Sunday Signal 033124

California government adds $1.21 in taxes and fees to the price of a gallon of gasoline.

Months from now, the state says one of those environmental fees will be adding 47¢ per gallon.

It’s part of the state’s new planned increase of $1.15 more per gallon.

www.careaboutenergy.org

California’s Wonderful Wildflower Trails

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

Acombination of several atmospheric rivers and Hurricane Hilary made 2023 one of the wettest winters in California’s recorded history receiving 141% of its average annual rainfall. With the rain comes an expectation of a spring superbloom of wildflowers.

Widespread superblooms do not occur annually, they are a rare phenomenon that usually happen only once every 10 to 15 years. However, the past three superblooms in California blossomed in 2017, 2019 and 2023.

Will 2024 also bring a superbloom?

Some experts say superblooms are possible this spring in Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park and Mojave National Preserve.

If a superbloom fails to materialize this year it is interesting to note that wildflower seeds can lie dormant for years before they germinate.

To find out where the wildflowers are blooming the best resource is the Theodore Payne Foundation Wild Flower Hotline which resumed on March 8, and updates every Friday into June.

You can access the info by dialing (818) 768-1802 ext. 7 or by reading the online blog at theodore payne.org/learn/blog.

Santa Clarita Valley Wildflowers

There are many places to view wildflowers in the SCV. Just about any open space you spy around the SCV will be dotted with wildflowers when the time is right and you look closely.

Placerita Canyon Nature Center

19152 Placerita Canyon Road, Newhall 91321 Info www.placerita.org

Docent naturalist at Placerita Canyon RuthAnne Murthy said no super bloom has been spotted in the Santa Clarita Valley, yet.

“Things are going very slowly so far this spring,” Murthy said. “I’ve kept track the wildflowers for years and it seems this year they are behind, probably because it has been so cold. The ground needs to warm up.”

Murthy, who leads a monthly wildflower walk that meets the fourth Saturday of the month at 9:30 a.m. at the Placerita Canyon Nature Center, said her Blooms of the Season wildflower walk was canceled at the end of March because of heavy rains.

“That’s the first time that has happened in 10 years,” she said.

Murthy said Placerita Canyon, boosted by heavy rains last August from Tropical Storm Hilary, had a beautiful unexpected fall bloom.

“We had a lot of our annuals flower in September and October,” she said. “It will be interesting to see if we have a second bloom, I don’t know what is going to happen. For example, the woolly bluecurl, which normally blooms in April bloomed in October. It will be interesting to see if these flowers bloom again this spring.”

Murthy said Placerita Canyon has more than 300 species of plants with always something to see yearround. Currently, the shrubs are on schedule with hoary leaf ceanothus and sugarbushes visible. California peonies are also in bloom.

“The Ecology Trail at Placerita has an amazing number of wildflowers that bloom on that short trail,” Murthy said.

Murthy recommends that SCV residents get out and explore many of the open spaces and trails in the SCV. “You’ll see something different at each place,” she said.

To explore Santa Clarita’s trails check out hikesantaclarita.com. According to Murthy, “Golden Valley is often overlooked, there are a lot of annuals there.” Another place to check out is the Wildwood Canyon Open Space area where you can find chocolate lilies and soap plants,” she said.

Towsley Canyon is another popular area to visit. It is “always beautiful, there is so much to see.”

According to Murthy, two places to keep an eye out for are Taylor Canyon at Rivendale and Whitney Canyon. She said he was recently at Taylor Canyon and it was “slow for the season.” And, Whitney Canyon “is so shaded that the blooms come later there.” Hopefully, blooms will perk up.

California Wildflower Trails

If you are wild about wildflowers there are many

other trails and hikes throughout California to enjoy this spring.

Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve 15101 Lancaster Road, Lancaster 93536

Info www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=627

Probably one of the more popular places for Santa Clarita locals is the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, which is famous for its vibrant orange-covered hills. The main wildflower blooms generally take place in the Antelope Valley from March through May with peak viewing generally around mid-April. Reports are also that the poppies may be late bloomers.

But, in addition to California poppies, you can also spot filaree, fiddleneck, silver puff, forget-menots, fringe pod, red maids, sun cups and goldfields.

Peak viewing period is usually mid-April, but like the SCV this year, reports indicate the poppies may also be late bloomers. To keep tabs on the poppies, check in on the Poppy Cam www.parks. ca.gov/?page_id=31189.

One of the best trails for wildflower viewing at the reserve is the Antelope Loop Trail, an easy 5-plus mile trail.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

200 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs 92004 Info www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=638

The Anza Borrego Foundation is posting loads of photos of vast wildflower blooms on its Instagram and Facebook pages.

With 92 different plant families and hundreds of flowering species Anza-Borrego is a “must see” wildflower destination.

The Pictograph Trail at Anza-Borrego is highly recommended for those looking for an easy, 2.6-mile trail for wildflower viewing. Frequently trekked from March through October, this wildflower hike also offers pictographs on the boulders along the trail.

For the most recent wildflower update, call the Wildflower Hotline at (760) 767-4684. 

By Joe Rao

The Old Farmer’s Almanac

EAPRIL 8, 2024 TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE

xperience the awe-inspiring beauty of a total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 — a date worth marking on your calendar. Better yet, consider planning a vacation around this celestial phenomenon. For optimal viewing conditions, our recommendation is to head to the Southwest, where the likelihood of clear skies is high. If you live in Texas, consider yourself fortunate, as you may not need to travel far!

(Note: Unfortunately, for the Los Angeles area, the maximum eclipse will only cover 49% of the sun. That is expected to happen at 11:12 a.m.)

April’s Pink Moon

April’s Pink Moon will appear on Tuesday, April 23. It reaches peak illumination at 7:49 p.m. ET. The full moon names used by The Old Farmer’s Almanac come from Native American, Colonial American and European sources. It is not pink, but the name honors the start of Spring and the pink moss phlox.

April Moon Facts and Folklore

On April 20, 1972, the lunar module of Apollo XVI landed on the moon with astronauts John Young and Charles Duke aboard. Thomas Mattingly remained in orbit around the moon aboard the command module.

One day later, on April 21, 1972, Apollo XVI astronauts John Young and Charles Duke drove an electric car on the surface of the moon. It’s still up there, along with some expensive tools and some film that they forgot.

According to folklore, the period from the full Moon through the last quarter of the Moon is the best time for killing weeds, thinning, pruning, mowing, cutting timber, and planting below-ground crops.

— The Farmer’s Almanac

The path of totality begins in Mexico and runs northeast — across the United States — into Canada, specifically Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes.

The next chance to witness a total solar eclipse in North America won’t happen until March 2033 – and that one requires travel to western Alaska. Following that, the wait extends to August 2044, when this spectacular celestial event graces parts of western Canada, Montana and North Dakota.

