs,” or works in progress, swap advice and cheer on creative milestones.
“Everyone is welcome,” their group
The casual format makes space for every level of crafter, from curious beginners to experienced artisans who simply want to enjoy good company.
The group’s online “Yarn Club” meetings are equal parts social hour and workshop, with participants bringing projects to show off or troubleshoot. All meetups are free and open to members and non-members alike, accessible through the group’s MeetUp Events Page.
The Knerdy Knitters and Crocheters guild itself is based in the San Fernando Valley and promotes the fiber arts through community, creativity, and collaboration. Annual membership costs $10, offering perks like a welcome gift, member-only events, and opportunities for charity projects and fiber retreats.
For crafters throughout the region, the group’s message is simple: grab some yarn, log on, and join the circle. The digital needlework nights may span miles, but the spirit of connection threads everyone together.
For more information, visit knerdyknitters.com or explore future events at bit.ly/46Zb1d8.
Candle Making
In the age of viral DIY videos and Instagram-worthy creations, locals are bringing digital inspiration into the real world — one candle, blanket, and paintbrush at a time. At Painting with a Twist, creativity isn’t scheduled — it’s spontaneous.
This walk-in studio invites every kind of hobbyist to unplug, get messy, and make something original. Whether you’re flying solo, hanging out with friends, or entertaining teens, the space transforms online craft trends into hands-on experiences you can see, smell, and take home.
Among its most popular offerings is DIY candle making, where guests blend scents, choose colors, and pour soy-based wax into custom containers. The process takes about an hour — short enough for an impromptu visit, but immersive enough to create a personal touch. It’s self-care, décor, and discovery all rolled into one.
From candle making to cozy chunky blanket workshops, Painting with a Twist captures the heart of the modern craft wave sweeping Santa Clarita — fueled by online tutorials, yet See HOBBIES, next page
motto reads. “We love newbies!”
Travel Opportunities For Retirees
Retirement provides individuals with ample time to engage in activities they enjoy. Many seniors spend that newfound free time relaxing and seeing the sights.
Seniors are a travel-friendly demographic. The World Tourism Organization says that, in 1999, more than 593 million international travelers were age 60 years and older. Seniors are projected to take two billion trips annually by 2050.
As Baby Boomers and Generation Xers continue to retire, a larger portion of the overall population will have time to travel.
When seniors plan trips, they have many ways to get around in style.
Cruising
Cruising can be an ideal way for older adults to travel. Cruise ships depart from ports across the world and travelers can choose from an array of itineraries. People can travel on cruises that are at sea for as few as three to five days to others that are out for weeks at a time.
One reason seniors enjoy cruising is because it’s all-inclusive with little extra planning required. Step aboard a cruise ship and enjoy a floating hotel complete with food, lodging, enter-
HOBBIES
Continued from previous pge
tainment, shopping, gambling, and much more. Organized excursions at ports of call can add to the thrill of cruising.
Guided Tours
Escorted tours are another option seniors may want to consider. By working with reputable tour operators, seniors can engage in affordable, safe and comfortable tours via bus, train or other modes of travel. Tour companies take the work out of the trips by handling the details and showcasing the best locales. Tour experts know when to schedule meals and sightseeing to avoid the crowds so that everyone can sit back and relax on their adventures.
RV Excursions
Travel by recreational vehicle is a great way for individuals with time on their hands to see the sights up close and personal. When RVing, the time spent traveling is the adventure, and the destination is simply the cherry on top.
The RV industry exploded during the pandemic because it provided a safe way to enjoy a vacation and get away from home. MARVAC Michigan RV & Campgrounds says currently more than nine million households own an RV in the United States.
grounded in local connection. Because sometimes, the best way to escape the scroll is to create something tangible.
Painting with a Twist is located at 24201 Valencia Blvd., Space #3422, in Santa Clarita. For more details, call (661) 414-6454 or visit bit.ly/4tJwMHC.
Wood Signs
For many locals, the DIY décor they scroll past online has become a hands-on pastime, turning inspiration into sawdust and paint instead of just
There’s no age limit to buying an RV, although the RV Industry Association says the average owner is 48-years-old and married.
RV-friendly campsites and parks enable travelers to mingle with each other, providing affordable and fun ways to travel.
Timeshares
Seniors who got in on the timeshare bandwagon early in life can choose to enjoy their travel years even further. The timeshare model enables buyers to purchase the right to use particular homes, condos, hotel rooms, resorts, or other accommodations for specific periods of time. For example, some timeshare agreements are for one week each year in a designated location. Seniors with more time on their
screenshots. At Board & Brush on Main Street, hobbyists roll up their sleeves to design and build custom wood signs that look straight out of an online inspiration board — only these pieces come home smelling faintly of sawdust and stain instead of arriving in a box.
