Sunday Signal April 11, 2021

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APRIL 11, 2021

Where Appetites Meet Inspiration Page 5 Your News, Entertainment & Lifestyle Source

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TIPS FROM REALTORS ON HOME STAGING

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RECIPES FOR YOUR SPRING BRUNCH SPREAD

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THE DANGERS OF DRIVING WHILE FEELING FATIGUE

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A P R I L 11, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES

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THINGS TO DO

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FROM THE MAYOR

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4 Minding our neighbors in nature 5 Finding inspired cuisine in the Santa Clarita Valley 7 Staging a home for sale during the pandemic 6 Explore the several museums now open 8 It’s almost time to carve up the ice at The Cube

HEALTH 9 9 What are GMOs, what role do they play in our food?

ENTERTAINMENT 10 10 ‘Concrete Cowboy’ chronicles Philly’s Urban Riding Club

FOOD 11 1 1 A Brunch Spread fit for Spring Pastry Brunch Cups Lemon Ricotta Doughnuts

HOME 12 12 Steps to save money on a remodel

SENIOR LIVING

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13 Risk factors for bladder cancer

GARDENING 15 1 5 How to respond to pesticide poisoning Potential threats to pets in your yard

KIDS & FAMILY

1 6 Donna’s Day: Food scraps can grow in a fun, saucer gardening Junior Whirl • Did You Know?

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AUTOMOTIVE 17 1 7 Fatigued drivers are more likely to be in accidents Did You Know? Seatbelts

PUZZLES 18 OPINION 19

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661-259-1234 The entire content of the Sunday Signal is copyrighted 2021 by Paladin Multi-Media Group, Inc. All submitted letters and columns are strictly the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of the publisher. All rights are reserved and no part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. If you would not like this delivered to your home, please call (661) 259-1000.

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A P R I L 11, 2021

N E W S F E AT U R E

Minding our Santa Clarita neighbors in nature

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

W

hile Theresa and Patrick Allen knew they’d be surrounded by wildlife when they moved to Bridgeport six years ago, they never expected it to make such an impact on their young children.

Located in Valencia, Bridgeport’s 15-acre lake and surrounding area are home to a variety of wildlife, including ducks, geese, birds, turtles, some fish and even some egrets and herons.

“We loved the idea of living in the midst of a wildlife refuge,” Theresa Allen said, “and when we saw that our house would literally be at the lake edge, overlooking the water, we were sold.”

It wasn’t long after they’d moved in that their 6-year-old son Trevor started begging them for a canoe, so he could delve deeper into his nature-filled backyard.

Soon, Trevor could either be found out on the lake, by the lakeshore or with his nose in a book, as he researched the various wildlife he’d encountered, with his little sister, Sara, tagging along as well.

Now, Trevor’s become an advocate for the area’s wildlife, educating his friends and neighbors on the dangers of feeding the animals.

“There’s so many cool birds out there — and they aren’t even all native to the area,” the now-12-year-old said, adding that he hopes to become a professional birder one day.

And Trevor’s right, according to Ranger Frank Hoffman, head ranger and recreation services supervisor at the Placerita Canyon Natural Area, who said there are a number of non-native species at the lake, such as the great-tailed grackle birds and redeared slider turtles.

While many of the birds are migratory, with an abundant source of food, water, shelter and good climate available to them at Bridgeport, many have no need to migrate.

Spring has sprung, and it’s the season where everything is growing and coming to life, even the animals — many of whom will be having babies in the spring and summer months — which means you’ll soon be spotting

A family of geese rests near Bridgeport Marketplace Lake in Valencia. The Santa Clarita Valley is surrounded by open space, which makes wildlife sightings a frequent occurrence. SIGNAL PHOTO

more and more animals here in the SCV. This includes at Bridgeport, where ducklings and goslings can already be spotted swimming alongside their mothers and often even crossing Newhall Ranch Road to go from lake to lake.

“A few years back, Trevor even made duck crossing signs (before the professional ones were put up) because he was worried about the ones who often get hit by cars while crossing,” Theresa added. “People treat Newhall Ranch like a speedway, so it happens too often.”

Bridgeport isn’t the only area of the SCV where animal sightings are abundant though, as it’s often considered a city along an “urban edge,” surrounded by forests and open spaces, which is why so many animals can often be seen visiting the suburban area.

The prey and their predators

The No. 1 food source for a mountain lion is deer, so where there are deer, there are mountain lions, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Here in the SCV, there are many deer, according to Hoffman, and although mountain lions are seen yearround in this area, there will be more out and about during this time of year because they are also having kittens, according to Dianne Erskine-Hellri-

gel, executive director and president of the Community Hiking Club.

Although they are often confused with mountain lions, bobcats are smaller and more numerous, especially this time of year, as they are also having kittens, Erskine-Hellrigel said.

The gray fox is also indigenous to this area and are the only canine that can partially retract its claws, which is why they are known to climb trees, according to Hoffman.

Coyotes are another animal that can be seen year-round, but because they will also be raising their pups in the spring and summer, they will need to find more and more food and may be spotted more often, Hoffman said.

There are also some bears who also travel into the area from the nearby mountains, though it’s not the best habitat for them, so sightings are rare, according to Hoffman.

“If you see a black bear, generally, they won’t attack you … but when they have a baby with them, watch out — you don’t want to get anywhere near them,” Erskine-Hellrigel added.

As the weather warms, snakes will begin to slither in, especially rattlesnakes, which are venomous, according to Erskine-Hellrigel.

“They can only bite when they’re coiled because they coil and then they spring towards you,” Erskine-Hellri-

gel said. “The length of their body is how far they can spring towards you and bite you.”

However, both Erskine-Hellrigel and Hoffman agreed the snakes will most likely retreat if they aren’t provoked or threatened, as they aren’t generally aggressive.

These predators play an important role in the ecosystem by helping keep the rodent populations under control, according to Fish and Wildlife.

They’re also known to prey on the rabbits, as there will also be a significant increase in the SCV’s bunny population, because at the first sign of spring, breeding season begins and doesn’t end until late summer, said both Hoffman and Erskine-Hellrigel.

In the spring, many animals leave their young unattended for hours at a time as they forage for food, so it is important to never assume it has been abandoned, according to Erskine-Hellrigel and Fish and Wildlife.

During this time of year, officials agreed it’s important to be cognizant of the food left out as to not attract animals, such as covering garbage cans and putting bird feeders away to avoid attracting rodents or other prey of larger predators.

These officials also agree that residents need to be aware of the animals, be careful and respectful. 