Many places across North America will experience a partial eclipse, only those within a 125-milewide path will experience a truly brilliant cosmic performance. (Even in Toronto, where 99.8% of the Sun will be obscured, the tiniest dot of remaining sunlight will spoil the view.)

What Makes a ‘Total’ Solar Eclipse Special?

A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon entirely obscures the Sun, transforming day into night. As the sky darkens, stars illuminate the surroundings, creating a captivating spectacle. What distinguishes this celestial event is the emergence of the otherwise unseen outermost rays of the Sun, known as the corona.

These rays radiate around the Moon, resembling a colossal halo of light that extends into space, reaching a distance up to five times the Sun’s diameter. While other types of eclipses may cast shadows and dim the sky, none quite match the awe-inspiring and otherworldly effect generated by a total solar eclipse.

Eclipse Chasers

Some fans, often called “eclipse chasers,” really go the extra mile, setting up holiday plans and traveling far and wide to see as many eclipses as they can. This hobby needs a lot of commitment, since the Moon’s shadow sometimes falls over places that are remote and not easy to live in. You might wonder, why bother going on a trip just to see a total eclipse? The reason becomes obvious once you see it with your own eyes! (But don’t forget to put on the right kind of protective glasses.)

A Bite Out Of The Sun?

Just a bit more than an hour before the grand finale, the total phase, the Moon will slip into place between the Sun and Earth. Picture it embarking on a leisurely journey across the Sun’s surface, creating the illusion of a cosmic bite being taken from our star — until the Sun seems to vanish entirely!

Intriguingly, this celestial ballet prompted many cultures across the globe to conjure up tales of mythic beasts feasting on the Sun during an eclipse.

Strange, Flickering Shadows

Right before the total phase starts, the Sun turns into just a slim sliver of light. At this point, the Moon’s shadows on Earth look really special, unlike normal shadows. They show up as stripes of black and white, switching back and forth every couple of inches, making a sort of shimmering pattern on the ground.

These are called “shadow bands,” and they’re these cool light patterns that happen because the little bit of sunlight squeezing past the Moon just before and right after a total eclipse gets bent as it moves through the air. (This bending is the same reason stars seem to twinkle in the night sky.)

Get Ready For The Diamond Ring Effect!

Right before everything goes dark during an eclipse, the last bits of sunlight that you can see around the Moon look like tiny dots or little ovals. These are known as “Baily’s Beads.” They seem to dance around, sometimes joining up or stretching out. This bizarre effect happens because of the way sunlight streams through the Moon’s uneven surface (the mountains and valleys at the edge).

At the same time, you can start to see the Sun’s outer atmosphere, called the corona, shining around the Moon’s dark shape. And then, for a few seconds, something amazing happens: One of those dots of sunlight sticks around, shining bright like a diamond. This creates a beautiful effect, like a giant diamond ring is floating in the sky.

Day Becomes Night

As the last bit of light disappears, the Sun’s glow seems to suddenly vanish in complete silence, like everything’s been sucked into space. In those quick moments, the Sun’s inner atmosphere, the chromosphere, lights up with a beautiful red glow around the dark Moon, making a circle that looks like a bright red ring. Right after this stunning sight, you’ll see a soft glow, the corona, shining as bright as a full Moon.

The corona changes every time there’s an eclipse. It can look smooth and calm, or sometimes it sends out long beams in different directions. You might see it as straight lines sticking out from the Sun or ending in soft, brush-like shapes. Each time, it’s like a new work of art in the sky. 

Spring Into Fun

By Michele E. Buttleman Signal Staff Writer

Spring has arrived in Southern California with spring gardening and spring cleaning keeping everyone hopping. But spring in southern California is also the perfect time to get out and enjoy the delights that spring has to offer from annual food and wine festivals to entertainment and more.

Enjoy nature as spring also awakens butterflies and glorious gardens.

Child & Family Center’s Taste of the Town

Sunday, May 5

Blomgren Ranch, 15142 Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita 91390

Info www.childfamilycenter.org/taste-of-the-town

This annual food and wine fest benefits hundreds of children, teens, adults and families who are helped by the Child & Family Center’s mental health, drug and alcohol and domestic violence services.

Voted Best Charity Event, this all-inclusive premier food, wine and beer tasting event offers bites by local restaurants, caterers as well as beer and wine purveyors who will provide unlimited gourmet tastings for attendees.

Band favorite Mark LeVang and Friends will once again entertain the crowd. Silent and live auctions offer the chance to bid on some great items!

The Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire

Saturdays and Sundays, April 6-May 19

Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, 15501 E. Arrow Highway, Irwindale 91706

Info renfair.com/socal/the-faire

Nothing heralds the joys of springtime in SoCal like The Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire.

Set in the quaint hamlet of Deptford in the 1580s, this Elizabethan-era English market faire reenactment offers guests entertainment, food, drink, vendors and hundreds of costumed characters. So, don your finest Renaissance costume, or come as you are, and enjoy 12 different performance areas where you’ll find daredevil acrobats, soulful musicians, side-splitting comedians, three full-contact jousts and hundreds of performers who bring the city of Deptford to life.

First staged in 1963 in Agoura this is the nation’s oldest Renaissance Pleasure Faire. Each weekends features a different theme.

See fully armored joust tournaments and tea parties with the Queen. In addition, keep an eye out for the daily stroll of the Queen among the commoners. Enjoy a maypole dance, as well.

Sip & Stroll at the L.A. Zoo

Saturday, April 13

Griffith Park Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles 90027

Info bit.ly/3TBMZh7

Sip on more than 30 selections of craft beer and cocktails (plus mocktails) during this after-hours, 21-plus event. Featured are pop-up keeper talks, special animal presentations, DJ dancing and live music, including the hottest “yacht rock” classics from The AstroYachts and tunes from DJ Johnny Hawkes.

Rosé Bowl Rosé Festival

Saturday, April 20

Rose Bowl Stadium, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena 91103

Info bit.ly/3TBoy36

For rosé lovers the Rosé Bowl is a wine festival featuring a selection of more than 40 rosé wines to taste on the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium field. It also features gourmet food and music.

COC Star Party

Friday, April 22

College of the Canyons Canyon Country Campus 17200 Sierra Highway, Canyon Country 91351

Info bit.ly/4arzF5y

Spend a beautiful spring evening under the stars on the College of the Canyons Canyon Country campus. Attendees can explore the night sky through high-powered telescopes with the assistance of members of the Local Group Astronomy Club of Santa Clarita Valley and the Antelope Valley Astronomy Club.

Guest speaker John L. Callas of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory will discuss “The Robotic Ex-

ploration of the Surface of Mars.”

This free event will be held outside on the Upper Plaza, adjacent to the Don Takeda Science Center.

National History Museum Butterfly Pavilion

Now through Aug. 25

900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles 90007

Info bit.ly/3xjbo3e

Walk amongst the butterflies in the Butterfly Pavilion at the National History Museum Los Angeles.