On Saturday, Feb. 28, from 5 to 8 p.m., the studio will host a “Pick Your Project” DIY workshop where participants choose a design from an extensive gallery, then follow step-by-step instruction to sand, stain, paint and distress their own wood sign. All materials are provided, and guests can personalize their projects with a range of paint colors and
hands may want to revisit timeshare agreements to increase the frequency in which they can use properties or to find timeshare companies that enable swapping properties with others so that different locales can be enjoyed.
Visiting Family
Retirees may aspire to spend more time with family members who do not live nearby. Families may want to consider mother-daughter residences or properties with small guest houses so that seniors can stay in the residences when visiting but have some privacy at the same time.
Seniors have many travel options, and retirement is the ideal time to get out and enjoy time away from home. (MC)
wood stain options, creating pieces suited for living rooms, patios or as one-of-a-kind gifts. The cost is 73 dollars, and pre-registration is required for each person attending.
Guests are encouraged to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early for check-in so the group can start on time. Beer and wine are available for purchase in the studio, but outside alcohol is not permitted, and all participants must be 21 or older.
Board & Brush is located at 24417 Main Street in Newhall. For more information, call (661) 202-3044, email santaclarita@boardandbrush.com or visit boardandbrush.com/santaclarita.
By Ken Striplin
first-ever Animal Care Special
Voices, we took the podcast on the road once again, this time to The Barnyard at William S. Hart Park (24151 Newhall Avenue). There, I had the opportunity to speak with Rachael Komulainen, the City’s
casts, Spotify and the City’s YouTube Channel.
Ken Striplin is the City Manager for the City of Santa Clarita and can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita. gov.
Simple, Satisfying Meals to Ease Back Into Routines
While you’re easing your family back into routines in the new year, simple, wholesome meals can help you stretch your grocery dollars further and find your rhythm in the kitchen again.
Satisfying and approachable recipes that come together quickly using a dependable base ingredient like beans are resonating with home cooks, helping take the pressure out of cooking. Grown, cooked and canned in America, Bush’s Recipe Beans add plantbased protein and fiber to any dish, making it easy to achieve new year’s goals while bringing flavorful meals.
For a warm, colorful way to start your morning without spending extra time in the kitchen, consider this Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl, which satisfies both eyes and stomachs through a combination of black beans, eggs and sauteed vegetables. Or put a Mediterranean twist on lunch and dinner with this Greek Dense Bean Salad, a bright, fresh dish that includes chick peas and cannellini beans. Visit bushbeans.com for more meal ideas that help you cook more, spend less and gather with loved ones.
Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl
Prep time 5 minutes
Cook time 10 minutes
Servings 2
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped salt, to taste pepper, to taste
2 cups cooked sweet potatoes
1 can (15 ounces) Bush’s Black Beans, drained
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 fried eggs
1 avocado, sliced cotija cheese, crumbled lime wedges, for serving
In large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onions and bell pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until peppers are softened, 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Add sweet potatoes, black beans and chili powder; stir to combine.
Cook until potatoes and beans are warmed through, 4-5 minutes.
Divide bean mixture between two
bowls. Top each bowl with fried egg, avocado slices and crumbled cotija cheese. Serve with lime wedges.
Greek Dense Bean Salad
Prep time 15 minutes
Servings 6-8
Dressing
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano salt, to taste pepper, to taste
Tzatziki Sauce
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cucumber, grated, excess water drained
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced
2 teaspoons fresh dill, chopped salt, to taste pepper, to taste
Salad
1 can (16 ounces) Bush’s Chick Peas, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 1/2 ounces) Bush’s Cannellini Beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup red onion, diced
1 cucumber, seeded and diced
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped Greek dressing (directions below)
1 cup tzatziki sauce (directions below) chicken skewers (optional), for serving
To make dressing: In food processor or blender, blend olive oil; red wine vinegar; lemon juice; Dijon mustard; garlic; oregano; and salt and pepper, to taste, until well combined. Set aside.
To make tzatziki sauce: In bowl, stir yogurt; cucumber; lemon juice; olive oil; garlic; dill; and salt and pepper, to taste, until well combined. Set aside.
To make salad: In large bowl, combine chick peas, cannellini beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, olives, feta cheese and parsley; toss with dressing.
Top with tzatziki sauce and serve with chicken skewers, if desired. Chef’s tip Store leftover tzatziki sauce separate from salad. (Family Features)
Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl
Greek Dense Bean Salad
The Latest News on What’s Happening In Hollywood
By Tony Rizzo
Fto the screen? Stay tuned!