A P R I L 11, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

N E W S F E AT U R E

Finding inspired cuisine in the Santa Clarita Valley

By Emily Alvarenga Signal Staff Writer

F

Chef Leo Gomez poses with his Miami Cafe banner. That Santa Clarita resident and aspiring restaurateur hopes to bring his take on Cuban comfort food from the Miami area to a more permanent SCV location. COURTESY PHOTO MIAMI CAFE

or most, our experiences often shape who we are as people, and our background becomes the building blocks for who we become.

For chefs, it’s often those experiences and that background that inspire their cuisine.

Whether it be comfort food, Cuban or French, many chefs in the Santa Clarita Valley can tell you firsthand they’ve seen this firsthand.

Bringing South Beach to the SoCal

While Santa Clarita resident and chef Leo Gomez was born in L.A., he grew up in Miami under the influence of his Cuban family.

“I’m incredibly passionate about my culture,” Gomez said. “I grew up in a very, very Cuban household where culture was at the forefront.”

Gomez often found himself gravitating towards the older generation, whether it was listening to their stories or learning their cooking.

“I picked up some recipes along the way growing up with my grandma, who was an amazing cook,” Gomez added.

So when Gomez moved back to L.A. at 17, it was immediately the culture, food and spirit of Miami he missed most.

“It’s not so much Cuban food, but Miami Cuban food, which is the comfort food that we usually get from these takeout windows called ‘ventanitas’ that are everywhere,” Gomez said, adding that it’s those Cuban sandwiches, pastries and coffees he craved.

Gomez used the unique opportunity he was given last year when he was laid off due to the pandemic to go back to his roots and give the business plan he’d been dreaming of his full attention.

“For the last couple of years, I’ve been working on the recipes and building out the menu,” Gomez said. “I took that entire year to really work together with my wife on building this concept.”

Due to the pandemic, Gomez has focused on catering, but hopes to open a storefront in Santa Clarita soon — Miami Café, a 1980s-inspired Cuban eatery to bring “South Beach to the Southland,” he said.

“We really want to serve this community and be a part of this community,” he said. “We’re just waiting for the right opportunity. It’s a really hard industry, and it’s really sad what’s happened (to restaurants through the pandemic), but I feel confident that there’s going to be a bounce back and the restaurant industry is going to really launch itself once the pandemic is really over.”

In the meantime, Gomez entered Favorite Chef, a national voting competition where the winner gets a cash prize.

While Gomez placed fifth in the quarterfinals, it was the community support he received fueled him to continue pursuing his passion.

“The response that we’ve gotten from the local

community, the Cuban American community, family and friends has been so overwhelming,” he said.

“It’s been a humbling experience to know that total strangers online are truly rooting for you.”

For more information, visit TheMiaCafe.com.

From French apprenticeship to Le Chène

Behind the food and wine at Le Chène French Cuisine is owner and head chef Juan Alonso.

Born in Spain, Alonso immigrated to France when he was 10 years old, and soon, he found himself wondering what he should do with his life.

At 14, he decided that being a cook would allow him to travel anywhere in the world, which appealed to him, so he quit school and went to work.

“I was an apprentice for three years at a one-star Michelin restaurant,” Alonso said.

When Alonso moved to Los Angeles in 1973, he was able to use his experiences there to dive head first into the restaurant industry.

Alonso opened Le Chène “by accident” in 1980, when the property’s owner offered it to him, without realizing that the Agua Dulce restaurant and vineyard that he built from the ground up would become his legacy.

Now nearly 41 years later, Alonso jokingly compared Le Chène to a jealous wife.

“It has been great to me, but at the same time, it’s very demanding,” he added with a chuckle.

While Alosno said he’s considered changing the restaurant’s cuisine over the years, it was his experience with French cuisine that won out.

“The cuisine we do here is a French cuisine of yesterday, but it’s a wonderful cuisine,” he said. “It’s French cuisine the way I learned it.”

Le Chène is located at 12625 Sierra Highway and can be reached by calling (661) 251-4315.

Putting a spin on comfort food

At Old Town Junction, co-owner and executive chef Daniel Otto has built his restaurant around the comforts he remembers from his childhood.

Born in Hawaii, Otto recalls his mother always cooking, even as his family moved from place to place due to his father’s military career.

“I was always used to that really good comfort food that my mom would always make, and I kind of fell in love with that,” Otto said.

At 19, Otto went to San Francisco to pursue cooking and begin his formal education.

Otto then spent some time bouncing around the hospitality industry before he had the opportunity to open Old Town Junction with the goal of putting his own spin on comfort food and making customers feel at home.

“I feel like our restaurant’s really unique out here, and I think it shows … through from the first person you meet, with that warm, gatekeeper of a hostess, all the way from the server … and all the way to the heart of the house with our culinary team,” Otto said. “I believe the food speaks for itself and that’s how it should be.”

Otto designed the restaurant to be very culinary and food driven, hoping to create a scratch kitchen and something unique that exemplified his love of food.

“I’ve lived here for a good 20 years now, and it’s my home that I started with my family, and I want them to have … a place where you can come and feel that vibe,” Otto added. “We put a lot of love into it.”

Old Town Junction is located at 24275 Main St., Newhall, and can be reached by calling (661) 7024888. 

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A P R I L 11, 2021

THINGSTODO

Explore the several museums that are now open Dinosaurs, butterflies, fish and insects … what’s not to enjoy at local museums and aquariums.

By Doña Uhrig Signal Staff Writer

I

t’s spring. The weather is nice and museums are starting to open up. What a great time to visit any of the several museums Santa Clarita and Los Angeles has to offer.

If you want to make it a family affair, or simply a chance to explore your own passions or interests, here are a few museums to explore.

Autry Museum of the American West

4700 Western Heritage Way Los Angeles, 90027 Restrictions The museum is free to the general public until April 18.

Reservations are required at this time.

For more information, visit theautry. org/visit.

The Autry is a museum dedicated to bringing together the stories of all peoples of the American West, connecting the past with the present.

Located in Griffith Park, it features world-class galleries filled with Native American art and cultural materials, film memorabilia, historic firearms, paintings, and more.

Current exhibits include: • “When I Remember I See Red: American Indian Art and Activism in California” • “What’s Her Story: Women in the Archives” • “Art of the West”

La Brea Tar Pits

5801 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles 90036 Restrictions Advanced, timed tickets are required and available online.

Admission is $15/adults, $12/seniors

PHOTO CREDITS (CLOCKWISE FROM THE DINOSAUR) NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL, MC.

and students, $7/children. Members are free. Parking is $12. For more information, visit tarpits.org/plan-yourvisit.

Experience the only Ice Age fossil site in the world that is actively being excavated in the middle of a major metropolis.