Wonder takes flight in this seasonal Butterfly Pavilion. This springtime exhibition features hundreds of butterflies, colorful native plants and plenty of natural light to help you see the butterflies’ shimmer.

See all stages in the butterfly life cycle, including eggs, caterpillars feeding on leaves and chrysalises.

Count up to 30 different species, including California natives like the Mourning cloak and Common buckeye.

Descanso Gardens

1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge 91011

www.descansogardens.org

Spring is among the best times to visit Descanso Gardens. Enjoy flowering trees, tulips, lilacs, irises, roses and more.

Enjoy the various and different gardens of Descanso including the Japanese Garden, Camelia Collection, Rose Garden, California Native Garden, Lilac Garden, Oak Forest and more.

Celebrate Earth Day at Descanso with a weeklong celebration from April 22–28. View displays created by Descanso horticulture staff that celebrate native blooms and plants. 

By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

“I really believe that, as human beings, we have an innate need to explore, to see what’s around the corner.” – Jimmy Chin

Over the past few months, Santa Clarita has received plenty of rain, making our hillsides green and replenishing our groundwater. As we move to warmer months and longer days, our community has so many options to be outdoors with friends and family, as well as stay active at our local amenities located throughout the City.

As a community with over 13,000 acres of open space, our Community Hikes are always a popular and free program to attend. Each month, City staff lead a hike and an activity at one of our parks or open space trailheads.

This month’s Community Hike will be western-themed, with a beginner’s line dancing tutorial at the top of Central Park’s trailhead. Join the group as you get sweeping 360-degree views of the City while learning how to line dance and making new

friends along the way. This hike will take place on Friday, April 12, at 6 p.m.

One of my favorite amenities that is always sure to be fun for everyone is the Trek Bike Park of Santa Clarita. As our days get longer and the sun sets later, our popular Youth Mountain Bike Demo Days are a great way to spend the evening on the track with friends and family.

This month, the City is offering three different demo days on April 16, 23 and 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. Each night offers mountain bikes for kids to use, music, games, giveaways and more!

Another way to stay active is by joining any of the Agents of Discovery missions located throughout the community! This free phone-based application allows you to explore different spots in the City while taking fun trivia quizzes along the way. Meant to educate about our open spaces and neighborhoods, this easy and fun application is a great way to spend the afternoon outside, with family and friends.

Our current missions are located at the Haskell Canyon and Golden Valley Open Spaces. To learn more, visit city.sc/AOD.

Don’t forget — the Santa Clarita Sports Complex’s Gymnasium is also a great spot to stay active and enjoy different recreational opportunities.

Drop-in classes are offered throughout the week and include basketball, volleyball, pickleball and racquetball, just to name a few. Classes are available for both adults and youth, so whether you are a beginner or advanced, take advantage of these budget-friendly options in the heart of the City.

Just this month, the City proudly opened its 38th park! Boasting over 10 acres of space, Skyline Ranch Park is the perfect spot to spend the day active and outside.

Whether you want to explore the perimeter on the walking trail, play pickleball and tennis, or have a picnic at one of the fields or tables, this new amenity is a great addition to our parks system and the neighborhood. Located at 18355 Skyline Ranch Road, I encourage our residents to check out our brand-new park.

With spring officially here, I hope to see our community outside at one of our parks, trails or facilities, staying active while engaging with friends and family. To learn more about any of the programs or activities, please visit SantaClarita.gov/ Recreation.

Ken Striplin is the City Manager for the City of Santa Clarita and can be reached at kstriplin@ santaclarita.gov. 

FOOD

Few things go together quite like fresh spring air, warm sunshine and a menu made up of delicious brunch bites.

Whether you’re hosting a crowd or simply gathering your loved ones around the family table for quality time together, a menu of morning favorites can appease appetites of all kinds.

From sweet to savory and back again, you can turn your mid-morning meal into a full-blown feast with a menu made up of pleasing dishes such as this French Toast Casserole, which can serve as a make-ahead twist on the breakfast classic; and a bite-sized treat like Double Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins for a sweet finishing touch to any brunch occasion.

Find more recipes to inspire your next brunch menu at Culinary.net. (Family Features) 

Warm Up with a Fresh Casserole

An exciting twist on a breakfast classic, it’s hard to beat this French Toast Casserole when putting together your brunch spread. Crisp on top while soft and moist in the middle, it comes fresh out of the oven with the aroma of maple syrup and pecans that will have the whole house eager for a bite.

1 loaf French bread (about 1 1/2 pounds), cut into 1-inch cubes

Bite-Sized Chocolate Delights

5 large eggs

1 1/2 cups unsweetened milk

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon sea salt maple syrup, for serving

Topping

2 tablespoons unsalted butter or coconut oil, melted

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1 cup frozen strawberries

Flavorful French toast, filling breakfast burritos and favorite fruits make a feast to look forward to, but no brunch spread is complete without a chocolatey bite to cap off the meal. In fact, make it a double.

These Double Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins offer a combination of two kinds of rich chocolate complemented by the caramel notes of C&H Light Brown Sugar for an irresistible dessert in bite-sized form. Tiny, tasty treats are a perfect way to send guests off with one sweet final bite. Visit chsugar.com to find more delectable dessert recipes.

Double Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins

Muffin Batter

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup frozen blueberries confectioners’ sugar, for dusting Grease 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Place bread cubes in baking dish. In large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Pour mixture evenly over bread cubes.

If making casserole ahead, cover baking dish and refrigerate overnight. If baking immediately, let stand 30 minutes at room temperature to allow bread to soak up egg mixture.

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 package (10 ounces) mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

2 large eggs

1/2 cup C&H Light Brown Sugar, packed

1/2 cup C&H Granulated Sugar

3/4 cup sour cream

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup whole milk

1/2 teaspoon instant espresso (optional)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 tablespoons flaked sea salt (optional) Preheat oven to 350 F. Line mini muffin pan with mini cupcake liners.

In large mixing bowl, use whisk to combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Add chocolate chips and stir to ensure chocolate chips are coated in flour mixture.

In separate large mixing bowl, use wire whisk to whisk eggs and sugars until ingredients are combined

Preheat oven to 350 F.

To make topping: Drizzle casserole with melted butter and sprinkle with brown sugar and pecans. Top with strawberries and blueberries. Cover and bake 35 minutes then uncover and bake 10-20 minutes, or until topping is browned and egg mixture has mostly set.

Remove from oven, cover loosely with foil and let stand 10 minutes. Dust with confectioners’ sugar. Serve with maple syrup. 

and sugars are dissolved. Add sour cream, oil and milk. Whisk again to combine. If using espresso powder, add to vanilla then add to wet ingredients. Whisk vanilla espresso mixture into other liquid ingredients. Pour liquid ingredients on top of dry ingredients. Using rubber spatula, mix until just combined, being careful to not overmix. Batter should be thick and shiny.

Using tablespoon or two spoons, spoon muffin batter into liners. Batter should be filled almost to top of each liner. Top each muffin with flaked sea salt before baking, if desired.