Brad Pitt has never rested on his laurels. The 62-year-old superstar elevated his recent sports film “F1,” which became the highest-grossing auto-racing film of all time. “F1” grossed $633.1 million and earned four Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.
Sunday-Thursday, Februar y 22-26, 2026
or many years, Jennifer Grey has been trying to launch a sequel to “Dirty Dancing” (which made $214 million in 1987) and, again, play Frances “Baby” Houseman. Grey confesses, “The role of Baby has held a very deep and meaningful place in my heart, as it has in the hearts of so many fans over the years. I’ve long wondered where we might find Baby years later …”
More importantly, where will they find a leading man like Patrick Swayze, who passed away in 2009 at 57 from pancreatic cancer? Has it been too long since the first film? Can they find an actor who can match the charisma that she and Swayze brought
Next up, Pitt is in the action-adventure film “Heart of the Beast” with J.K. Simmons. He’s also just wrapped “The Adventures of Cliff Booth,” which was written as a sequel by Quentin Tarantino to “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (2019). Scott Caan and Elizabeth Debicki (of “Guardians of the Galaxy”) co-star in the film with him. Pitt’s been dating jewelry executive Ines de Ramon since 2022.
The Chia Pet made its debut in
Top Movies
Feb. 16, 2026
1. Send Help (R) Rachel McAdams, Dylan O’Brien
2. Solo Mio (PG) Kevin James, Jonathan Roumie
3. Iron Lung (R) Mark Fischbach, Caroline Kaplan
4. Stray Kids: The dominATE Experience (NR) Bang Chan, Lee Know
5. Dracula (R) Caleb Landry Jones, Christoph Waltz
6. Zootopia 2 (PG) Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman
to shift under the we ght of a ife - chang ng diagnos s for his young son, Sam
M i dw i n t e r B r e a k C 12 50 3:10 5:25 7:40
A stirring meditation on faith, comm tment, and the enduring power of love, as a ongtime couple takes a ife - chang ng trip to Amsterdam
C r i M e 101 E 12:50 4:00 7:00
Set aga nst the sun-bleached grit of Los Angeles, CRIME 101 weaves the tale of an elusive thief (Chris Hemswor th) whose high-stakes heists unfolding along the iconic 101 freeway have mystified pol ce
g oat B 1:30 4:15 7 00
The stor y follows W ll, a small goat with big dreams who gets a once -in-a-lifet me shot to jo n the pros and play roarbal - a high-intensity, co - ed, ful - contac t spor t dom nated by the fastest, fiercest animals n the world
g o o d lu C k, H av e F u n, d o n’t d i e E Sun & Mon: 7 00 PM
A time traveler must recru t a group of d st nc t y unqualified diner patrons to stop the impending AI apocalypse and save human ty from the perils of soc al media
w u t H e r i n g H e i g H ts E 12:50 3:50 7:00 Emerald Fennell s “WUTHERING HEIGHTS” stars Margot Robbie as Cathy and Jacob Elord as Heathcliff, whose forbidden passion for one another turns from romant c to intoxicating in an epic tale of lust, love and madness
s o lo M i o B Sun & Mon: 1:00 4:00
SOLO MIO follows Matt, a man whose dreams of a p c turesque Italian wedding are shattered when his fiancée
1977, and there have been many pets that were made to resemble famous people such as Homer Simpson, Sophia of “The Golden Girls,” Oscar the Grouch, Hello Kitty, Abraham Lincoln, The Mandalorian from “Star Wars,” Godzilla, and even our current president! But they’re taking it up a notch …
It’s been announced that they’ll be making a major motion picture starring — you guessed it — the Chia Pet! Have they finally run out of things to make movies about?
When Universal Pictures invested in the Broadway production of “Wicked” in 2003, they had no idea it would earn them $1.8 billion over the next 22 years. No doubt the big money signs from Broadway colored their judgment when they split the movie version into two parts. If they had heeded the reviews from Broadway critics who all wrote that Act II of “Wicked” had no great songs and was not as satisfying as Act I, they would have curbed their greed and not split it into two films.
7. Avatar: Fire and Ash (PG13) Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana
8. The Strangers: Chapter 3 (R) Hannah Galway, Ema Horvath
9. Shelter (R) Jason Statham, Bodhi Rae Breathnach
Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze in “Dirty Dancing” (1987 Courtesy of Vestron Pictures
When Adult Kids Move Back Home
Etta James sang the song “At Last” in reference to finding love. But “at last” is a sentiment parents may express when their adult children are finally ready to move from their childhood homes and enter the “real world.” But just when moms and dads think the nest is empty for good, those fledglings may return to the roost. It’s financially challenging to be a young adult right now. Intuit’s 2026 Prosperity Index found cost of living is the biggest money stressor for young people. A recent 10-country survey of roughly 10,000 young people between the ages of 18 and 34 conducted by the global professional services network EY found 60% still live with their parents. Forty-six percent of parents in Thrivent’s Boomerang Kids Survey indicated their adult children have moved back home.