These tar pits have fascinated scientists and visitors for more than a century. For more than 50,000 years, Ice Age animals, plants and insects have been trapped in sticky asphalt. Many of the excavation discoveries are on display in the La Brea Tar Pits Museum, located at the center of the park.

Autry Museum of the American West

PHOTO COURTESY AUDRY MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN WEST

Natural History Museum

900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles 90007 Restrictions Advanced, timed tickets are required and available online.

Admission is $15/adults, $12/seniors and students, $7/children. Members are free. Parking is $12. For more information, visit https://nhm.org/ plan-your-visit.

Watch butterflies take flight all around you in the Butterfly Pavilion as you watch caterpillars feeding on leaves. There are also opportunities to chat with museum educators and keepers to learn more about the 30 different species you could see. Admission is $6.

Besides the pavilion, there are many ongoing exhibits currently open including the extraordinary Dinosaur Hall. There you will find more than 300 fossils, 20 complete dinosaurs and ancient sea creatures. The centerpiece of the exhibit is the T. Rex growth series with the only trio of different-aged T. Rex specimens in the world.

There also are two other special exhibits. “Rise Up L.A.: A Century of Votes for Women,” is open until Oct. 10. The exhibit examines the fight for

women’s suffrage in Los Angeles since Nov. 2, 1920 when millions of women cast their first vote in a national election.

You can meet your tiny neighbors in the “Spiky, Hairy, Shiny: Insects of L.A.” exhibit that will be open until April 1, 2022.

Newhall Aquarium

24631 Arch St Newhall 91321 Hours The museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. Call ahead for information, (661) 2205212 The nonprofit Newhall Aquarium offers families hands-on learning experiences with touch tanks and lessons on marine life.

“I’m very excited to be opening up because I do miss people coming in,” said Tony Taymourian, managing director. “I come here to take care of the animals, and it’s really quiet.”

The aquarium has worked handin-hand with local school districts providing students with marine life education resources.

Guests can watch seahorses, sharks, eels and octopi being fed. They can also learn about coral reef fish and invertebrates, or fish that lack a backbone. 

A P R I L 11, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

N E W S F E AT U R E

Staging a home for sale during the pandemic

By Kev Kurdoghlian Signal Staff Writer

I

n a hot residential real estate market like the one Los Angeles finds itself in today, sellers have a long list of steps they can take to get their properties ready for sale.

A primary item on the to-do list for selling is staging the home for showings to prospective buyers. Staging a home, similar to all other activities, has had to adjust due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Realtors are finding creative ways for homes to catch the eye, and many are keeping their walk-throughs to “serious buyers,” who are pre-qualified for a home loan and can show proof of funds, as a means to further minimize any potential pandemic exposure to possible buyers or the seller.

“I haven’t really implemented staging because I’m trying to really minimize the (number of) people coming into the properties,” said Erika Kauzlarich, a Compass broker associate with home listings in and around the Santa Clarita Valley.

Even before the pandemic, Kauzlarich recommended decluttering to sellers.

“I prefer clients declutter a home rather than having to stage the home,” Kauzlarich said. “People aren’t buying the furniture in the home. They’re buying the home and the floor plan and the layout.”

Craig Martin of Martin Realty Group in the Santa Clarita Valley takes a “hybrid” approach that combines staging and decluttering. He works with staging companies that do both.

“We box everything, we put it into the garage, we take out those extra sofas and chairs, extra furniture, and then we put other stuff in its place, like little knickknacks and stuff that look really nice,” Martin said. “It’s kind of like a hybrid staging where it’s not a complete ‘Bring in all the furniture now,’ it’s more about just decluttering.”

With or without staging and decluttering, Martin said he continues to see homes selling for top dollar. “If a house doesn’t have any (staging), it’s still going to sell,” Martin said.

“When it’s cluttered up and we want it to feel open and bigger, that’s when

Additional Tips for Staging a Home

Brighter is better While dark rooms can feel sullen or cluttered, conversely, bright, well-lit rooms at least offer a more open feel and appearance.

Open it up Re-arranging the furniture to increase access and walkability will also make the space feel bigger.

Best foot forward Improving the aesthetic of the entrance can be a big help, as first impressions are key.

Tone it down It’s probably best to avoid wall colors that “make a statement” or are particularly unique, and go with more neutral colors on the walls.

Courtesy moving.com

The Santa Clarita Valley real estate market is experiencing great conditions for sellers right now due to a number of factors.

The significance of home staging somewhat depends on the space available, according to the experts. PHOTO COURTESY MARTIN REALTY GROUP

we’re doing the staging.”

A California Association of Realtors survey showed that people that stage their homes get 16% greater value in the sale price, according to Nancy Starczyk, a Realtor with Realty Executives in Valencia.

“Most of the time, buyers have difficulty visualizing furniture in a vacant home,” Starczyk said, “So, staging makes all the difference in the world.”

De-personalizing a home as part of the staging process helps buyers visualize themselves in a home, Martin said. Before a showing, he also recommends cleaning a home’s windows and making small improvement, like adding LED lights, “so it looks much bigger.”

“You don’t really have to stage all the bedrooms as much,” Martin said. “It’s really the great rooms. Or a smaller room in the home (that) you want to make look bigger, so you’ll stage it with smaller furniture showing them that it can work for people.”

Data shared last month during the Santa Clarita Economic Development Corporation’s 2021 Economic Outlook Spring Report show that home

sales have increased by 20% and home prices have increased by 8% in the Santa Clarita Valley since early last year.

Kauzlarich pointed to three factors that she thinks attributed to those increases. A shortage of housing is No. 1 on her list.

“Until we build new housing and we increase our inventory, then it’s going to remain a seller’s market,” Kauzlarich said.

Santa Clarita Valley appears to be doing its part to address the need for new housing. Last year, SCV witnessed the highest number of new residential units permitted of any year since 2006.

Currently, 13,860 residential units are under construction, 4,735 units have been approved for construction and 18,586 units seeking approval, according to data presented at the 2021 Economic Outlook Spring Report last month.

A low interest rate for home loans is Kauzlarich’s second factor.

“People that were renting realized the value in the low interest rates,” she said. “When you compare what your mortgage would be versus what the

rental market is right now, there’s a huge savings.”

Lastly, Kauzlarich noted that the pandemic and the way it has changed people’s relationships with work has played a role in creating a hot residential real estate market.

With an increase in the number of people working from home during the pandemic and a potential continuation to work from home arrangements as offices reopen, “the commute is no longer a factor,” according to Kauzlarich.

“When they’re not having to factor in a commute, they can live in Santa Clarita Valley,” Kauzlarich said. “A lot of people desire to live up here, some of them just don’t based on the commute to work.”