Bake muffins on center rack 6 minutes. Rotate pan and bake 6 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in muffin comes out clean. Once muffins finish baking, place muffin pan on cooling rack to cool completely.

HEALTH

Treatment Options to Help Overcome Knee Pain

Millions of people experience chronic pain, with knee pain among the most common. Athletes and active adults know the impact activities like running and skiing can have on their knees, but when chronic knee pain makes it difficult to do those activities, or even day-to-day tasks like walking up the stairs, people may often face challenges.

According to the journal “Cartilage,” unlike other tissues, cartilage does not repair itself and, without proper treatment, can worsen over time and become more difficult to treat. However, options like FDA-approved knee cartilage repair surgery MACI (autologous cultured chondrocytes on porcine collagen membrane) uses a patient’s cells to help repair cartilage defects and may help alleviate knee pain.

“Sports-related pain should be evaluated quickly, especially when it’s difficult to put weight on the knee, swelling occurs or there is restricted range of motion,” said Dr. Alexander Meininger, orthopedic surgeon and MACI consultant.

Justin Keys, a former patient of Meininger and an avid skier, knows that the long-term outcomes of knee cartilage surgery can be worth the short-term sacrifices. After several injuries, Keys struggled with most activities except walking on flat, paved

surfaces. After consulting with Meininger, Keys chose knee cartilage repair to help get back to his active lifestyle.

Keys considered whether to manage the injury as-is or choose MACI. He knew he could no longer use short-term relief methods and had to address his pain with a treatment to help provide lasting relief.

For athletes like Keys who want to fix knee pain, it’s important to consider these steps:

Discuss Options with Your Doctor

Patients should talk to their doctors and undergo an MRI to help assess the internal structures of the

knee. Meininger recommends patients and their doctors discuss options for long-term knee restoration health, preserving function for future decades and recognizing the short-term sacrifice.

Set Yourself Up for Success

Experts like Meininger suggest patients take steps ahead of surgery to help their recovery.

“The important thing is to be as fit as possible and use the preseason months to undergo surgery and rehab,” Meininger said.

Patients can take steps to prep their home for recovery, which may include:

• Bringing necessities down from hard-to-reach shelves

• Moving furniture to ensure clear pathways

• Installing shower safety handles to minimize potential falls

The Road to Rehab and Recovery

Rehabilitation takes time and everyone’s experience is unique. It can be as much of a mental challenge as it is physical. Committing to a physical therapy regime, staying hydrated and eating well are important aspects to support recovery. Patients should talk to their doctors with questions and before starting any exercises. (Family Features) 

PHOTO CREDIT SHUTTERSTOCK

Crowe is Powerful as One Haunted by Demons He Doesn’t Remember

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘Sleeping Dogs’

 (out of four)

The Avenue presents a film directed by Adam Cooper and written by Cooper and Bill Collage. Rated R. In theaters.

Two weeks after Michael Keaton played an aging hit man with dementia in “Knox Goes Away,” and two years after Liam Neeson played an aging hit man with dementia in “Memory,” Russell Crowe plays a former police detective with dementia in “Sleeping Dogs.” One can understand why these great actors would be drawn to such roles — and why Anthony Hopkins won Oscar for portraying a man with dementia in 2020’s “The Father.” Playing a tragic and complex character with a dark past who is experiencing a decline in cognitive abilities and will soon

Sunday-Thursday, March 31-April 4, 2024

forget that past opens the door to conveying a myriad of emotions. It’s sobering but also rich dramatic material.

Crowe’s subtle and vulnerable performance as former homicide cop Roy Freeman is the best thing about

“Sleeping Dogs,” which is based on the novel “The Book of Mirrors” by E.O. Chirovici, with Adam Cooper making his feature-length directorial debut and co-writing the adaptation with Bill Collage. Like Roy, we are often in the dark about what’s happening and how it all ties together, and there’s an extended flashback sequence that shifts the point of view to a character who isn’t as interesting as Roy.

But when we reach the last in a series of twists that range from plausible to borderline this-makes-nosense-whatsoever, “Sleeping Dogs” proves to be a hauntingly effective case study of a man who remembers enough of his past to know he didn’t always do the right thing, and is determined to set things straight before it’s too late.

Crowe’s Roy is a hulking bear of a man with a bushy beard and two jarring suture scars on his shaved head, from an experimental form of surgery

Top 10 Movies

1. Dune: Part Two (PG-13) Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya

2. Bob Marley: One Love (PG13) Kingsley Ben-Adir, Lashana Lynch

3. Ordinary Angels (PG) Alan Ritchson, Hilary Swank

4. The Chosen: S4.E7 (NR) Austin Reed Alleman, Victoria Blade

7:00; Mon to Thu: 1:10 4:10 7:00

Tthe Spengler fami y returns to where t all star ted - the iconic New York C ty firehouse - to team up with the original Ghostbusters who’ve developed a top-secret research lab to take bust ng ghosts to the nex t level

I M M AC U L AT E E 7:20 PM

Sydney Sweeney (Anyone But You Euphoria The Wh te Lotus) stars as Cecil a, an American nun of devout faith, embarking on a new journey in a remote convent in the p c turesque Italian countr ys de

P RO B L E M I S TA E 1:00 7:10

A ejandro is an aspir ng toy designer from El Salvador struggling to br ng his unusua deas to l fe in New York City As time on h s work visa runs out

A R T H U R T H E K I N G C Sun: 10:10 4:00; Mon to Thu: 4:00 PM

Over the course of ten days and 435 mi es an unbreakable bond s forged between pro adventure racer Michael L ght and a scrappy street dog companion dubbed Ar thur

O N E L I F E B Sun: 10:20 1:20 4:10 7:00; Mon to Thu: 1:20 4:10 7:00

ONE LIFE tel s the true stor y of Sir Nicho as N cky ’ W nton a young London broker who n the months leading up to World War II rescued 669 children from the Nazis

C A B R I N I C Sun: 10:00 4:00; Mon to Thu: 4:00 PM

A b opic on the nfluent al woman Francesca Cabr n

designed to slow or even partially reverse his advancing dementia. When Roy awakens in his shabby apartment, he sees hand-printed reminders taped on the walls, the refrigerator, in the bathroom:

YOUR NAME IS ROY FREEMAN

DON’T DRINK ALCOHOL

TRASH NIGHT IS WEDNESDAY

FROZEN MEALS HERE

IT’S OKAY

When Roy agrees to meet with a convicted murderer named Isaac Samuel (Pacharo Mzembe) who is weeks away from execution — a man he doesn’t remember, from a longago case he can’t recall — Isaac claims Roy knew he was innocent at the time and pleads with Roy to revisit the case. This leads to a labyrinthine deep dive that will remind Roy of his alcoholism and of his disgraceful exit from the force, but it could also mean redemption for Roy and justice for Isaac.