Adult children who move back home often do so with their parents’ support, but that generosity can come at a cost. According to Alex Gonzalez, a Thrivent Financial Advisor, parents providing short-term support to adult children often find this support affects their long-term savings goals, particularly in regard to retirement, and may make short-term expenses like vacations more difficult to manage. Adapting to kids moving back home requires rules and boundaries for all involved. Here are some ways to handle such a transition.
Talk about expectations Moving back home doesn’t mean everything will be a free ride. Parents may have expectations that adult kids help cook, shop, do their own laundry, and participate around the house in various ways.
Establish respectful boundaries
Both adult children and parents deserve privacy and respect. Each should agree on ground rules for living in the same house. While flexibility is necessary, adult children may need to give way on more issues as they are the ones in need of the support.
Separate finances According to Quorum, a financial services provider, adult children should keep their finances separate from their parents or other caregivers. They should have their own bank accounts and pay for discretionary items like gas and entertainment. Parents may consider charging their children some form of rent and insist on a monthly contribution toward utilities, should the adult child’s financial situation allow it.
You might need to censor advice
Parents may want to squelch the impulse to give advice unless it is sought. It’s best for parents to avoid sounding like a broken record and offer a long list of “should have done this” regarding the need for a child to move back home.
Establish frequent communication
Small annoyances can become big blowups if all parties do not come to the table regularly to discuss things calmly. It’s reasonable for parents to set goals and timelines regarding when the temporary room and board will end. This way adult children will be motivated to move on again. Inflation, lagging job markets, rising cost of living, and student loan debt may result in adult children moving back home for a time. The transition can be made easier with open dialogue and rules. (MC)
• Marvel at Alaska’s natural
in Denali National Park
• Visit Alaska’s the Alaska Wildlife Conservation
• Cruise Glacier Bay and Wrangell St. Elias National Park
• Travel through the legendary Inside Passage
• Visit must-see sights like the historic starting point of Route 66 in Chicago, the famous Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, and the “End of the Trail” sign in Santa Monica
• Explore natural wonders of the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest National Park, and the Painted Desert
• Discover Seligman, known as the “historic birthplace of Route 66,” and visit the vibrant Hotel El Rancho in Gallup, where Golden Age movie stars once stayed
Enhance Your Home with Bold Colors
Homeowners seeking ideas to make a design statement and modernize their home interiors and exteriors can incorporate bold colors to achieve their renovation goals. Neutrals may be versatile, but bold colors introduce a striking way to reflect personality and elevate a home’s design.
Learn how to incorporate bold colors into your home with these tips from the design experts at Simonton Windows & Doors, part of Cornerstone Building Brands, a leading manufacturer of windows in North America.
Interior Paint
The wall color sets the tone of a room’s overall ambiance, but many homeowners are cautious about incorporating too much color. That’s a valid concern, since too many vibrant hues can feel overwhelming or create competing focal points that leave a room feeling cluttered and busy.
The key to bold colors on walls is balance. Bold walls offset by moderate flooring and furnishings create a room that is equally attention-grabbing and tastefully grounding. If you’re hesitant about taking bold colors too far, try designing your room with one bold
accent wall and complement that color with accessories such as pillows and rugs or even statement furnishings to tie it all together.
Replacement Windows
Windows often fade into a home’s design aesthetic, but that doesn’t have to be the case. In fact, dark window finishes are becoming one of the season’s biggest design statements, offering homeowners a way to refresh their home’s curb appeal.
In response to growing consumer demand for sleek, modern window designs, Simonton introduced ontrend black and bronze interior and
fee station or island base.
Cabinetry hardware adds another dimension of bold design. Stepping away from classic brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze and instead installing matte black, brushed brass, bronze or gunmetal brings a contemporary vibe that can accentuate a bold color choice.
Patio Doors
exterior finishes across its vinyl window collections, including DaylightMax Windows, which feature a unique slim-frame window design offering ample natural light while providing maximum energy efficiency. For maximum impact, durability and low-maintenance appeal, consider pairing black or bronze window finishes with trending seasonal palettes and decor.
Cabinetry
Architectural elements can also play an important role in establishing a modern design motif for your home. This is especially true when it comes to the cabinetry in your kitchen and bathroom. Stepping away from classic neutral wood stains, white or gray to use bold paint or stain colors instead can completely transform a room.