Whether it’s Saugus, Canyon Country or one of the SCV’s many beautiful neighborhoods, Kauzlarich said the story is the same.

“Across the board, it was really the same in terms of number of showings, number of offers, all of that,” she said, noting that Valencia is one of the most desirable areas in SCV. 

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A P R I L 11, 2021

F R O M T H E M AY O R

It’s almost time to carve up the ice at The Cube!

By Bill Miranda Santa Clarita City Mayor

T

he water has frozen, the skates are sharpened, and the doors are opening soon at The Cube — Ice and Entertainment Center! Residents will soon have the chance to lace up and hit the ice at The Cube, as the Santa Clarita landmark gets set to welcome the public.

Skating, hockey and other ice sports play a central role in many residents’ daily lives, and I am thrilled to say that our hometown ice rink will be back and open for business in just a few days’ time.

Monday, April 12, marks a milestone day in the City’s journey to bring ice back to Santa Clarita after purchasing the facility last fall. Along with partners from the LA Kings and American Sports Entertainment Company (ASEC), the City will host an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at The Cube. As public health orders that are in place do not permit public gatherings or crowds, residents can at-

tend the ribbon cutting virtually by watching the event on the City of Santa Clarita’s Facebook page.

Following the ribbon-cutting program outside The Cube, you’ll be able to get a glimpse inside the facility to see everything it has to offer. Over the past few months, teams from throughout the City organization have been working on renovating the building and preparing The Cube for its debut.

This process has included upgrades to technology, systems and infrastructure that ensure The Cube is always ready for the myriad athletes, families, fans and other guests who will visit each day.

What can you expect to see when you visit The Cube for the first time? Right off the bat, you will notice the exterior of the building has been dramatically overhauled. New paint and signage have enhanced the aesthetic, while a new LED screen is being installed that will display facility information, play videos and more.

As you enter the building, you will step into a completely reimagined lobby that features brand-new flooring, wall graphics and displays.

Stop at the customer service desk to checkin, pick up a pair of rental skates and (coming soon) visit the Pro Shop and City Store to get all of the gear and The Cube merchandise you need.

ASEC and the LA Kings have already done a wonderful job in preparing for the grand opening of The Cube. Daily programs, tournaments, competitions and special events are just some of the things to look forward to as The Cube kicks off a new era of ice and entertainment in Santa Clarita.

As public health orders allow, capacity and activity restrictions will lessen, and The Cube will be fully open to the public.

To learn more and see the latest news, please visit TheCubeSantaClarita.com and connect on social media by searching The Cube Santa Clarita on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. I can’t wait to see you out on the ice!

Mayor Bill Miranda is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council and can be reached at bmiranda@santa-clarita.com. The views expressed in his column are those of the City and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal. 

A P R I L 11, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

H E A LT H

What are GMOs, what role do they play in our food?

Y

ou may have heard of “GMO” foods before, but what you may not know is the science and purpose behind them.

“GMO” is a common term used to describe foods that have been created through genetic engineering. A GMO (genetically modified organism) is a plant, animal or microorganism that has had its genetic material (DNA) changed using technology that generally involves the transfer of specific DNA from one organism to another.

Although GMO foods are widely available to consumers, there is sometimes confusion around what GMOs are and how they are used in the nations’ food supply.

As part of the Feed Your Mind education initiative, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration provides science-based information to help consumers better understand GMOs. • Only a few types of GMO foods are sold in the United States.

Soybeans, cotton, corn, alfalfa, apples, canola, papaya, potatoes, summer squash, sugar beets, pineapple and AquAdvantage salmon complete the list of GMO foods currently sold in the U.S. Only a few of these are available in the produce sections of grocery stores. Most are instead used to make ingredients that are then used in other food products like cereals and snack chips.

• GMOs can help farmers grow crops that are resistant to diseases and insects.

Humans have used traditional ways to modify crops and animals to suit their needs and tastes for more than 10,000 years.

Genetic engineering lets scientists take a beneficial gene, like insect resistance, and transfer it into a plant. Results can include higher crop yields, less crop loss, longer storage life, better appearance, better nutrition or some combination of these traits.

• GMO foods are as safe to eat as their non-GMO counterparts.

The FDA, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Agriculture work together to make sure GMOs are safe for human, plant

Bioengineered food is the term that Congress used to describe certain types of GMOs when they passed the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard.

The Standard defines bioengineered foods as those that contain detectable genetic Only a few of the GMO foods sold in the U.S. are available in the produce section of grocery stores, according to the FDA. Most are used to make ingredients for other processed foods. PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES

material that has been modi-

and animal health. GMO foods are carefully studied before being sold to the public to make sure they are safe.

Some GMO plants have even been modified to improve their nutritional value. For example, some GMO soybeans contain healthier oils, which can replace oils containing trans fat.

through conventional breeding

• GMO foods are no more likely to cause allergies than non-GMOs. You will not be allergic to a GMO food unless you’re allergic to the nonGMO version of that food. For example, if you’re not allergic to foods made with non-GMO soy, you won’t be allergic to foods made with GMO soy. When developing GMOs, scientists run tests to make sure allergens aren’t transferred from one food to another.

• GMOs can reduce farmers’ use of pesticides.

Some GMO plants contain plant-incorporated protectants to make them resistant to insects. This lowers farmers’ need for and use of spray pesticides.

• A “bioengineered” disclosure will be on some of the foods you eat.

The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard requires bioengineered foods to be labeled by 2022 with text on the packages that reads “bioengineered food,” the bioengineered food symbol or directions for using your phone to find the disclosure. Sometimes the terms “bioengineered,” “GMO” and “genetic engineering” are used interchangeably,

but labels required under the Standard use the term “bioengineered.”

Find more answers to your questions about GMOs at https://www.fda.gov/ food/consumers/agricultural-biotechnology. 

fied through certain lab techniques and cannot be created or found in nature. ­— Food and Drug Administration

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A P R I L 11, 2021

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

‘Concrete Cowboy’ chronicles Philly’s Urban Riding Club

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘Concrete Cowboy’

(out of four) 

Netflix presents a film directed by Ricky Staub. Written by Ricky Staub and Dan Walser, based on the novel “Ghetto Cowboy” by G. Neri. Rated R (for language throughout, drug use and some violence).

T

he horse riding community we see in “Concrete Cowboy” is set in Philadelphia, but some scenes will ring familiar with Chicagoans who have watched the antics of the Dreadhead Cowboy, whose most famous stunt was taking his horse for a jaunt on the Dan Ryan Expressway, which created a viral sensation and resulted in numerous criminal charges.