5. Madame Web (PG-13) Dakota Johnson, Sydney Sweeney

6. Migration (PG) Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks

7. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba –To the Hashira Training (R) Natsuki Hanae, Kengo Kawanishi

8. Wonka (PG) Timothée Chalamet, Gustave Die

9. Argylle (PG-13) Henry Cavill, Bryce Dallas Howard

10. The Beekeeper (R) Jason Statham, Emmy RaverLampman

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

He meets up with his old partner, Jimmy (Tommy Flanagan from “Sons of Anarchy”), who suggests it might be better to let sleeping dogs lie. In flashback sequences, we learn the case was about the murder of renowned college professor Dr. Joseph Wieder (the brilliant New Zealand actor Marton Csokas), a manipulative and slimy sort who made a number of enemies, including an aspiring writer named Richard Finn (Harry Greenwood) and Wieder’s research assistant, Laura Baines (Karen Gillan), who claimed Weider had stolen her work. Finn plays Harry as unhinged and obsessed with Laura, while Gillan goes full femme fatale and delivers her lines in what appear to be deliberately flat tones. (It’s the kind of performance you either buy or you don’t; I kept my wallet closed.)

“Sleeping Dogs” has pacing problems, and the direction is competent but not particularly stylish. What holds the film together, and what holds our attention to the very end, is the powerful performance by Russell Crowe as a man haunted by demons he can’t quite remember.

Copyright 2024 Chicago Sun-Times

PET CORNER

Shadowland Foundation Story

Nestled in the Angeles Crest National Forest, just up the mountain from Santa Clarita, Paul and Reverend Colette Pondella live with a pack of wolves on a private gated 11-acre ranch … and you can visit them. All you need to do is make an appointment. Shadowland Foundation is an educational organization dedicated to teaching about wolves and their contribution to the environment and to human healing.

With the National Forest as the backdrop, it is their ultimate vision to continue to develop their land into a Healing Eco-Park and Wetlands for native wildlife and the public to retreat, restore, enjoy and commune together in our endeavor to heal and nurture ourselves, protect the environment, all while saving an essential species, the wolf.

Shadowland Foundation was founded in 2009 by Paul and Reverend Colette knowing that changing

See SHADOWLAND, page 13

PHOTOS COURTESY SHADOWLAND

SENIOR LIVING

The ‘Silver Tsunami’

Areport from the International Monetary Fund in the summer of 2023 indicated that a new challenge awaits the world in the coming years. The global population increased by one billion people between 2010 and 2022. That remarkable increase saw the world surpass the eight billion people mark in November of 2022.

Despite a sharp increase in the global population in such a short period of time, the IMF asserts that the population boom is not the most formidable demographic challenge facing the world. The IMF defines population aging as the most formidable challenge. Widely referred to as the “silver tsunami,” a term credited to the AARP, the increase in the number of individuals age 65 and older could lead to some unique changes in countries across the globe.

Increased recreation spending 65 has traditionally been viewed as retirement age, and that remains an unofficial bar for individuals living in countries like the United States that have increased their official retirement age. Though an uptick in the aging population is often framed in terms of the challenges countries will face, that increase also could present some opportunities.

For example, a recent AARP Longevity Economy Outlook report noted that people 50 and older account for the most spending on recreation and culture of any demographic. That

could prove beneficial to businesses and regions that cater to consumers interested in recreation.

Employment opportunities

The AARP also noted the role the 50 and older population plays in supporting jobs. In 2020, the demographic of people 50 and older supported roughly one-third of the world’s jobs and generated $23 trillion in labor income with its spending on goods and services.

Estimates from the AARP indicate that individuals age 50 and older will support 1.5 billion jobs across the globe by 2050. The labor income impact by then will more than double to $53 billion.

Employment challenges

Though the silver tsunami could help to maintain existing jobs and create plenty of new ones, employers might find it difficult to fill those positions. As more of the global population reaches retirement age, it bears noting that more workers will retire.

Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute note that the manufacturing sector will need to fill 2.5 million job openings related to retirements between 2020 and 2030. That could prove a sizable challenge, as the aging population is increasing at a time when the young population is decreasing.

The aging population is increasing, which could lead to a number of opportunities and challenges in the decades to come. (MC) 

SHADOWLAND

Continued from page 11

minds starts with touching hearts. Paul rescued Shadow, their namesake first and then her best companion, Alaska in 2005. In 2008, Colette walked out of her Spiritual Center and saw a bright blue special construction motorcycle parked at the curb. While investigating the rider’s seat to see if there was enough room for her on the back, she noticed the wolves and werewolves airbrushed on it. Amused and smitten, Paul invited her to meet the two motherless wolves he had at home. This was the beginning of their love affair and together they raised a pack of their own.

Little Red Riding Hood has established a childhood imprint that keeps this amazing Keystone Species endangered and perpetuating the myth of a man-eating, grandmother-eating, and Little Red Riding Hood-eating predator that should be feared and eradicated.

The truth … we are not their prey. In fact, ar-

chaeologically speaking, it is now believed that Neanderthals went extinct, and Homo-Sapiens survived because we had a relationship with the wolves. Thus began the evolution of wolf to dog, man’s best friend.

As part of their mission to “Educate not Eradicate,” they have learned so much about how wolves relate to each other, their habitat and to us. The reintroduction of wolves in Yellowstone National Park and the Indigenous American history have taught us how invaluable they are. Even still, they are legally and mercilessly hunted in the states where they live. Since their successful reintroduction between the years 1995 and 1996 the pack dynamic has revealed and unveiled an ability to heal the earth at an exponential rate.

The wolves have revealed to Paul and Colette a truly “human” emotional, relational and symbiotic connection between us and them. They have the capacity to love us wholly and unconditionally. Without any preconceived notions, once they know the smell of you as a friend, they make you part of the pack.

Healing with wolves has been a byproduct of the mission to save wolves in the wild. By hand raising the pack and socializing them to people from an

Exotic Animals Make for Great Pets

Cats and dogs top the list of the most common pets among households across North America. But many people are drawn to more unusual pets. Unconventional pets typically categorized as “exotic pets” can be just as enjoyable as their feline and canine counterparts.

What is an exotic pet?

The definition of an exotic pet varies. The Spruce: Pets says different companies, people, governments, and associations all will define an exotic pet differently from one another.

Learn the Legalities

Exotic pets can be interesting creatures to care for, and enable people to learn about the distinctive social behaviors and norms of less conventional animal friends. While some pets billed as exotic are widely sold, not all are allowed to be kept as pets. Each state in the United States has its own laws regarding species of animals that can be kept as pets. It is best to research local laws before acquiring an exotic pet.

Exotic Pet Considerations

Once you have established which pets you are allowed to own (with or without permit), these ex-

otics may merit consideration:

Axolotls An axolotl is a type of salamander that doesn’t go through metamorphosis. Axolotls can be an alternative to aquatic animals like fish or snails. They can live up to 15 years and are mainly solitary animals. They can do well on worms and sinking salmon pellets as food, says Burlington Emergency & Veterinary Specialists.