Some homeowners go all-in and incorporate color across the entire room while others apply different colors for the tops and bottoms to create some variation or avoid overdoing a bold hue. Still others opt for a statement approach, and similar to choosing just one wall, they add a bold color to just one section of cabinetry, such as a cof-
Establishing continuity between your indoor and outdoor living spaces means making your patio door part of a cohesive design that flows from the indoors out. An option like the Simonton MaxView Multi-Slide Patio Door Collection does precisely that. With custom sizing up to 10 feet high and 30 feet wide, the collection is available in multiple panel options with bypass, pocket or bi-part configurations. The doors also come in black or bronze exterior finishes, reflecting the trend toward bolder color choices.
“Homeowners want modern design without compromising performance,” said Kate Land, vice president of product and innovation at Cornerstone Building Brands. “Incorporating these innovative, durable finishes into our premium vinyl window and door collections delivers exactly that. These bold color options elevate a home’s overall design while the advanced glass and functionality of these vinyl windows deliver the highest standards of energy efficiency and durability.”
Incorporating bold colors into your design can make the space feel your own while demonstrating personality and modernization. Find more ideas and inspiration to answer the call for bold style at simonton.com. (Family Features)
GARDENING
Tech To Make Gardening More Fun
Many people take to the great outdoors to escape the increasingly tech-driven daily grind. Though that’s an understandable perspective, gardeners who aren’t deploying tech in their home gardens could be missing out on a host of benefits that could help their plants, flowers and vegetables thrive.
Devices like smartphones and tablets have made many aspects of life easier and more efficient, and various tech products can do the same when working in the garden.
Plant monitor Plant monitors are sensors that can keep tabs on the health of plants and deliver that information to gardeners. Plant monitors often connect to smartphones via Bluetooth and can deliver information on the amount of heat, light and water a plant is getting.
Sensors vary in price, and some will provide more information than others. But these sensors are ideal for gardeners who love their plants but often forget to check up on them each day.
Garden camera Critters and insects are the bane of many gardeners’ existence. Determining just what is nibbling away at flowers and plants isn’t always so easy, as many animals are savvy enough to restrict their dining to the middle of the night and insects are so small they can be hard to spot.
Garden cameras can serve as the watchmen of a garden and gardeners can review footage to determine just who is compromising all of their hard work. They can then use that knowledge to remedy the situation and give their plants a better chance to thrive.
Weather station Even the most sea-
soned gardeners cannot document the conditions outside as effectively as a good weather sensor.
Weather sensors track conditions such as temperature, relative humidity and air quality. This information can then be paired with irrigation devices to ensure plants get all the care they need to thrive throughout the season.
Garden hub Avid gardeners have traditionally had to arrange for neighbors or loved ones to tend to their plants when they leave home for vacation or weekend getaways. Garden hubs can take care of that by pairing with smart irrigation systems that ensure plants are watered even when no one is home.
Certain hubs even gather and analyze local weather conditions to develop a watering schedule to ensure plants thrive. These hubs aren’t just handy when on vacation, as they can be great for gardeners who want to know things about their plants that are not apparent to the naked eye.
People may see their gardens as welcome respites from their devices. But garden gadgets can help plants thrive and make time in the garden that much more enjoyable. (MC)
Five Rare Kidney Diseases You May Not Know About
While the leading cause of kidney disease is diabetes, many other factors can lead to kidney disease and failure — including a collection of rare and genetic conditions.
According to the National Organization for Rare Diseases, a disease is considered rare if it affects fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. Today, 30 million Americans are living with rare diseases.
This Rare Disease Day, observed on Feb. 28, the American Kidney Fund is committed to improving the understanding of rare kidney diseases by providing educational resources.
IgA Nephropathy
An autoimmune disease, IgA ne-
phropathy (IgAN) is related to improper function of the immune system. IgAN causes the immune system to produce abnormal antibodies, which build up in the kidneys, triggering inflammation and reducing the kidneys’ ability to filter waste and fluid, causing damage and potentially leading to kidney failure.
According to NORD, approximately 70% of rare diseases begin in childhood, which was the case for Malkia White. She had no symptoms — the only indication of her kidney problem was protein and blood in her urine detected through a routine test. She was diagnosed with IgAN but continued living her life without any changes — the disease was so rare, little was known at the time about how to manage it.
“From 6 years old to the age of 42, I
maintained my medical appointments and lived an active lifestyle,” White said. “I was an honor student. I was always in dance class. In high school, I was in a marching band and on the field hockey team. In that time period, I was being checked. It never occurred to me, or my family, to investigate or research [IgAN].”
APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease
Known as AMKD, this is a spectrum of kidney diseases associated with variants (mutations) in the apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) gene. Everyone has two copies of the APOL1 gene, but mutations of the gene can raise the chance of rapidly progressive kidney disease in people of western and central African descent.