Not that Dreadhead Cowboy is the only Black rider out there, not by a long shot. Black riding clubs have existed for decades in cities such as Chi-

PHOTOS COURTESY IMDB

cago, Baltimore, Houston and Oakland. Director Ricky Staub brings that world to life in “Concrete Cowboy,” which is a fictionalized and deeply sentimental story, but is based on the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club in

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North Philadelphia. The film features a number of real-life riders in supporting roles, adding authenticity to the story.

When 15-year-old Cole (Caleb McLaughlin of “Stranger Things”) gets into yet another fight at school in Detroit, his exasperated mother (Liz Priestly) sends him to Philadelphia to live with his father, Harp (Idris Elba), whom he hasn’t seen in years. Toting his belongings in two garbage bags, Cole feels as if he’s landed on another planet when he enters his father’s ramshackle row house and learns he’ll be sharing space with a horse — a real, live, temperamental horse. Welcome to Philly, kid!

Turns out Harp is the unofficial leader of the Fletcher Street riding club, a tightly knit, generation-spanning group of male and female Black riders who live to ride and ride to live, with many of them saying if not for the club they would have succumbed to the temptations of the streets and been in jail or dead by now. Nearly every night, the group sits in a circle, drinking beers and telling tales about the history of the Black cowboy in America and the halcyon days of riding right there in Philadelphia. Of course, Cole thinks this whole horse thing is crazy, and of course, Harp puts him to work shoveling manure in the stables, and of course, Cole eventually strikes up a special bond with a wild young horse who will listen only to Cole.

The relationship between Harp and Cole is awkward and distant at first and their constant clashes drive Cole right into the life his mother had hoped he’d avoid. Cole takes up with his cousin, a former Fletcher Street rider named Smush (Jharrel Jerome from “When They See Us”), who is mixed up in some heavy business involving drugs and guns and a local gang leader.

For much of the film, Cole is torn between the two worlds. Gradually, he comes to understand and appreciate and embrace the riding life, and there’s even a potential romance in the making with a pretty young rider named Esha (real-life rider Ivannah-Mercedes) with a shock of magenta hair under her Stetson. But he’s also attracted to the supposedly easy

money to be made on the streets. Will Cole find his way with the help of his father and his friends, both human and animal, or will he be lost to a life of crime? What do you think, fellow rider?

“Concrete Cowboy” is gorgeously photographed, with many of the riding scenes taking place in the magic sunset hour or under the lights of the city and in the rain. Elba and McLaughlin make for a plausible father and son, as each of their characters soften over time. Method Man turns in strong supporting work as a rider turned cop who remains sympathetic to the club, and real-life Fletcher Street cowboy Jamil “Mil” Prattis is remarkably good as a rider in a wheelchair who becomes a mentor of sorts to Cole. This is a warmhearted and borderline corny story we’ve seen hundreds of times before, but the setting is unique and pretty special.

Keep on riding, cowboys.

DVD Alert ‘Songbird’ (2020 Thriller, PG-13, 85 m A slick, brainless thriller cynically uses the pandemic as the launching pad for an adventure set in the year 2024, when people with the new COVID-23 are rounded up into prisonlike quarantine zones. A courier (K.J. Apa) races to save his beloved Sara (Sofia Carson) from being locked up forever. Rating: Two stars.

‘Fatale’ (2021) Thriller, R, 102 m., 2021 The detective (Hilary Swank) investigating a breakin at the home of a married sports agent (Michael Ealy) turns out to be the unhinged stalker he slept with in Las Vegas. It’s just the latest and far from the greatest entry in the female stalker genre -- not inventive enough to make its own mark, nor ridiculous enough to be a Wine Night Guilty Pleasure Movie. Rating: One and a half stars. 

Copyright 2020 Chicago Sun-Times

A P R I LL11, 11, 2021 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

A Brunch Spreadfit for Spring

FOOD

F

rom tasty small bites to a filling feast and even dessert for breakfast, brunch options are nearly endless. Take your spring brunch to the next level with recipes that appease appetites of all kinds.

Start with the portioned pastry cups. Finish with a touch of sweet deliciousness by offering up these lemony doughnuts.

Find more brunch recipes at Culinary.net. (Family Features) 

Bite-Sized Breakfast

A

ppetizer-sized portions and small bites of all sorts are ideal for breakfast spreads, and these Pastry Brunch Cups are perfect for starting a morning meal with loved ones. Or, if a busy schedule looms, try baking a batch and separating into appropriate serving sizes for a simple way to meal prep heading into a new week.

Pastry Brunch Cups

Servings: 18 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons flour 1 1/2 cups milk 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese 2 sheets puff pastry 18 eggs

2 cups diced ham

chopped fresh green onions Heat oven 375 F. In small saucepan, melt butter. Whisk flour with butter. Gradually pour in milk, whisking each time.

Bring to simmer, whisking until mixture starts to thicken. Remove from heat; stir in Swiss cheese. Set aside.

Use rolling pin to thin out puff pastries. Cut each into nine squares. Line pastry squares in muffin cups, pressing bottoms down firmly and moving pastries up sides for edges to come up just over muffin tins. Fill each cup with 1 teaspoon cheese sauce. Crack one egg into each cup and sprinkle each with diced ham.

Bake 10-15 minutes until eggs set. Sprinkle with chopped green onions. 

Visit dominosugar.com to find recipes perfect for entertaining and celebrating throughout the year.

baking powder and salt. Add lemon zest, eggs, ricotta cheese and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.

Doughnuts

Use ice cream scoop to scoop small amounts dough into oil, 4-5 pieces at a time. Fry each batch until golden brown, about 7 minutes. Keep oil at or near 350 F; if oil is too hot, doughnuts will turn golden brown but centers may still be raw. Remove from oil and drain in paper towel. Repeat with remaining dough.

Vegetable oil, for frying 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 3/4 cups Domino Golden Sugar, divided 2 tablespoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons lemon zest 5 large eggs 1 3/4 cups ricotta cheese 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Lemon Curd (optional)

Lemon Ricotta Doughnuts

B

runch is never complete without something sweet to cap off the morning feast, and dough­nuts are often the perfect complement to an array of main courses.

These Lemon Ricotta Doughnuts pair the bite-sized morsels with lem-

on curd (if that suits your style) for a sweet-tart combination. They’re made using Domino Golden Sugar, which is made from pure cane sugar and is less processed than white granulated sugar, as one you can always trust in your favorite recipes. It works cup-for-cup just like white sugar but with a golden color and distinct hint of molasses flavor.

1 stick unsalted butter, softened 1 1/2 cups Domino Golden Sugar 2 large eggs 2 egg yolks 4 lemons, zest and juice only 1/8 teaspoon salt To make doughnuts In large saucepan, preheat oil to 350 F. Prepare cookie sheet with paper towel to drain doughnuts once out of hot oil.