Hermit crab A hermit crab is a decapod, which means it has five pairs of legs, including a pair of claws, says Monterey Bay Aquarium. Unlike some other crabs, a hermit crab does not have its own shell, but rather inhabits discarded shells from other animals, like sea snails. Hermit crabs require a warm environment with food they can scavenge. It’s good to provide a variety of shells so the crab can occupy new ones as it grows larger.

Macaws These large, colorful parrots are native to tropical areas in the Americas, advises Britannica. Most macaws are large and need lots of social interaction to thrive. They are high-maintenance pets that also can be a lifelong commitment since they live many, many years.

Bearded dragon Sometimes called “beardies” among enthusiasts, these medium-sized lizards are

native to Australia and have become popular pets. They tend to be very docile in captivity and learn to be handled. They are most active during the day, and will require a combination of insects, vegetables, fruit, and leafy greens to thrive.

Domesticated hedgehog A hedgehog resembles a furry pin cushion. This small animal, which weighs roughly one pound, has an average life span of four to six years, says Good Housekeeping. Hedgehogs are nocturnal so they should not be forced to be active during the day. Their quills can penetrate the skin when they are frightened or provoked, so that is another variable to consider.

Exotic animals may be alternatives for people looking for something a little different in a pet. (MC) 

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– Becky Robelotto, GDA | TLC Puppy Raiser

California’s

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PET CORNER

Continued from page 11

early age, they inadvertently created a “wolf therapy” environment for people in pain.

Prior to COVID-19, Paul and Reverend Colette regularly visited Rehabilitation and Spiritual Centers with their Wolves & Wellness programs — primarily through Spiritual Guidance and 12-Step Recovery and support. They continue working today with the public, Veterans and First Responders suffering from service-re-

lated traumas. Currently they are developing a retreat center for First Responders in Particular.

You can visit their website to choose an educational or healing program of your choice: www.sha dowlandfoundation.org. If you would like to participate in sup porting the trauma retreat in development, please visit www.first responderstraumaretreat.com. 

Open Hours

MONDAY

THURSDAY

Common Pet Poisons

Pet poisoning is serious and almost entirely preventable. With diligence, pet owners can keep their companion animals safe.

Various household substances and foods found in a typical house can be poisonous to pets include:

• chocolate

• grapes/raisins

• xylitol (artificial sweetener)

• alcoholic beverages

• rodenticide

• acetaminophen/ibuprofen

• antifreeze

• macadamia nuts

• onions

• houseplants

• mushrooms

• cleaning products

• avocado

• flower bouquets

Anyone who suspects a dog has ingested something toxic can contact their veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-

426-4435 immediately.

In the event that a vet or poison control organization suggests inducing vomiting, pet owners can follow this formula for making an emetic to make dogs vomit. Hydrogen peroxide is an irritant to a dog’s intestinal tract and typically works within 10 to 15 minutes of being ingested. The proper dosage, according to the American Kennel Club, is one teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide per five pounds of the dog’s body weight by mouth, with a maximum dose of 3 tablespoons for dogs who weigh more than 45 pounds. Only induce vomiting under the guidance of an expert and within two hours of the dog consuming the substance. Use a syringe to squirt the solution between the dog’s back teeth, being careful not to let the pet inhale the substance.

Hydrogen peroxide is not typically effective at inducing vomiting in cats, and poisoning may require further consultation with a professional health care provider. (MC) 

What Pet Owners Should Know About Heartworm

Pets owners go to great lengths to ensure their animal companions are happy and healthy. Nutritious diets and routine visits to a veterinarian are two ways to keep pets healthy. Pet owners also can educate themselves about various conditions that can adversely affect their pets’ health, including heartworm.

What is heartworm?

The American Heartworm Society notes heartworm is a potentially fatal disease caused by footlong worms that can live in the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels of affected pets. A pet affected by heartworm can develop severe lung disease, heart failure and organ damage.

Are all pets vulnerable?

The American Veterinary Medical Association¨ reports that heartworm primarily infects dogs, cats and ferrets. However, wild animals like foxes and wolves also can be infected, as can animals like raccoons and opossums that many people see in their backyards and local parks. Humans also have been infected with heartworm, though the AVMA¨ notes such instances are rare.

Dogs

The AHS notes dogs are a natural host for heart-

worms. Heartworms that live inside a dog can mature into adults and even mate and produce offspring while inside the dog. Numbers increase if the dog is not treated for heartworm. Even if a dog is treated, the effects of heartworm infection can linger after the worms are gone, contributing to lasting damage to the heart, lungs and arteries.

Symptoms of heartworm infection in dogs may not manifest early on. The AHS notes that it’s more likely symptoms will develop the longer the infection persists. Such symptoms may include:

• A mild, persistent cough

• Reluctance to exercise

• Fatigue after moderate activity

• Decreased appetite

• Weight loss

According to the AHM, active dogs, dogs with heavy heartworm infections or those with additional health problems frequently exhibit pronounced clinical signs.

Cats

The AVMA notes diagnosis of heartworm in cats is more difficult than it is with dogs. Unlike dogs, cats are not natural hosts for heartworms, and the AHS reports most worms in cats do not make it

to the adult stage. In fact, many cats with heartworm have no adult worms. That contributes to the difficulty of diagnosis, and it does not protect cats against harmful side effects of heartworm, including a condition known as heartworm associated respiratory disease (HARD).

The AHS notes that signs of heartworm in cats can be subtle or very dramatic. Sadly, the AHS also reports that the first sign of heartworm in some cases is the sudden collapse or sudden death of the cat. If cats exhibit symptoms, those signs may include:

• Coughing

• Attacks that mimic an asthma attack

• Periodic vomiting

• Lack of appetite

• Weight loss

• Difficulty walking

• Fainting or seizures

• Fluid accumulation in the abdomen

Heartworm poses a potentially serious threat to cats and dogs. Pet owners are urged to speak with their veterinarians about heartworm prevention and what to do if a pet becomes infected. (MC) 

Why Spay and Neuter

Veterinarians and rescue organizations repeatedly stress the significance of having pets spayed or neutered. This process, which is a relatively minor procedure with an excellent recovery rate, renders the animals sterile so that they cannot reproduce.

Many animal shelters will not allow people to adopt pets before the dogs and cats have undergone the spay or neuter surgery. Why spaying and neutering is so important? Here are a few reasons.

Increased longevity A study that focused on Banfield Pet Hospitals’ database of 2.2 million dogs and 460,000 cats found that, compared to animals which were not neutered or spayed, neutered male dogs lived 18% longer and spayed female dogs lived 23% longer, while spayed female cats lived 39% longer and neutered male cats

lived 62% longer.

Curbs unwanted behaviors Unaltered dogs and cats may roam to find mates, meow or bark, mark territory, and engage in other unwanted behaviors.