Polycystic Kidney Disease
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disease that causes cysts to grow inside the kidneys. There are two forms of PKD: autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease. The former is more prevalent, accounting for about 9 of 10 cases of PKD.
Cystinosis
A rare, multisystem genetic disease, cystinosis accounts for nearly 5% of all childhood cases of kidney failure, although some people with cystinosis do not develop kidney disease until they’re teens or adults. Caused by mutations in the CTNS gene, cystinosis happens when cystine, a component of protein, builds up in your body’s cells. Too much cystine causes crystals to form and can damage organs including kidneys, eyes, pancreas, liver and brain.
Complement 3 Glomerulopathy
With complement 3 glomerulop-
athy (C3G), a part of the immune system called the complement system becomes overactive and doesn’t work properly, leading to damage and inflammation in the kidneys. Specifically, it damages the kidneys’ glomeruli, which help kidneys filter toxins out of the blood. It can cause kidney failure in about half of adults who are diagnosed with the disease.
Michelle Farley had a hard time getting her C3G diagnosis despite high blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat in her youth and suffering from daily vomiting and weekly headaches while in college. After a trip to her college medical center, she discovered her blood pressure was so high she was at risk for stroke or heart attack. Bloodwork determined she had markers for kidney disease, but she wouldn’t receive a full diagnosis until she was 25.
“I was left undiagnosed for almost 22 years due to preconceived notions of how disabilities and sicknesses should ‘look’ on the outside and how old you need to be to have a chronic disease,” Farley said. “I think it’s important to spread awareness about rare kidney diseases so patients can be diagnosed faster and more accurately. I always wonder how long I could have maintained my native kidneys if I was diagnosed as a child.”
Learn more about rare kidney diseases and the Rare Kidney Disease Action Network by visiting kidneyfund. org. (Family Features)
FINANCE
Financial Missteps That Can Affect Your Credit Score
The importance of a good credit score cannot be overstated. Adults who handle credit responsibly may save tens of thousands of dollars in interest charges over the course of their lives, as a strong credit history helps to elevate credit scores. The higher an applicant’s credit score, the more favorable loan terms for big-ticket items like vehicles and homes will be.
Many people’s first encounter with credit comes around the age of 18, a point in time when young men and women may not recognize the gravity of their financial decisions. That makes it easy to fall into some bad habits that can unfortunately have a long-term, negative impact on individuals’ financial futures.
Here are some missteps that consumers can look to avoid as they seek to build strong credit histories.
Missed payments The credit reporting agency Equifax® notes that even a single late or missed payment can lower a person’s credit score. Though it’s always best to set up automatic payments so no payment is ever missed, those who haven’t taken advantage of that capability who miss a payment should know that it generally takes 30 days for a missed payment to affect a credit score.
If you simply forget to make a payment, Equifax® indicates that some lenders and creditors may not even report a missed payment if a full payment is made within 30 days of the initial due date. If you missed a payment because you can’t afford to pay off the balance, then chances are you’re committing another common misstep.
Overreliance on credit Utilizing
credit too much is another common mistake that can quickly land consumers in debt. Resist using credit to finance unnecessary expenditures, like dining out or a night of entertainment. Only use credit to make purchases you know you can afford to pay off in full come your monthly due date.
Credit utilization ratio is another metric used to determine credit score, and it refers to the percentage of your overall credit availability you use each month. The financial experts at Chase suggest a good credit utilization ratio is 30% or less. If you’re routinely maxing out your credit card(s) and can’t afford to pay the balance in full each month, then your utilization ratio might be around 100% and might even be higher once interest charges are factored in. A high balance on an existing card too often compels young consumers to make another costly misstep.
Opening too many credit accounts It’s hard to turn down what feels like “free” money, and many consumers new to credit might open new credit cards, particularly if a current account has a high balance. Too many credit cards can land consumers in considerable amounts of debt. Equifax® notes it’s generally recommended that consumers have no more than three credit cards, but some consumers who struggle to make payments each month might be better off with just one card.
Some common missteps can make it easy to fall into credit card debt, which can adversely affect consumers’ credit scores. Avoiding those missteps can set borrowers up for a lifetime of financial freedom. (MC)
Pet Corner
Prevent Pets from Fighting Like Cats And Dogs
Animal interactions are often portrayed as confrontational. Many people have undoubtedly watched a cartoon mouse outsmart a cat, or laughed as the Road Runner stays a few steps ahead of Wile E. Coyote. Common companion animals also have reputations for confrontation when forced to coexist under one roof.
Reality often differs from such depictions. Potential pet owners can rest assured that many animals of all dif-
ferent breeds and species have the potential to cohabitate peacefully. It’s just a matter of doing your homework and facilitating the process of companionship. Here’s how to get started.