In bowl, mix flour, 3/4 cup sugar,

While still hot, toss doughnuts with remain­ing sugar.

To make lemon curd, if desired: In large bowl of stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add eggs and egg yolks, one at a time.

Add lemon zest, lemon juice and salt.

Transfer mixture to saucepan and cook at low-medium heat until thick and creamy, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat and let cool before serving with doughnuts. 

1 2 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

A P R I L 11, 2021

HOME

Several steps to save money on a remodel

E

very homeowner has a defined budget they can allocate toward a remodeling project. Even if funds were unlimited, it’s still in a homeowner’s best interest to secure the best value for each dollar invested.

Consider these tips from the experts at the National Association for the Remodeling Industry to help save money on a next project.

How far will your budget will go

Create a wish list of everything you want to accomplish. Disregard cost and simply write down everything you can dream of. Prioritize items from “must haves” to “nice but not necessary.” Find a contractor who will work with you to determine whether your wish list is attainable for the funds you are willing to invest in your home.

How to handle budget overages

If you can’t get far enough down the list with the available money, you could choose to stop the process and continue saving, investigate financing

options, re-evaluate your wish list or consider material substitutions.

penses you’ll likely incur to complete the project.

Affordable material selections

Ask how you can reduce costs

Every project will have a set of required materials, but there are options when it comes to variety, style and quality.

Cabinets Subtle changes like forgoing custom rustic cherry cabinets with plywood cabinet sides for regular cherry cabinets with furniture board sides can achieve the same look at a lower cost.

Countertops Natural stone and quartz countertops are popular, but advances in the design options for lower-cost countertop materials have rejuvenated their popularity, too.

Millwork Painted millwork has dominated the market for many years and solid maple is the preferred choice because the tight grain allows for a beautiful, smooth surface. However, the cost is multiple times that of vinyl and equally appealing when finished properly.

PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES

Flooring Advances in synthetic materials make them difficult to distinguish from natural products. Synthetics generally come with lower cost and more durability, making them a simple substitute for natural products like stone, wood, brick and marble.

Pay attention to project details

It’s critical to ensure every detail of labor and material is specified in the agreement with the remodeler. If it’s not included in the written agreement, it’s likely not included in the work scope. Ask your remodeler what labor and materials are not included and determine what additional ex-

Talk to your contractor about tasks or materials you can provide that would reduce the project cost without affecting its schedule. This might include jobsite clean-up or obtaining certain materials the contractor would otherwise spend considerable time securing.

How will you resolve disputes

Because of the unique stresses induced by remodeling projects, it’s a good idea to determine before you begin how disputes will be resolved, such as adding an arbitration clause to the agreement that eliminates expensive legal representation. A few deep breaths and a solution-minded approach can also save more than money if conflict arises.

Find more money-saving advice for your next remodeling project at remodelingdoneright.com. (Family Features) 

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A P R I L 11, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

SENIORLIVING

Risk factors for bladder cancer

WHAT’S YOUR STORY? Are you tired of constantly asking what someone said?

C

ancer can affect any part of the body. As a result, it pays to be attentive to changes in the body that could alert to the presence of cancer.

Bladder cancer is a condition that older populations need to mindful of.

The American Cancer Society says nine out of 10 people with bladder cancer are over the age of 55. The average age for diagnosis is 73.

Bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men, but less common in women. However, the likelihood of getting bladder cancer is affected by various risk factors.

Understanding bladder cancer

Bladder cancer most often originates in the urothelial cells that line the inside of the bladder. These cells also can be found in the kidneys and ureters, which are the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder.

Bladder cancer can occur in the kidneys and ureters, too. However, it is much more common in the bladder.

Cancer that happens in the lining of the bladder is called superficial bladder cancer. Invasive bladder cancer occurs when it has spread through the lining of the bladder and invades the muscle wall or has spread to nearby lymph nodes and organs, states the National Cancer Institute.

Diagnosing bladder cancer

The ACS says about half of all bladder cancers are found while the cancer is in its earliest stage or only in the inner layer of the bladder wall.

Patients may visit their doctors due to signs and symptoms such as: • blood in urine

• frequent urination • painful urination • back pain Any urine discoloration, however minor, should be discussed with a physician.

Risk factors

Though age is a concern with bladder cancer, other factors also increase risk. Smoking cigarettes, pipes or cigars is a major contributor to bladder cancer.

The Mayo Clinic says the chemicals from cigarettes are processed and excreted through the urine. These chemicals may damage the lining of the urinary tract and bladder.

Exposure to other chemicals also can lead to bladder cancer for the same reasons; the kidneys and bladder filter them out of the bloodstream.

Arsenic, dyes and products used in the manufacture of rubber, leather, textiles, and pain products also are linked to bladder cancer.

Treatment of other cancers with cyclophosphamide also increases a person’ risk for bladder cancer. Individuals who have had radiation treatments aimed at the pelvis for a previous cancer also could develop bladder cancer.

Family history and chronic bladder inflammation with repeated urinary infections may increase the risk of bladder cancer as well.

Bladder cancer may not be on everyone’s radar, but it is worthy of a conversation with a doctor, especially for older men who smoke or people who have family histories of the disease. (MC) 

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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

How to respond to pesticide poisoning

T

ending to a lawn and garden can be a great way to spend time in the great outdoors. It’s also an enjoyable way to improve a home’s curb appeal.

Though many homeowners prefer a wholly organic approach to lawn care and gardening, sometimes pests and other problems force people to apply pesticides around their properties.

The application of pesticides can make homeowners, and anyone who spends time on their properties, including children and pets, vulnerable to pesticide poisoning.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, people exposed to pesticides may exhibit a host of symptoms.

External irritants that come into contact with the skin can cause redness, itching or pimples, and such substances also may contribute to allergic reactions marked by redness, swelling or blistering. Stinging and swelling in the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat also may occur after being exposed to pesticides.

Pesticides also can cause internal injuries to a person’s organs, potentially leading to significant issues.

The EPA notes that the lungs, stomach and nervous system all can be affected when pesticides are swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

People experiencing lung inju-

GARDENING

Poison Control Center 24-Hour Hotline (800) 222-1222 or TTY (800) 972-3323 respirator prior to helping the victim.

If the victim is wearing tight clothing, loosen that clothing. Give artificial respiration to a victim whose skin is blue or if the victim has stopped breathing.

ries after exposure to pesticides may experience shortness of breath, heavy salivation (drooling) or rapid breathing. Injuries to the stomach may lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, or diarrhea.

If the nervous system is affected by pesticide exposure, people may experience excessive fatigue, sleepiness, headache, muscle twitching, and numbness.