Prevents litters Undesired litters of puppies or kittens leads to overpopulation that can result in these animals being placed in shelters.

May prevent cancers Spaying or neutering can reduce the risk for certain cancers in animals, such as reproductive system cancer or pyometra. The spaying and neutering process increases the liklihood that pets can live longer lives, and also helps reduce medical treatment costs.

There are several reasons to neuter and spay pets. Furthermore, it may be possible to find a low- or no-cost spay and neuter clinic to handle the procedure. (MC) 

QI recently watched the series Sofia Vergara starred in about a female drug lord, and it made me wonder if Julie Bowen is also doing something now that “Modern Family” is over?

— A.E.

AIt’s been four years since the smash-hit sitcom “Modern Family” ended, but Bowen has been selective with her next series commitment. She’ll soon star in the 1980s-set supernatural-thriller series “Hysteria!” on Peacock, where she’ll play the mother of a teenager who is accused of being a satanist. A premiere date hasn’t been announced yet, but the highly anticipated series recently added Garret Dillahunt (“Raising

Hope”) and Nolan North (“Pretty Little Liars”) to the cast.

QI saw that Denise Richards and NeNe Leakes from “Real Housewives” are in a new TV movie on Lifetime. Who are the other two women in it? Are they also from the Bravo shows?

— K.S.

ADespite the movie starring Denise Richards and NeNe Leakes, and having a title like “Hunting Housewives,” this new Lifetime movie isn’t about Bravo’s “Real

Housewives” franchise. Instead, it’s a scripted movie about four friends whose plane crashes en route to a spa vacation, and they find themselves being stalked by someone — or something.

Richards had a long acting career before returning to reality TV for “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” As she’s no longer a regular cast member, she’s back to acting in television and films. Leakes is best known for her time in the Atlanta franchise of “Real Housewives,” but she’s also guest-starred on shows like “Glee.”

The other two women running for their lives in the movie are played by Kym Johnson Herjavec and Melyssa Ford. Ford has starred in several music videos, but is best known as a podcaster. Herjavec is best recognized for her days as a dance pro on “Dancing with the Stars,” where she met her husband, Robert Herjavec, of “Shark Tank.” She also co-starred in the holiday romance movie “Christmas with the Knightlys.”

QWhat happened to the show “Will Trent”? I hope it wasn’t

canceled. It was one of the best new series I’ve seen in a while.

— A.K.

A“Will Trent” returned to ABC for its sophomore season on Feb. 20. It’s based on Karin Slaughter’s best-selling novels about a special agent who grew up in Atlanta’s foster care system. RamÓn Rodriguez, who plays the crime-solving titular character, earned a Critics Choice Award nomination for the role in his debut season.

Erika Christensen (“Parenthood”) co-stars as Detective Polaski, who was seriously injured by a serial killer at the end of the last season, and Iantha Richardson is back as Will’s partner. The great cast is a big reason why the show has earned accolades from fans and critics alike. The new abbreviated season is due to last year’s monthslong strikes in Hollywood, but hopefully, “Will Trent” will be renewed for a third and longer season this fall.

Send me your questions at New CelebrityExtra@gmail.com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. 

©2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Take to the Road on Various Types of Motorcycles

Motorcycles share the roadways with cars and trucks. Many enthusiasts enjoy riding motorcycles because they provide a visceral experience with the great outdoors. The feeling of the wind and sun is more pronounced on a bike than behind the wheel of a car.

JD Power says motorcycles account for 3% of all registered vehicles in the United States.

Individuals considering adding a motorcycle to their vehicular portfolio have a lot of options from which to choose. Some may be surprised to find out there are many different types of bikes.

Cruiser A cruiser is an American-style motorcycle designed for long journeys. They are large, heavy bikes with handlebars that keep the hands almost parallel to the ground. The seat also provides a relaxed position for the body, and a comfortable suspension corrects irregularities of the road.

Sportbikes Sportbikes are cost-effective, reliable and fast. They are easily customizable and come in a variety of sizes. Although they are popular, comfort is not one of the main features of sportbikes. Aggressive body position and a steep rake angle make these less comfortable to ride than other bikes.

Standard (Naked These are simple and versatile bikes that have no windshields, a more upright body positioning, and no plastic parts or elements of lining. It is a category of sportbike that is stripped down.

Chopper These heavy bikes are designed for leisurely riding. They’re traditionally associated with the biker subculture. Choppers will feature wide and high handlebars, many chrome parts, rake out fork, and a low-set seat. Riders sit with their legs extended forward. Although some are mass-produced, most choppers are custom-made.

Motocross These bikes are for those serious about dirt riding. Most motocross bikes are not legal for road use and are featured in strictly off-road racing. They’re often called dirtbikes.

Adventure Adventure bikes are designed for having fun. They are sturdy and usually outfitted with a tall seat height, tall windshield, upright seating positioning, and ample suspension. Some adventure bikes have luggage options and also may come equipped with on-road/off-road tires.

Touring A sportier version of cruisers, these motorcycles are designed to take comfort to the extreme. Smooth handling, heated seats, cruise control, and even cup holders make touring bikes perfect for long trips.

Supermoto A Supermoto is a single-cylinder motor bike with the fast action of a dirtbike that is allowed on the streets. Its youthful appeal makes it quite popular.

Scooter Scooters are less popular in North America than in Europe, but they’ve gained some steam here in urban areas. They are usually automatic, making them easier to ride for novices. The frame design of scooters is called an underbone, which leaves plenty of space from the rider’s legs to the front of the scooter.

Motorcycles come in many different styles, ensuring there’s one to suit all types of riders. (MC)

Julie Bowen (Upcoming in “Hysteria!”) Depositphotos

Ways to Jumpstart Productivity in Your Workspace

Designing a project workspace can take your creativity to new heights. Whether you’re into woodworking, metalworking, building models or repairing bikes, having the right space allows you to focus on creating and enjoying each project to the fullest.

Completing a job to your satisfaction requires the right tools, equipment and resources to get the job done. Set up a workspace that lets you explore your passion with these tips from the DIY pros at Work IQ Tools:

Identify your needs. Every project comes with a unique set of tools and requirements for success. Make a list so you can ensure you account for every detail.

• Determine if a large, flat workspace is required or floor space is better suited.

• Balance comfort and craftsmanship by choosing a stable chair or rolling chair or decide if working on your feet is more practical.

• Decide exactly how much space you realistically need.

• Assess your access to adequate power sources.

• If you’re using paints and varnish or other odorous substances, ensure there’s proper ventilation.

Invest in the right equipment.

Having the right tools allows you to work faster, easier and smarter. Incorporating a solution like the IQ Vise System is like having a built-in problem solver with smart features that

Workshop Assistants to Get the Job Done

No matter your craft or hobby, you can find plenty of tools and accessories that make it easier to navigate the intricate details of each project you tackle. Consider these IQ Connect plug-and-play workshop accessories that provide handsfree assistance where and when needed on the IQ Vise and around your work area via three additional mounting options.