Initial Meet and Greet When thinking about welcoming a new pet into the home, particularly one who has not previously bonded with another animal that you are adopting together, you should always bring your current pet along to gauge their interactions. Also, it is wise to get a disposition re-
port from the rescue about whether the available animal has a history of confrontation with other pets. Rescues typically let prospective pet parents know if a pet is good with dogs, cats, small animals, and even children.
enough to meet without barriers, arrange the meeting in a neutral room, rather than in a sanctuary space.
Equal Measures Of Attention Pets may covet their owners’ attention, and that could lead to jealousy, especially among particularly needy pets. While it’s not always possible to be equal, offer adequate time with both animals, including time where each gets individualized attention.
Create Safe Spaces Whether it is two dogs, two cats, or one of each, animals may need time to spend alone, particularly if they have different energy levels or needs. The Animal Humane Society says sanctuary rooms can be set up so pets can separate. Rooms should be secure, with a door and a ceiling. These also are good spots to place new pets as they get used to the smells and sounds of other pets and the people in the home.
Think about placing items that smell like the other pet in the new pet’s area along with treats, so that the new animal comes to associate these items with good things, suggests the American Kennel Club.
Utilize a Gate or Screen After a few days, new pets can be given a chance to see one another separately through a baby gate or screen door without the risk of fights. When the pets are calm
Sometimes It’s a No-Go Pets may not be able to get along. For example, a dog with a very high prey drive, such as a breed that has been bred to flush out small animals or birds, may find a parakeet or guinea pig simply too tempting to leave alone. A large snake may not work out in a home that has gerbils or hamsters, as rodents are snakes’ natural food sources. Always take a pet’s breed, disposition and natural inclination into consideration before bringing in a new pet. Various strategies can be employed to help pets peacefully coexist. Pet owners who may need some additional guidance can work with qualified animal trainers. (MC)
Why Spay/Neuter Programs Work
Dear Paw’s Corner You often write about feral cat control programs like TNR (trap, neuter, return) and advocate for spaying and neutering. But, do these programs actually work? Because I still see feral cats near my neighborhood every day.
— Janine in Spring Hill, Florida
Dear Janine Thank you for spotlighting feral cat programs! Yes, TNR and TNVR (trap, neuter, vaccinate, return) programs have been going on long enough that the organizations running them have
collected plenty of data showing that “community cat” populations have declined and stabilized. In fact, there’s an organization in your area, Paw Warriors Inc. (pawwarriorsinc.com), that supports these efforts and maintains a no-kill shelter for abandoned cats and feral cats who can no longer fend for themselves outside.
For decades, the University of Florida and the University of Central Florida have had TNR/TNVR programs. Both reported a significant reduction in feral cat populations after the first one to two years — over 66%. Kittens were put up for adoption, and the remaining adult cats were returned to their colonies. The feral cat population remained small but stable afterward. In Washington, D.C., Alley Cat Allies, an advocacy organization formed in 1990, started a TNR program with a feral cat colony. Within seven years, the colony dropped from 54 to just six adult cats; these remaining cats lived longer, healthier lives with the last cat passing away at age 17!
The studies found that TNR/TNVR programs
were highly effective even if just over half of a colony was treated. Fewer kittens were born, fewer diseases were transmitted between cats, and fewer fights took place.
When you next see a feral cat near your neighborhood, look closely to see if they have a “tipped” ear (a chunk cut out of the top). This shows that the cat was trapped and neutered or spayed, and that the colony is being monitored.
Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@ pawscorner.com.
KEEP YOUR SERVICE ANIMAL
Fair Housing & Animals
The federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) makes it illegal for landlords to refuse to make necessary and reasonable accommodations, or changes, to their rules and policies for people with disabilities.
Allowing a disabled tenant to live with their companion or service animal is a common reasonable accommodation under the FHA. This includes waiving an existing “no-pet” policy for tenants with mental or physical disabilities who require an animal for medical purposes.
The Housing Rights Center is a non-profit organization established in 1968 to actively support and promote equal opportunity and freedom of residence to all persons without regard to their race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, familial status, disability, marital status, gender identity, gender expression, age, source of income, or other characteristics protected by law.