If pesticide poisoning is suspected, it’s imperative that someone identify the type of poisoning that has occurred.

That’s because the EPA notes that the appropriate treatment will depend

on the kind of poisoning that has occurred.

Chemical burn on skin If treating a chemical burn on the skin, the EPA advises drenching the skin with water for at least 15 minutes. All contaminated clothing should be removed and then skin and hair should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water.

Inhaled poison The response to an inhaled poison will depend on where the person is at the time of exposure.

If outside, move the person away from any area recently treated with pesticide. If inside, move the person to fresh air immediately.

Call 9-1-1 if you think you need a

Potential threats to pets in your yard

P

ets love to roam free, and homeowners with outdoor space often let their pets get some exercise and play time in their backyards. While it’s important for pets like dogs and even some cats to get some time outdoors, pet owners should recognize the potential threats to pet health looming in their lawns and gardens.

Slug and snail baits The PPH notes that the active ingredient in slug and snail baits is metaldehyde, which is highly poisonous to cats and dogs. Symptoms of dis-

Compost Compost is a great and natural way to enrich soil. But compost piles should be cordoned off so curious pets cannot access them. As the organic matter within compost piles decomposes, mold can begin to grow. If ingested by pets, moldy materials inside compost piles can make pets sick in as little as 30 minutes.

Flowers/plants Of course, some flowers and plants can pose a threat to pets as well. Before planting new plants and/or flowers in their gardens, homeowners should inquire at their local gardening center or speak with their veterinarians to confirm if the plants or flowers are safe to ingest. If not, do not plant them or plant them in raised garden beds that cannot be accessed by curious pets. (MC) 

Substance on the skin Drench the skin with water for at least 15 minutes and then wash skin and hair thoroughly. Discard contaminated clothing or thoroughly wash it separate from other laundry.

Swallowed pesticide If a pesticide has been swallowed and the victim is still conscious, he or she should drink a small amount of water to dilute the pesticide. Only induce vomiting on the advice of a poison control center or physician.

Pesticide exposure can be very dangerous. It’s imperative that people who plan to apply pesticides in their lawns and gardens learn how to respond if they or someone on their property is exposed to pesticides.

(MC) 

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Mulch According to the Pet Poison Helpline, mulch made from cocoa beans can pose a threat to pets. This type of mulch is made of discarded hulls or shells of the cocoa bean. When ingested in high concentrations, these toxins can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, and, in some instances, death.

tress, including restlessness, vomiting, seizures, and high body temperature, can appear as soon as one hour after these baits are ingested.

Substance in the eye If a poison has entered the eye, wash the eye quickly and gently with cool running water for 15 minutes or more. Use only water and do not use eye drops, chemicals or drugs.

It’s imperative that people act quickly if a substance has gotten into the eye, as membranes in the eyes act faster than in any other external part of the body, and eye damage can occur within minutes of exposure.

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A P R I L 11, 2021

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Food scraps can grow in a fun, saucer garden

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

W

hen you think about gardening and preschoolers, a spindly bean sprout emerging from a half-pint cardboard milk carton might come to mind. Every child deserves to be initiated into a “green thumb society” with this classic gardening activity.

But there’s another favorite my kids enjoyed when they were young, even before they could say “rutabaga.” We called it a saucer garden. It uses kitchen-scrap throwaways from vegetables such as carrots and beets, offers life lessons about care and responsibility and, like the bean seed, this simple garden grows to maturity before the kids go off to college.

Here’s the fun:

Preparation Use a pie pan, a 12-inch plastic

drainage saucer from a flowerpot or a large glass or aluminum plate with a rim. Sprinkle clean pebbles you have collected into the container randomly, or cover the bottom completely.

Pour water in it to barely cover the pebbles.

Keep a cup with a spout or a pitcher nearby so your child can be responsi-

ble for keeping fresh water in the saucer at all times. A spray bottle mister is a fun tool, too, for giving sprouting plants a shower now and then.

Growing Most carrots are generally sold with their “tops” already cut off. Now you’ll grow them back again. While preparing dinner vegetables, slice off

the top 3/4-inch of several carrots. Set them cut side down on the container or pebbles, making sure they are almost completely submerged in water.

Keep the water level consistent; it can evaporate quickly.

Move to a sunny window when sprouts appear within a week or two.

The carrots are especially charming with their feathery green growth.

For extra whimsy, let your kids’ creativity sprout, too. Place plastic miniature animals and Lego figures in the container to create a jungle or enchanted island scene. Or, add a few marbles, colorful clear beads and sparkling gems for a platter of jewels.

Extra growing idea You actually can re-grow celery. Cut off the bottom inch of the bunch and place in the container along with the carrot tops. Set it base side down and cut stalks facing upright in the water.

When tiny leaves begin to form from the center of the base, they’ll grow, turning a darker green. At this stage, you can plant it in soil in a flowerpot or container with drainage holes, covering everything but the leaves. Water regularly. Eventually, transplant the growing base to your outdoor garden.

Stalks will start to grow back for you to eat.

Donna Erickson’s award-winning series “Donna’s Day” is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit www.donnasday.com and link to the Donna’s Day Facebook fan page.

Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.”  © 2020 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

A P R I L 11, 2021

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 7

AUTOMOTIVE

Fatigued drivers are more likely to be in accidents

D

riving offers a sense of freedom that is hard to replicate. Is it any wonder young drivers are so eager to get their licenses while older drivers aim to hold on to them as long as they can?

Certain hazards come with getting behind the wheel, though most are largely preventable — including drowsy driving. As more people take to the roadways this spring and summer, it is important to remember that drowsy driving is a major problem.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that as many as 6,000 fatal crashes each year may be attributed to drowsy drivers.

The National Sleep Foundation found about half of adult drivers in the United States admit to consistently getting behind the wheel while feeling drowsy. In addition, more than 40 percent of survey respondents say they have fallen asleep behind the

T

he importance of wearing seat belts in vehicles has resonated with drivers and passengers across the globe. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the national seat belt use rate in passenger vehicles in 2019 was 90.7%. And despite their simplicity, seat belts remain an incredibly effective device against injury and even death.

For example, the NHTSA notes that seat belts saved an estimated 14,955 lives in 2017 alone. Unfortunately, the

• Reaction times are greatly reduced and worsen the drowsier the driver becomes.

• Awareness of hazards and the ability to sustain attention are diminished.

• Driving after being awake more than 20 hours without sleep is the equivalent of driving with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent.

• The National Safety Council warns that fatigued drivers are three more times more likely to be in a car crash than drivers who are not fatigued.