Work Light Task lighting helps illuminate dark or shadowed areas so you can see the tiniest details. A hands-free, 180-lumen work light that mounts in a magnetic holder, bench mount or clamp mount can add extra versatility. Rechargeable and featuring multiple light settings, it’s always ready and adaptable to your needs.

Magnifying Glass Many hobby projects require intricately detailed work that’s difficult to see with the naked eye, whether it’s a minute piece of your project or the fine print on a tool. Look for a magnifying glass that’s at least 5 inches in diameter

with at least two levels of magnification and an adjustable frame so you can get the angle just right.

Cell Phone Holder A smartphone is often a hobbyist’s most valuable tool since you can use it to look up information, scan for design inspiration, record your process or add entertainment to your work session. An adjustable hands-free holder lets you get the positioning just right while giving you the freedom to tackle the tasks at hand. (Family Features) 

improve functionality and capability.

The vise features a ball and socket design that allows articulation and 360-degree rotation at any angle for optimal work positioning. The task-specific jaws are crafted to create the perfect grip for an extensive range of shapes and materials. Plan for storage.

Keeping all your parts and pieces neatly organized means they remain in good condition until you need

them, and you can find what you’re looking for easily. When you’re planning your storage needs, think about the space you need at every stage, including how you’ll protect a project that is in progress.

Light it up.

A well-lit workspace gives you the visibility you need to complete each project to your satisfaction. Look for models with features that match your hobby needs, such as dimming capabilities and goose necks that allow you to position the lights just right.

Remember safety.

Different projects require distinct protective gear, but virtually all DIYers can benefit from some basic safety precautions. At the least, keep a first aid kit handy for nicks and cuts, but also consider safety glasses, gloves, ear protection and other gear that can help protect you while you work.

Find more useful tools to create a functional project workspace at work iqtools.com. (Family Features) 

Opinion

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

READER LETTERS

Enhancing Camaraderie

Recently, I have had a hip problem and walk with a cane. When I go shopping, to the post office, and even to the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center, people open the door or allow me to go in first.

What a great, caring community we live in!

The nation is politically divided, yet kindness, politeness, and goodness still exist among Santa Claritans.

Recognition of the plight of veterans, assurance of great teachers and schools for our children, and ensuring that older adults have healthy meals have brought us together.

I want to make a suggestion that might enhance camaraderie in Santa Clarita: Community gardens.

We already have one well-known and organized community garden in Central Park. But look around at new housing developments throughout our valley, and you will see apartments and residential homes with very little land to cultivate a garden plot.

Community gardens would be a great learning experience for our children and families — growing one’s own food and getting one's hands dirty! Plus, anything not consumed by the family can be donated to those in need at the SCV Food Pantry or Senior Center.

Finding nearby plots may be easier than you think.

For example, several acres of land originally given to the YMCA adjacent to the SCV Bella Vida Senior Center might be utilized for a garden.

Plus, there are many potential possibilities throughout the valley. Some businesses might even contribute surrounding land to this effort.

Of course, this sounds simple, but logistics like equipment, storage, rules and regulations, fencing and insurance will be considerations.

Fortunately, a model already exists at Central Park, and other communities around the country have “cultivated” land for community garden use projects.

This could be a Girl Scout or Boy Scout merit badge undertaking, church deed, volunteer group effort, or high school student body activity.

Getting our hands dirty together will only enhance and benefit Santa Clarita.

Dr. Gene Dorio Saugus

ETHICALLY SPEAKING

Celebrating the Empty Tomb

By David Hegg

For nearly 2,000 years, Christians have celebrated the emptiness of a tomb outside the old city of Jerusalem. Whether you know it as Easter or Resurrection Sunday, this Sunday, around the world, churches are full, restaurants are humming, children are gobbling down sugar, and the fashion world declares we can finally wear pastels.

Sadly, few understand the significance of that emptiness. Come tomorrow, most will find themselves again mired in the same way of thinking and living, even those who may have dressed up and made the trek to church.

So, at the risk of setting off a firestorm of mocking comments, let me give you a theologian’s perspective on the whole empty tomb story. And, in full transparency, please note that I consider the biblical record historically accurate.

Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone. Anonymous letters aren’t published. E-mail: letters@signalscv.com.

Mail: Letters to the Editor, The Signal, 25060 Avenue Stanford, Suite 141, Santa Clarita, CA 91355. Anonymous letters are not published.

logically speaking, new life in Jesus is re-generational!

Lastly — there is a big finish here! — the resurrection story is eschatological. This Greek-based theological term means “what happens in the future.” The New Testament writers take turns urging us not to place our hope in the things of this broken world but to fix our hope entirely on the promise of eternal life extended to us in Jesus. And that’s where Jesus’ resurrection comes in. When he conquered death, he made the down payment on the promise that physical death would not — could not — derail the eternal life promised to all who entrust themselves to him.

And so, think about it. We live in a pluralistic country where religious ideas and ideals are meant to be published, read, examined and allowed even when there is disagreement. That’s what tolerance means and what being good neighbors looks like.

First, the resurrection story is supernatural. That is, it is a miracle story. Yes, Virginia, God is in the miracle business, and Jesus was — and is — the only true superhero. By the time the Gospel writers — Matthew, Mark, Luke and John — get to the end of their biographies, they have described miracle after miracle without needing to explain anything other than Jesus did — and does — what only Almighty God can do. And, if the grave were empty for any other reason than a miraculous coming back to life of a dead man, indeed, the Roman government would have used its massive resources and power to produce the body, or at least find scores of witnesses to set the record straight that some massive deception had taken place.

Second, the resurrection story is re-generational. Yep, that’s a big theological word. Still, all it means is that Jesus's actual resurrection was a symbolic picture of what happens spiritually when you and I choose to align our lives and eternal future with the commands and promises of God extended to us in Jesus. The Bible tells us we move from death to life, from darkness to light, and from judgment to unconditional love as children of God. Theo-

OK, so now I’ve gone and done it. I’ve dared to give my opinion on the most essential plank in the Christian platform. And in so doing, I’ve splintered my reading audience into at least three groups. Some of you are thankful that, on Easter Sunday, someone has published a defense of historical orthodoxy. Others of you are spitting mad that someone has been allowed to publish a defense of historical orthodoxy simply because you find it not only radical but also dangerous. Still, others of you are in the middle and are thinking of humorous ways to drop “re-generational” and “eschatological” into the conversation around the Easter dinner table. And so, think about it. We live in a pluralistic country where religious ideas and ideals are meant to be published, read, examined and allowed even when there is disagreement. That’s what tolerance means and what being good neighbors looks like.

Whatever your religious or philosophical viewpoint, let’s at least agree to disagree in a way that builds up our mutual respect and plays out the best form of tolerance. After all, we’re in this together, and if you want to talk, I’ll buy the coffee as long as you put up with me saying, “He is risen … He is risen indeed!”

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