• Deny you the right to live with your companion or service animal
• Charge you a pet deposit fee or other surcharge
• Not allow your companion or service animal to be with you in common areas
PUZZLES
SOLUTIONS
Why We Forget
Gary Horton (Jan. 28) writes of “Things We Can’t Forget.” He starts by describing how a cleaning up of his wife’s closet of shoes reminded him of World War II, the Holocaust, and reasons NATO and the U.N. were established. He laments how our administration has forgotten why those institutions were established and are so important to peace and stability. The irony is palpable. Mr. Horton is warning people not to forget history when it is a bold reminder of how easily we forget. It’s not because we want to forget. It’s because we have nothing to remember. The reason is simple. We live in the world we were born into, not the world our grandparents were born into. It is a frequent joke among my generation that our elders seem to live lives of frugality and hoarding. It is nearly impossible to empathize or sympathize with someone whose experience is removed and alien to our own. We might naturally (and sadly) need to recreate our own depressions to appreciate them. I would go so far as to postulate that it may be the doom of our species that each generation repeat these painful mistakes, as in the Greek myth of “Sisyphus,” condemned to be human. I suggest Mr. Horton read that before he pens another daydream.
Arthur Saginian Santa Clarita
Submit a Letter to the Editor Include name, address & phone. E-mail: letters@signalscv.com.
Unless otherwise stated, the views and opinions expressed are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily represent the views of
ETHICALLY SPEAKING
Tickets to Ride Required
By David Hegg
It’s time we hit the pause button and take stock of what is going on around us. I remind you this is an opinion column, which you are welcome to digest, dissect and rebut. All I ask is you put emotion in the cupboard and restrict yourself to provable facts that are reasonably and logically put together as the foundation of your assertions.
Let me present an example of unreasonable assertions that have taken on the guise of truth in our society. One of our former presidents said requiring proof of citizenship would “make it harder to vote and disenfranchise millions of Americans.” This is false and manipulative. We should question what he meant by “Americans.” Can a person be American if they are not a citizen of the U.S.? Isn’t it true that it should be hard to vote if you are not a citizen?
How does this map onto the current debate regarding proof of citizenship? In this way. Those elected officials who seek political benefit by adding non-citizens to voter rolls are actually boiling our democracy in the very milk – one citizen, one vote – that is the essential, life-giving source of our republic. The foundational truth that our governance is “of the people, by the people, and for the people” can only remain useful if the word “people” is confined to legitimate, legally recognized citizens of the United States of America.
Why is it a monstrous thing in some minds that requiring evidence that a person is a member of the club and has a ticket to ride is somehow making it too hard to buy a TV, fly to Sacramento, or cast a vote for those desiring to govern our lives?
I recently went to Costco, and guess what? They wouldn’t let me shop until I showed my membership card proving I was a member of the club. On a recent Southwest flight, I not only had to buy a ticket and hit the check-in button to procure a seat, but I also had to have a QR code on my phone ready for the flight attendant guarding the door to board the plane. I wonder if some of our elected officials would see such security as disenfranchising Americans who want to fly to Seattle!
But the question that plagues me is why would an elected official fight for the right of non-citizens to vote in our federal elections? To put it more simply, what are some in power willing to sacrifice to maintain their power?
It seems crystal clear that many today are willing to sacrifice the integrity of our elections to maintain, and even gain increased political leverage. The only reason anyone would allow non-citizens to vote is if they could reasonably believe that those non-citizens would vote in favor of the party that made it possible for them to vote in the first place.
The idea of sacrificing integrity to gain some semblance of sovereignty is blatantly selfish. I would even call it malicious in that hurting those you have pledged to serve, to serve your own interests, is both the highest form of hypocrisy and the meanest form of duplicity. Further, it is akin to the statute in Judaism that forbids a person to “boil a kid in its mother’s milk.” Three times in the Old Testament, human cruelty is forbidden in the same way that it would be cruel to cook a lamb in the very milk its mother produced to preserve its life.
Our former president goes out of his way to express incredulity at such a prospect! I bring this up to show you how many are attempting to reshape reality through language. Notice he assumes all who want to vote should be allowed to do so easily, without guardians at the door. He throws in the sympathy scene by suggesting we see in our minds millions of sad, disenfranchised people sobbing real tears because the bullies at the door are not letting them come in to play in the voting booths.
We, the great majority of right-thinking citizens, must wake up and smell the rot swarming in our society. In a very real way, the “woke” folk are determined to keep us asleep when we need to open our eyes and say we’re not going to put up with this nonsense anymore. We’re not going to accept that it is more loving to allow non-citizens to vote when our first love must be for the welfare of our great nation. We’re not going to accept men masquerading as women on the athletic field and certainly not in the locker room. We’re not going to accept excuses for fraudulent governance or attempts to divide us along ethnic, wealth, or other discriminatory lines. We’re not going to fall for the ideology that pushes faith, virtue, honesty, and love of neighbor to the margin and clear off the page. And we’re certainly not going to stay home on election day, thinking our votes won’t make a difference. What we are going to do is think clearly, act nobly, love purely, and care deeply as a people committed to the ideals that have made America the greatest country in the history of the world.
Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.