• Insufficient sleep is tied to poor decision-making, which can lead to risk-taking behind the wheel.

Some drivers may not recognize they are driving while drowsy. Driv-

NHTSA also reports that 47% of the 37,133 people killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2017 were not wearing seat belts.

Studies have indicated that front seat riders in cars who wear their seat belts can reduce their risk of fatal injury by 45%, while front seat riders in trucks can reduce their risk for fatal injury by 60%. (MC)

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drivers be more safe. Other people may be sleep deprived from working shift hours or taking care of young children. Asking for help to catch up on sleep can alleviate drowsiness when behind the wheel.

Individuals can take additional steps to make them less susceptible to drowsy driving.

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The impact of drowsiness on driving is just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated, distracted or under the influence of both legal and illegal drugs.

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• Avoid driving between midnight and 6 a.m. or in the mid-afternoon when sleepiness peaks, according to the Sleep Foundation.

• Ask to change medications if they cause drowsiness. Check to see if supplements list drowsiness as reactions and avoid those that do. ers with certain sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, may not recognize that their interrupted, less restorative sleep can adversely affect their safety behind the wheel. Addressing sleep disorders can help

• Take breaks when driving long distances. Travel with a driving partner who can share the responsibility of driving.

Drowsy driving is a problem that can be prevented. But drivers must first recognize the threat that drowsy driving can pose. (MC) 

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SOLUTIONS

PUZZLES

A P R I L 11, 2021

CROSSWORD TIME

A P R I L 11, 2021

Opinion

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 1 9

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

READERLETTERS

The Good We Can Do Elon Musk announced a $100 million prize for a breakthrough in carbon capture technology. The prize will be awarded to a team that can design a process that removes a billion tons of carbon dioxide from the air each year and locks it away in an environmentally benign manner. That’s a wonderful incentive for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, but what can I do as an individual to keep carbon dioxide from getting into the atmosphere? Is there a legislative incentive to reduce carbon dioxide that I can support? Yes! It’s not as exciting as Musk’s prize, but it’s already being considered by Congress. It’s the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act. The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act imposes a fee on the carbon content of fossil fuels, including crude oil, natural gas and coal, which when burned, all emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The bill had 86 cosponsors in the last Congress and was reintroduced on April 1 in the current Congress.

Many voters in the Santa Clarita Valley support policies to reduce carbon pollution and promote clean energy. But many of us worry that putting a price on carbon will hurt the economy just when we need to recover from the economic devastation of the pandemic.

Noah Kaufman of Columbia University studied the effectiveness of a carbon tax from both an environmental and economic perspective. His study found that an effective carbon pricing policy will cut emissions faster than regulations. Companies and investors will make decisions based on maximizing profits in a way that focuses on clean energy and energy efficiency.

Another study of carbon fee and dividend by Regional Economic Models Inc. shows that in 10 years, the top three industry winners from a CFD program in the Pacific region would be real estate (+$5.98 billion to gross regional product), retail trade (+$4.70 billion) and ambulatory health services (+$4.65 billion), all of which are well represented in our congressional district. The Pacific region shows the greatest growth in GRP (gross regional product) resulting from the CFD policy, peaking at +$34 billion.

In addition, a carbon pricing policy with a border carbon adjustment will keep U.S. industries on a level playing field with our international trading partners. The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act also includes a dividend, so that a carbon pricing policy will not economically hurt those least able to pay additional fees for goods and services.

Last September I was driving to the Ventura Beach area to get away from the oppressive heat in the SCV. As I drove west the outside temperature kept climbing. As I drove through Santa Paula the news reported a temperature of 120 degrees! This weather event convinced me I had to become involved in supporting legislation to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

I’m not clever enough to design a carbon dioxide removal process on the scale of the Elon Musk prize, but I can get involved in local, state and national politics to support carbon pricing so there is less carbon dioxide to remove. If you want to get involved in the carbon pricing effort, contact your local Citizens’ Climate Lobby at citizensclimatelobby.org/ or santaclarita@citizensclimatelobby.org.

Kathy Flynn Member, Santa Clarita Chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone; Anonymous letters aren’t printed; email: letters@ signalscv.com. Mail to: Letters, The Signal, 26330 Diamond Place, Ste. 100, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.

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

Who Are You... Really?

By David Hegg

N

o one knows for sure who said it first but we all need to understand it.

While your reputation is what people think you are, character is what you truly are. Words to that effect have formed the basis of personal ethics for years. The person of real integrity is the person with no gap between their character and their reputation. They are the same person in public as when no one is looking.

Over the years I have had the privilege of meeting some very important people. Several years ago I was invited to participate in the U. S. Army War College’s National Security Seminar at historic Carlisle Barracks, just west of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. I was attached to Seminar 21, a group of colonels from various Army, Marine and Air Force units. Over the course of our presentations and discussions I came to understand how truly remarkable these men and women were. But it was in our “off duty” hours that I really got to know them. We shared meals, walks, family time and personal conversations.

But what we really shared was who we really were once the uniforms and the reporters were gone.

I found that they were not only good soldiers and patriots, but also primarily outstanding men and women. And we discussed the reasons for their discipline, integrity and uncompromising character.

It came down to this: They truly believed in what they were doing, what it took to do it, and the price to be paid.

I met men who had just returned from leading battalions in Iraq and Afghanistan. I met others who served in areas of security and intelligence whose decisions made the difference between death and life. Each of them bore the heaviest of burdens, and did so with a character borne out of absolute commitment to a code, a way of life both personal and professional. There was no

gap between their reputation and their character.

In our search for leadership, whether in the home, in business, or in government at all levels, what we really need is not reputation, but character. And often it is hard to find, at least in a way that can be validated as genuine. In previous columns I have suggested that character is evidenced when we say what we mean and mean what we say.

It also is displayed when we admit our mistakes and clean up our own messes.

Here I’m suggesting that the kind of upright character necessary for leadership at all levels is the kind that isn’t compromised when no one is looking.

This kind of character also stays uncompromised in public, which often means opposing the majority opinion of right and wrong.

The greatest men and women I have ever known personally understood that the fuel character provided was the only power their reputation needed. The most powerful, intelligent and influential people I’ve ever met were also the most humble, the most unconcerned about public opinion simply because they believed their lives spoke for them.

Their actions were simply their character on display, their values turned inside out. Posturing and promising were unneeded. They let their lives speak, and their character pumped up the volume.

It is absolutely necessary that we as Americans return to the belief that who we are in private speaks volumes about who we will be in the public forum. Hypocrisy has become a national pastime, and we’re all the worse for it. It’s time we agree that character matters, and that those who refuse to demonstrate integrity in their personal lives will never be given the opportunity to lead ours.

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

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